It’s the fact that I won a bet and for an entire YEAR Nibble must start each and every sentence with “IMO…”.

“IMO, the sky is blue…”

“IMO, A girl can win Idol…”

“IMO, I have to go to work…”

and on and on and on…for 365 full days….

And just for the record, as I’ve said for an entire year…a girl will never again win American Idol unless Idol finally gets wise and limits the votes.  Agree now, Nibs?

“I’ll be fine.” Truer words were never spoken. We learned that Lauren Alaina sings better when she’s drugged up and fighting for her very survival. She should be thanking her vocal chords for blowing out a bit because without that little bit of terrified, back to the corner, attitude she would have never stood a chance against Scotty McCreery. We will go through each round one by one and decide who came out the winner, but first let me tell you a little bit about what it was like to actually be sitting in the Nokia theater rooting for these young adults.

I arrived in the morning to stand in line and wait for my ticket with a few friends, and then had about five hours to kill before the show started. I got a beer, relaxed a bit, and then went into a courtyard FULL of insane American Idol fans. I love this show, but not like these people. It was like walking into an asylum. Idol contestants from years gone by wandered around like the undead with a mixed look of trepidation and excitement to be noticed apparent on their faces. Hey, look! Paige Miles! Who the hell cares? Seriously, what is going through these alumni’s heads when they see sweaty, loud, mouth breathing fans shuffling forward, arms reaching out asking for autographs, eyes desperate and determined?

» Read more: The NGH Report – American Idol 10’s Top 2: “I’ll be fine.”

TMZ: Lauren Alaina may not get her shot to be the next “American Idol” because she has lost her voice …spies on the set tell TMZ … and it could be the break of a lifetime for Haley Reinhart.

We’re told during the rehearsal this afternoon, Lauren — who has been losing her voice — was supposed to sing three songs.  She got through the first, struggled through the second and was unable to perform the third.

Our spies say a doctor on the set has ordered Lauren not to sing or speak, but there is a “real possibility” she will not be able to perform on tonight’s show.

We’re told if Lauren is unable to perform, producers will reinstate the third place finisher — Haley Reinhart who will then compete against Scotty McCreery for the title.

Producers are trying to find Haley right now.

Simon Cowell and Jimmy Iovine didn’t fare as well as Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Fox network, experts say.

By Gil Kaufman

Though it has ruled the TV for much of the past decade, there were no guarantees that “American Idol” would lord the airwaves when season 10 kicked off in January. But with a champion about to be crowned in the battle of the country teens between Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, we thought we’d convene a panel of experts to sift through this year’s other winners and losers.

The Winners Fox Network: The most obvious winner, according to The Hollywood Reporter‘s music editor Shirley Halperin is the Fox network itself. Coming into a season of vast uncertainty following the departure of three-quarters of the judging panel, including anchor Simon Cowell, not to mention a ratings dip, the network had every reason to be concerned.

“The first big winner would have to be Fox, because everyone predicted complete doom for ‘American Idol’ season 10,” Halperin said. “Not only are the [ratings] numbers stable, they’re just as strong as last season and I have a feeling the finale will top last season.”

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez: Other winners, according to Richard Rushfield, author of “American Idol: The Untold Story,” are new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Surely the two music veterans have achieved exactly what they wanted with their unlikely new roles. For Tyler, the reinvention as America’s wacky, loving uncle after four decades in the spotlight fronting hard-partying Aerosmith has not only helped his band move tons of back-catalog songs and albums, but also provided the perfect launching pad for his just-released memoir and debut solo single. » Read more: ‘American Idol’ Season 10′s Other Winners And Losers

Despite predictions of doom following the exit of Simon Cowell, “American Idol” proved resilient this year, remaining a ratings monster for Fox while shoring up the vitality of the brand that, in recent years, had lost some of its luster. This year, unlike the last three seasons of “Idol,” there will be no mopey, soft-rock-inclined, wounded-boy winner. Instead, the final two are both young country singers: Scotty McCreery, 17, and Lauren Alaina, 16.

The similarities end there, though. Mr. McCreery began with a deep-voice gimmick and developed into one of the show’s most mature singers, and an electric, sometimes goofy performer. Ms. Alaina began the season as a favorite but struggled with nerves and has only just begun to reclaim her status, and her big voice. » Read more: Live: ‘American Idol’ Finale

Sadly, I nailed it. I would have loved to see the results go a different way but that’s the name of the game, folks! We are now down to our final two contestants and I will be reporting next week from the Finale! But, before I get into tonight’s episode, I’d like to make a serious comment…

Quit complaining. No, seriously, it makes you look cheap. This is a competition. I’ve seen comments tonight that range from disappointed (rightly) to insulting and derogatory (no excuse for this). I’m from Texas, and I’m also a fan of Country music, and to read comment after comment about “Hee Haw Idol” or “Hick Idol” is incredibly stupid and insulting. We are human beings too and we don’t deserve to be stereotyped by bitter fans. Quit this mindless drivel about the South. It makes you look like children. Next week will be Country Idol and people will complain. Personally? I’m excited about it! It’s something new that we haven’t seen before on this show! We have only had ONE Country winner in the past nine seasons: Carrie Underwood. She, to this date, is the ONLY Country Finalist to ever grace the Top 2. So, please, stop this ridiculous notion that we hear so many Country singers on this program when, in reality, next week will mark our second Country winner.

You want to know why Scotty and Lauren made the Finale? They’re likeable. It’s an easy explanation. America voted for two kids that represent something new and bright. They’re easy-going teenagers who say “please” and “thank you” and are friendly to those they meet. They aren’t the devil’s spawn. Get over yourselves.

» Read more: The NGH Report – Thoughts on American Idol 10’s Top 3 Results

This is a first. For the first time in ten seasons, I honestly don’t care who wins American Idol. I would be perfectly happy with seeing any of these three contestants taking the title next week. They’ve all got strengths and weaknesses, but also possess the possibility of being an actual star. We’ll see, but it feels nice not to worry constantly about my favorite! They are all my favorite!

Now, after saying that, what was tonight’s verdict? Well… it was a VERY close night in my rankings with a different contestant winning each round. I would say that Round 1 went to Haley Reinhart, Round 2 went to Scotty McCreery, and Round 3 went to Lauren Alaina. But, of course, more goes into my ratings so please read below to see who I believed did the most for themselves after three performances. It isn’t so much about having ONE great performance as it is having three very solid ones.

Jimmy Iovine showed us tonight that he is actually quite the song picker as none of his choices crashed and burned. Sure, some were better than the others, but for the most part I was proud of the weird man-baby tonight.

» Read more: The NGH Report – American Idol 10’s Top 3: “He’s in it to win it.”

Per the always Fabulous MJ @ MJSBIGBLOG, it seems we just may know Haley’s song choices this week:

Haley to sing Rhiannon and What Should Never Be. According to msjsbigblog, this information is from her parents.

Spoilers! We Know Haley Reinhart’s Song Picks (Thanks Mom and Dad)

Sounds like some good choices.

» Read more: Survivor Finale – East Coast Feed

Here are the Judges Choice songs for the final 3:

• Scotty McCreery: Kenny Rogers’ “She Believes In Me”
• Haley Reinhart: Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know”
• Lauren Alaina: Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”

Garner, N.C. — “American Idol” finalist Scotty McCreery said he’s the “still the same old kid” who left Garner for Hollywood four months ago – just more people know his name now.

“I left Garner as Scotty, and I came back as Scotty. I haven’t changed as a person,” McCreery, 17, said. “I guess just more people know my name now.”

Thousands of those people shouted their support wherever he went in Garner and Raleigh Saturday, culminating with a concert performance at Lake Benson Park.

“These guys out here, they’re the ones putting me through, and I appreciate it,” McCreery said.

Click for complete details of Scotty’s visit.

He rode a yellow convertible into the park, waving, blowing kisses and stopping for autographs along the way. » Read more: Garner’s ‘Idol’ on ‘crazy ride’ in hometown

It’ll be a big day for many north Georgia American Idol fans on Saturday. They’re preparing to welcome home Lauren Alaina, who is one of the last three contestants standing for Season 10.

The 16 year old has a packed schedule for her first trip home since February, when she left to appear on the show. Her day starts with a stop at the FOX station in Chattanooga, followed by a visit to an AT&T store on Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga.

After that, Lauren and the Idol crew will head to her homecoming celebration parade from the Walnut Street Bridge to Coolidge Park. There, according to a press release from the city of Chattanooga, she’ll host a meet-and-greet with fans and perform a few songs. The crew from American Idol will shoot a story that will air during next week’s results show.

The city plans to present Alaina with a key to the city, and bands both Fort Olgelthorpe Lakeview High School, where Lauren goes to school, and Soddy Daisy High School will perform in the parade.

The city advised those who want to attend the festivities to arrive early for a good spot, and note that it will go on rain or shine.
After the events in Chattanooga, Lauren will take part in another parade Fort Oglethorpe Lakeview High School at about 3 p.m., followed by a mini concert. All times for Saturday’s events are subject to fluctuation due to filming of her story for American Idol.

FOX 5 was in a Rossville restaurant on Thursday night when the results of this week’s voting were announced. The crowd there broke out in cheers when Alaina was named one of the final three contestants.

Several residents told FOX 5 have been texting votes in every week to keep her in the running. On Thursday morning, her high school classmates got a big thank you from Lauren Alaina as she called in during the morning announcements.

A banner hangs which reads “We Support Our Lauren Alaina!” hangs on the sign in front of her school. Businesses and homes around the community also have also gotten into the act. At the salon where she used to frequent, a sign tells people to “Vote for Lauren Alaina!”

Read the rest of this story

Well, that was a bit of a surprise. I honestly can say that while I thought of the possibility of one of the frontrunners leaving, I never thought it would actually happen. Haley should be very proud of where she finishes: 3^rd, 2^nd, or 1^st. They all should be proud. This year we will have a marketable Idol that will sell records as long as they are given good songs! Get working Interscope and others!

James Durbin – This was a tad shocking. I mean, sure, when we get down to FOUR contestants one of them has to leave and there’s always the possibility it’s someone who was considered a frontrunner. Did James deserve to make the top 3 on vocal ability? Yes, I think he did. Scott is the weakest singer remaining, but it doesn’t matter. Scott is a pure genre singer and he does his genre well. James, unfortunately, came up a bit short after Lauren’s fantastic night and Haley’s underdog emergence. Someone had to take a fall, and it’s not going to be Scott McCreery. I do believe James will be signed, but I don’t believe he’ll end up as a major success like Chris Daughtry or even Adam Lambert. The music industry is a cruel place and I’m not sure there’s room for a gentle soul like James Durbin. I hope he takes the money he’s made on this show and makes a better life for his family. God bless.

Now, it’s time to make some snide comments and observations about the rest of the episode… » Read more: The NGH Report – Thoughts on American Idol 10’s Top 4 Results

Who will earn a hometown visit tonight?  I say a girl leaves tonight.  Join us as we live blog the results.  If you need a link to the LIVE EAST COAST FEED, pop in the chat box and ask someone for the link.

Starting off tonight we hear that there were 72 million votes cast.  The biggest ever for a top 4 night.

Performing tonight is Enrique  Iglesias, Jordin Sparks, Lady Gaga and the premiere of Steven Tyler’s new song.  With all that will there be time to squeeze in the results?

Scotty and James sing a “Guys song”. Guess Idol FINALLY got tired of having Scotty and Lauren duet.  Then it’s the girls turn.  The girls sound fabulous.

Dim the Lights…

The first person that makes it into the top 3 is Lauren Alania.  WOW

After the break, Lady Gaga takes the stage…singing “You and I”

Then doing “Dirty Dancer & I Like It” is Enrique Iglesias.

Top 4 FORD Video is to the tune “Fireflies”.

Jordin Sparks is up next. She sings “I am Woman.”

And, again we wait for results.  Steven Tylers new Video is up.  “It Feels So Good”.

During this results show – 45 minutes in – we have had exactly 45 seconds of actual results.

DIM THE LIGHTS:

Haley is SAFE

A guy is GONE

Scotty is SAFE

James Durbin is OUT.

We take a look at James Idol Journey as David Cook sings “Don’t You Forget About Me”.

We are down to three….

Hometown visits are tomorrow.