Has tonight's "Idol" already been recorded?

After reading Jim’s comment on the last post, I did some investigating and yes, Vote for the Worst has a list of tonight’s performances and some of the judges' comments courtesy of the Idol Forums (Thanks for the tip, Jim.).

But is the show really pre-recorded tonight? Is that so they can devote more of their attention to the “Idol Gives Back” show?

I appreciate what “Idol” is trying to do, really I do. But when it interferes with the actual show? That’s going too far…

As for what the Idols are going to sing tonight, you know I don’t like to spoil anything, so I’m not going to tell you, but I will give you some hints:

Shockingly, no one sings Whitney or Mariah, but Faith Hill does make the cut…

Phil stays country, while Blake gets a little daring with a great choice if he pulls it off…

LaKisha makes another bad song choice that could end up costing her, depending on the other performances…

Of course, if you want to see the list for yourself, you can at www.votefortheworst.com.

Remember that this information is not confirmed, but it’s probably accurate…

Life Anthem Week: What Will They Sing?

Since I'm not completely sure what qualifies as a life anthem, I can't possibly predict what the finalists will sing--although I'm pretty sure LaKisha will go with Whitney or Mariah--but "Entertainment Weekly" had an interesting suggestion for Phil I had to pass along to you...

They suggested that Phil sing "Eye of the Tiger."

I love it! And since Phil has proven that he sings better in a group, maybe he could become the new lead singer of Survivor. Because if you saw them on "Dancing With the Stars," you know they need one...

And if you were watching "24" last night and saw the "Idol" promo, you know they said that Bono was coaching the Idols. But as I told you yesterday, FOX's official press release said he is talking to them about the One organization and how they can help. So using the word "coaches" is probably a little bit of a stretch unless there's something else going on we don't know about...

Tonight's Show...

“USA Today” had a great article today about the success of Idol alumni in country music.

In fact, it looks like Kellie Pickler will soon become the second most successful Idol from last season (after Chris Daughtry)…

So will country be successful for tonight’s contestants? We’ll find out soon…

Tonight's Show...

Once upon a time, I would be able to tell you what everyone is singing by about now, but thanks to Anna Nicole mania, there’s just not as much information out there…

So that just leaves us to speculate…

Jennifer Lopez’s manager said that Sanjaya sang “beautifully,” so I’m guessing he’s not doing “She Bangs.” I’m also guessing he’s not doing anything by Marc Anthony…

Speaking of which, I would really like to see Phil do “I Need to Know” or Ricky Martin’s “She’s All I Ever Need”…

Chris will probably do something schmaltzy like “Music of My Heart”…

And unfortunately we’ll probably have to sit through “Dreaming of You.” BLAH!...

It will be interesting to see what advice Jennifer Lopez can give since she’s not really known as a strong singer…

I’ll be back in 20…

A little preview...

So tonight, we're going to get a surprise musical guest and the announcement of the songwriting competition.

And no doubt there'll be more corporate begging as well...

Man, am I going to miss these half-hour results shows...

Tonight's Show: Swingin' the Classics

Sanjaya told "People" that he was thrilled when he heard that Tony Bennett was going to be a guest, and why wouldn't he? Tonight's classics theme is right up his alley.

But wouldn't it be funny if he got voted off the very week he actually knew what he was doing?

"Entertainment Weekly" has a great song suggestion for him: "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"...

And their suggestion for "Legs" Scarnato? "Makin' Whoopee." If she thought of it, I'm sure she'll do it...

"American Idol" airs tonight at 8 p.m. on FOX. Be sure to join me for my comments on the performances as they happen--or at least as close to that as my fingers and tonight's predicted thunderstorms will allow...

A little preview...

The consensus among the “experts” is that Haley will go tonight (because we’ve all given up thinking it will be Sanjaya), but at least one website says that LaKisha could be in trouble and there’s some concern about Chris Sligh…

I’m actually a little concerned about Phil…

Results in a little more than 10 minutes…

Stay with me…

Tonight's Show...

Thanks to the results of Anna Nicole's autopsy, there is very little information out there about tonight's show.

But what we do know is that Gwen Stefani will coach the Idols, who will be singing pop songs. Now what restrictions are on that, I have no idea. As you may recall, Stephanie said she was choosing between "Time After Time," "MacArthur Park" and "Nothing Compares 2 U," so could they be restricting them to the 70s and 80s?

Does that mean Sanjaya won't sing "Hollaback Girl"?...

The most interesting thing about tonight's show will probably be tomorrow's ratings. After FOX announced that it was extending "Idol" seven minutes, "Dancing With the Stars" announced that it will begin the elimination process at the very beginning of the show. Since ABC scheduled "DWTS" so people would not have to choose between it and "Idol," they're crying foul. FOX said they needed the extra time for such a major recording star...

It all gets started tonight at 8 on FOX...

Tonight's Show...

Here's what I know about tonight's show...

Courtesy of the Noonatics, I know that the coaching of the contestants took place on Saturday (I think they film the Ford commercial all day Sunday.)...

The FOX promos tell us we'll hear the music of the Rolling Stones and The Kinks. Who wants to bet that Sanjaya does "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"? Just kidding...I hope...

Remember that it's another drawn-out two hour deal tonight.

And because you asked for it--and because my wireless service has been working beautifully for two straight days--it's the return of the as-it-happens blog tonight. I'm betting that my service won't make it three days in a row, but we'll muddle through...

See you tonight beginning at 8...

"Set me free, why don't you, baby..."

Sorry. I can't stop!!!

Tonight's Show...

So tonight begins the performances of the top 12 and those (sometimes) dreaded theme nights.

This week's theme is, of course, songs from the Diana Ross and the Supremes songbook. We'll see Diana Ross mentoring the contestants and she'll perform a song from her new CD on Wednesday's show.

Normally I try to make some kind of guess about who will sing what, but with the guys, I honestly have no idea. However, I think after all the tough weeks the women have had thrown at them in seasons past that it's about time the guys have a tough call to make. Sanjaya's choice should be especially interesting. Why am I feeling something like "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?"

Be sure to come back tonight for the recap as I try something a little different. As of 7 p.m. yesterday, I am now fully wireless, so I am going to attempt to blog the show as it happens. You can let me know what you think or if you like it better the old way.

Remember that "Idol" is two hours tonight ("House" fans, I feel your pain.) begining at 8 on FOX...