Paula hit the wall of wacky about half way through the boys and her comments morphed into semi-comprehensible warm fuzzies. But that's what we love about Idol, and counting down to the last elimination before the final 12 means its time to take a big swig of our own strategically placed, high profile plastic cup of "Coke" and face the music.

While it's clear that the higher quality of the talent this year is making it harder and harder to say goodbye, still we must. Let's get right to it, first up, the guys-who should go home? Luke and Chikezie.

I am already pained by the thought of poor Luke singing, "Wake me up before you go-go" as his final song. There's a place somewhere for Luke-perhaps TV or movies, but it's not on Idol.

Frankly, I thought Chikezie was much better this week, but Jason Castro really was brilliant, and David Noriega has votefortheworst.com on his side (and, we must agree, he's got the voice Sanjaya wished he'd had). If not Chikezie, perhaps David H; he's got some big voice, but I didn't think he was all that memorable, personally. At least, not until the word got out that he used to be a male stripper...sadly, that info may have arrived too late to help with his votes.

FYI, I know some odds are on Michael, but he didn't wow me this week. David Cook did and, as for David A., I totally expect him in the final 12, the final 6 and...the final 2.

Okay, Gals. (Paula was obviously still enjoying her beverage.) This is tougher because, well, honestly, it's the guys' to lose. The girls are getting down to the point where the field is leveling and from this point on, I truly think it's going to be all about song choice and individual performance.

Easiest pick: Kady. I like her, really, I do, but this week (I don't care what the judges said) everyone at my house winced. Too off key, and just enough "not there" to leave her without sufficient votes. And keeping her company? Kristy.

I know, I know, why her? Well, while Carly has, I think, as much a "lack of personality" problem as Simon told Kristy she had, Carly has lungs of steel. I'm just hoping she finds a niche and blows it out of the water, but she deserves to stay for now. Sadly, Kristy, is, as Simon said, kinda forgettable. (Though I never will, honest!)

Yes, Brooke doesn't seem destined for the final 6, but for now, I'm finding her interesting, and I think America will, too. So I think she'll stay. Ramiele did not have her best night, but she's got fans, so she seems safe.

Finally, Amanda. Last week I would have opened the door to show her the way out, but wow, she redeemed herself this week. I only worry that that smoky voice won't translate well during the theme weeks that the final 12 will face, but she'll just have to deal with that then.

Next week we are on to the new and improved Kodak theater and things get serious. Goody!