Just think, maybe someday one of the two American Idol finalists can enjoy the same sort of success that has blessed Justin Bieber.
The 16-year-old pop sensation was definitely a highlight (in studio on March 31, when he taped his "Your Smile"-"Baby" medley, and for the at-home folks tonight) as we waited patiently for Ryan Seacrest to name the two contestants moving on into next week's final round.
Barring a major upset, it certainly seemed as if the field was set long before last night, but America can be unpredictable like that...
Eh, not so much.
Casey James was eliminated and Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze will square off next Tuesday in the hope of being named the next American Idol.
"I can't believe it, man," Casey said, when Ryan asked about his experience on the show, which included a trip to his Texas hometown, where he was treated like a hunky king. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity. It's been an amazing journey, and I'm just so honored that I'm here."
The 27-year-old, who peaked with "Jealous Guy" during Lennon-McCartney week, had come a long way since being objectified by Kara DioGuardi and Posh Spice during the audition round, but in the end he didn't go quite as far as a certain single mom from Toledo, Ohio, and a paint store employee from Chicago.
Crystal's lost her mojo a bit in recent weeks, but she spent the majority of the season as the front-runner. Lee, meanwhile, started off as a dark horse but may have won the whole thing already with his rousing performance of "Hallelujah" last night.
Either way, may the best Idol win.
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Fox didn't reveal Simon's replacement, but the network still made a splash at the 2010 TV Upfronts.