Speechless...

I'm still reeling from the shock...Melinda voted off the Finale next week! The judges tried hard to hide their disappointment, but it showed on their faces, especially on Simon's... Without taking anything away from the two Finale-ists, Americans have simply voted off the wrong person. But that is how the format is: the two highest votes go through; maybe enough her fans thought she was shoo-in and just didn't vote - a critical mistake. For as long as I have followed American Idol (three seasons now), I could not recall any other finalist ever coming close to matching her vocals or repertoire of performances. It's a loss, just a great loss...

For Melinda, greatness now beckons. I know she'll probably be very successful in her music career, maybe even rivalling Kelly Clarkson's. And she's got the repertoire to do it too. Goodbye, and good luck Melinda!!