Couldn't help but notice last night that the overwhelming trend in American Idol is replaying itself out again. Last night it was the "late bloomers" in the contest that stole the show and is really pushing this year's competition on Idol into a whole new dimension.

Here's how I scored the evening:

BEST PERFORMANCES:
1. Michael Johns
2. Syesha Mercado
3. David Cook

BEST SONG CHOICES:
1. Kristy Lee Cook
2. Michael Johns
3. Syesha Mercado

MOST OVERRATED:
1. David Archuletta
2. Brooke White
3. Carly Smithson

WORST SONG CHOICE:
1. Ramiele Rubay
2. Jason Castro
3. Chekieze

The night was owned by the more mature performers who did a lot more than just come out and look cute. Beginning with Syesha - who has put together a string of three weeks in a row where she has improved each week, she had the big breakout vocal everyone knew she could produce.

Speaking of vocals - Michael Johns took on TWO Queen songs, and not just any Queen tunes - but THE 2 songs that band will always be known for - and he NAILED them. David Cook was perhaps the most original taking Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and doing something different with it.

I have to admit - Cook's treatment of the classic Jackson piece was NOT my cup of tea for that tune - but he owned, sang it, and sold it.

The most important question after each Idol performance is "could I hear that on the radio today?" Even though I hated the arrangement - the answer to David Cook's version was YES!

Speaking of Cook - Kristy Lee may not be the most graceful performer Idol has put through in recent years, but she is smart cookie on song selection. Last night her song choice, coupled with a strong enough performance - will keep her in one more week.

Biggest disappointment of the night? How about a three-way? Ramiele never hit the top of the pitch on the biggest part of a very hard song. Archuletta looked like a Disney-channel reject. And the arrangement of Brooke White's tune was forgettable - and NOT something you would expect to hear on the air today.

Dial-Idol has the science of the busy signal... and if they are right - Jason or Chekieze is headed home... either one probably deserve it for overall effort.

In our home - I think the Lovely Bride voted for Brooke a couple of dozen times. I split my vote two ways 2/3 for Syesha, 1/3 for Johns. Results tonight...