Predic-TIONS: Part Deux

Ahhh ... the moment is nearly upon us. I've got TiVo locked and loaded and my snark-o-meter has been fully calibrated.

Can you feel the excitement in the air? Can you smell the pure, unadulterated terror oozing from the contestants? Well, they have much to fear, I'm afraid. The music of Stevie Wonder is not for untalented lackeys. I don't think there's much chance of us hearing a BORING performance tonight. I think we'll hear some greatness. We may hear several performances that make packs of dogs appear outside your windows as you watch, but we shant be bored.

With that, let the games begin ...

I think ... that Mandisa & Elliott have the best chances at having knock-em-dead performances tonight. Elliott's already proven that he can master The Masterblaster and Mandisa's got the talent for sure.

I think ... at least one female contestant will hyper-accessorize.

I think ... that Randy is going to need to delve deeper into his cache of stock phrases if he's going to make it through 12 performers. We can only be told that "Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest songwriters in the known world" so many times. While we're on the subject, I wonder if there are better songwriters in the UN-known world. Hmm ...

I think ... that if Taylor has as much fun as he did last week and if he leaves his "WHOO!"s in the Red Room, he should be able to kick some musical derriere (too bad he can't use his harmonica!)
I think ... that there are no two contestants in greater danger than Melissa and Bucky. I think that Melissa got through by the narrowest of margins last week, so she's going to have to show people that she's deserving of a spot on that stage. It's also possible that she's going to get some backlash from the Ayla-philes who feel that she's to blame for Ms. Brown's eviction (yes, I think it's silly, too). Bucky is going to find himself WAY out of his comfort zone tonight, and he's another one for whom song choice will be key.

I think ... that Paula & Simon will, for reasons unknown to those with discerning ears, kiss the back end of The Gherkin. Can you say, "Cha-ching?" Yes, we get it. She's highly marketable.

I think ... that Lisa had better step up her game if she wants to stay in this competition. She's been patently boring for three weeks running and America will not stand for that. She's a fan of Jimi Hendrix and can play guitar, so why in the name of Neo isn't she showing that side of her personality in her singing? If she gives another sub-par performance, I think she's been forgettable enough that she could find herself heading back to Suburbia in a hurry.

I think ... that Paula will tell everyone how nice they look.

I think ... that Kevin Covais ought to thank his lucky stars he's made it this far.

I think ... that Ryan will wear a skinny tie with a far-too-big-and-shiny tie tack. I actually think the tie-tack is a sophisticated mind-control device designed to make people vote for Kevin Covais.

I think ... that the worst performances of the evening will be turned in by Kevin, Bucky and Le Petit Cornichon (The Gherkin).

I think ... that Ace will wear an extra-special beanie tonight.

I think ... Paula will show more cleavage than should be allowed on a "G" rated show.

I think ... when it's all said and done, the contestant leaving our good graces this week will be Melissa McGhee. (I'm not saying that would be my choice, but I think it's likely.)

I think ... I'll see y'all after the show. ENJOY!