Each week, "American Idol" viewers have marveled at the talent of Michael Lynche -- and have suspected there's a lot more under the surface.

There is. This guy ranges from rock to Broadway, from classical to love songs. I hated to see him go Wednesday (see previous blog), finishing No. 4. Here's the story I sent to papers today:

Hollywood makes 200 major movies a year, plus lots of minor ones. Many of them have songs. And it's been making these for more than a century.

With all of this, it really should be possible for four people to each choose one good movie song for tonight's "American Idol." Instead? "There have been some very strange song choices tonight," Simon Cowell said, accurately.

Here are a few of my comments; please add yours:

1) The two duets were well-chosen and well-sung. In particular, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze were terrific.

As Aaron Kelly soared on "American Idol," a feel-good story was forming.

When they announced that this would  be Sinatra-song week on "American Idol," I promptly said Michael Lynche and Aaron Kelly would do well. I was ... well, semi-correct.

They sang well, which must have been what I was predicting. Then the viewers plunked them into the bottom two. Viewers rarely consult with me.

Fortunately, Big Mike -- an immense talent -- survived; Aaron, a good singer with a promising future -- was voted out. Here are a few of my comments; please add yours:

The first time I met Ernie Harwell, he was at a forum of sportscasters. I'd asked him about the aftershocks, when he was dropped from the Detroit Tiger sportscasts at 82. "I never imagined he was 82," Al Michaels said afterward. "I had no idea."

OK, now it's 19 hours later and I really, really miss Siobhan Magnus.

I was dismayed Wednesday (see previous blog) when she was ousted from "American Idol." I'm even more dismayed after talking to her today and finding her to be an immensely bright and interesting person. Here's the story I sent to papers:

As I start to write this, Siobhan Magnus has been off of "American Idol" for all of seven minutes. I miss her already.

Some of this year's final five -- Aaron Kelly, Lee DeWyze, sometimes Casey James -- are good in a standard, everyday sort of way. Siobhan, by comparison, is distinctive.

She's distinctive in sound. That high-pitched note she usually saves for the end is amazing. Simon Cowell hates it, sort of like dogs hate high notes, but I think she uses it well.

Somebody please get a message to Crystal Bowersox, before it's too late: Until now, you've been right every week. But you were dead wrong when you defended a mild-bland song by saying, "Not every song has to be big."

That's true in a 12-song CD. It's true in a one-hour concert. But it's wrong when "American Idol" singers only get one shot a week, then can be voted off.

Last week, Casey James sang the mild-bland "Don't Stop." Simon Cowell called it "lazy"; viewers put him second-to-last.

This part perplexes me: Given an "inspiration music" theme, "American Idol" contestants choose songs that are only borderline inspiring, at best. Most ignore the hugely inspirational world of gospel and religion.

On Tuesday, even Michael Lynche -- who could have done wonders with any gospel powerhouse -- went mild. Casey James went ultra-bland with "Don't Stop" and almost lost.

Here are a few of my "Idol Gives Back" comments; please add yours:

1) This has been inspirational-song week on "American Idol." I know that the Black Eyed Peas inspired me to rock your body.

2) More specifically, it inspired me to rock Fergie's body.

3) Much of the music tonight was truly magnificent. Carrie Underwood ... Alicia Keys ... Elton John ... Joss Stone (backed by Jeff Beck) ... Mary J. Blige (backed by, well, everyone) -- these people sing sensationally. They packed power and emotion.