Fan Fare

In the words of Simon Cowell,  Tuesday night was a shocker on “American Idol”.

For the first time this season, front runner Crystal Bowersox failed to impress.  Simon went so far as to describe her happy-clappy version of Shania Twain’s “No-One Needs to Know”  as ”limp”.

Siobhan Magnus stormed back into  the competition with “Any Man of Mine” after weeks of misfires that seemed to have dimmed her early promise.

Casey James shrugged off the laid back image and gave his most heartfelt  performance yet — and got to plant a thank-you kiss on the lips of mentor Shania Twain.

Teenager Aaron Kelly sounded believable for the  first time in weeks while singing a grown-up song. He said he was dedicating it to his mom.

And, as Ellen said (in arguably one of her most insightful comments as an “Idol”  judge),  ”Tomorrow (elimination night)  is going to be real tough…Everyone is doing well.”

After weeks when a Crystal-Lee final seemed like a no-brainer,  the  contest  suddenly felt too close to call.   Is  Crystal in danger of going home on Wednesday? And who will make it into the Top 5?

And (goodbye Simon!).  Wouldn’t Shania Twain make a great new  ”Idol” judge??