Who makes the finals on 'American Idol'?

Alex Preston, the quirky band geez with the strange stomping motion while he played guitar, just missed the finals.

He brought a singular style, inspired by his heroes Jason Mraz and Jeff Buckley. He certainly has a shot at a great career if he picks the right songs and surrounds himself with the right people.

Alex was also the consensus choice to go home tonight, which I predicted as well. I'm having my best year ever for predictions: I'm 9 for 12.

He simply couldn't stop the powerhouse (relatively speaking) followings of Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson.

Both are worthy finalists. Jena Irene brings a youthful esprit de corps, great chops and stage presence to the fore. Sure, she isn't always easy to understand but she's fun to watch. Plus, she can sing a variety of genres with aplomb.

Caleb is a bit more one note than Jena Irene but boy, what a note! He loves his classic 1970s/80s rock and personifies a young Meat Loaf. Is there much modern about the man? Not really. But given who votes nowadays, the fact he has a following is not surprising.

VISITORS

Two third-place winners return: Danny Gokey, third place from season 8, has been married and is about to have a second child. He has a new single out, too, and a new foundation Sophia's Heart. Season 5's third place finisher Elliott Yamin is working on his fourth album. Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery sings his latest single "Feelin' It," looking a little more filled out. The song's verses are a little clunky but the chorus is catchy.

NEXT WEEK

Caleb will sing with KISS. Jena will join Paramore. And Alex joins his buddy Jason Mraz, a former mentor.

RATINGS

Good news for once in ratings. The 500th episode rebounded to 8.93 million viewers and a 2.1 18-49 rating. That's the show's second best performance since top 9. But "Survivor" (9.93 million viewers, 2.6 18-49 rating) still beat it. So did "Modern Family" (9.03 million, 3.2 18-49) and "Criminal Minds" (12.03 million, 2.7 18-49)

HOMETOWN VISITS

by IdolxMuzic