America boots Carly from ‘Idol’ running

Final three picks still in the “Idol” running

It was a close one Wednesday night, and my “American Idol” final pick almost had her last moment on stage. Syesha Mercado escaped elimination when Carly Smithson said farewell. Her rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Superstar” wasn’t enough to keep her, but I think Simon might have been the real kiss of death.

For the first time this season, he sang her praises and it resulted in Smithson being voted off.

Not to brag, but with “Idol” down to the final five, my three picks still are in the running. My prediction for next week is that Jason Castro’s charm is going to run out and he’ll be the one booted.

Another “Idol” familiar may be spreading her wings. “TV Guide” reported this week that “Dancing With the Stars” wants to see “Idol” judge Paula Abdul compete. Is this really fair?

More often it seems that “Dancing With the Stars” is recruiting professional singers and dancers (people who already have rhythm) to grace their dance floor. Honestly, it’s not as exciting or as fun to watch these experienced dancers match up against the not-so-naturally-graceful likes of John Ratzenberger – Cliff from “Cheers” – that we saw in previous seasons.

Enough with the old. Don’t forget to tune in to the CW at 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, to catch a southern Maine girl in action as she tries to snag a man on “Farmer Wants a Wife.”

The May reality TV premiere listing hasn’t surfaced yet, but I imagine there will be a few more summer flops headed our way that could prove entertaining on a hot summer day. Hopefully we’ll see some of Donald Trump’s “Lady or a Tramp.”

I also have to tell you that I’m slightly disappointed. I didn’t make it to “Big Brother” tryouts in Bangor. (I’m not cut out for that show or “Survivor.” This Maine girl likes her space.) But I also haven’t heard how auditions went for any of you.

Drop me an e-mail or post your experience on the Reality Bytes blog at www.bangordailynews.com. I’m curious!