Dog, the new season of American Idol is underway, and despite trying to avoid it until the final four (like the NBA) I'm curiously drawn in.

It may not last long though. From what I've seen, Crystal Bowersox (she should change that to Crystal B) is the best performer by an order of magnitude and attitude. Which means she probably doesn't stand a chance. Lilly Scott is my second favorite, but she isn't on the same level. I didn't quite get her "Change Gonna Come" last night. But that's a tough song. Her previous cover of "Fixing a Hole" was pretty great. One of the "prettier" "girls" will probably win.

As for the guys, it's a sorry lot. Lee Dewyze is likely the pick of the litter. That Casey James guy may have some rock star/Nashville potential, and I'm sure he's the teen heartthrob favorite. The rest, I'm not sure how they got through the auditions. Except maybe Michael Lynch. He's pretty cool.

Here are the performance videos...