Last week, I had it all figured out.

If you're a preteen, you vote for David Archuleta. If you're a teen-age girl, you love Jason Castro. And if you are a full-grown adult, you are all about David Cook

But tonight, sitting in the live audience at Idol, I came to the realization that no matter who you are or what your age, when you hear David Archuleta in person, it is hard not to admit: He is so undeniably talented—with a  voice so flawless and dynamic and pure, it actually resonates in your soul—he probably most deserves to be the winner of this year's American Idol. It would explain why he got the only full-audience standing O's of the night—and two of them, at that.

Still, here's the truly ridiculous thing you can clown me for (and many of you will): The 12-year-old girl in me weeps for Jason Castro!

Not because he has the strongest voice  of the remaining four (he of all people will tell you as much), but because Jason is so much better than that unfortunate catastrophic display we saw tonight. Yes, he bombed. Big time. To the point where Simon told him to "pack his bags." But I can tell you that in rehearsal, the guy was genius. Truly entertaining, smooth and polished and unique. And so obviously, his nerves got the best of him. And sadly, when all is said and done after tonight's show, it will be a huge shock if JC doesn't get the boot tomorrow night.

Archuleta has a huge fan following (see: two full-audience standing "O"s). Ditto for David and rightfully so. (I nearly got run over by a shaking and crying fan who was screaming about David's "blue eyes" that "looked right at me!" as she jumped up and down and called everyone she knew on her cell.) And Syesha Mercado seems to be getting stronger and stronger each and every week—not to mention, the heartfelt tears tonight will certainly win her a few extra votes. (I hate to say it, but in person, that girl just does not come across as very real. She certainly can sing, though.)

And so, unless Simon's harsh words motivate a surprisingly large number of fellow 12-year-old girls to vote in Jason's defense, it is probably time to say goodbye to this season's resident charming-but-awkward dreadlocked cutie. (In preparation, I will be listening over and over to my favorite Idol downloads so far this season—"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Halelujah"—and prepping for my eighth-grade classes tomorrow.)

Who do you think deserves to stay? Feel free to vote and comment below.

Oh, and by the way, anyone know where all the celebs were tonight? The biggest star I spotted in the audience was Wade Williams (Bellick) from Prison Break! Odd...

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