This. Is. American. Idol.

Tonight's the big night - the AMERICAN IDOL finale.

The IDOL producers have a gi-normous task ahead of the them if they hope to top last year's star-studded finale.

Some interesting things are going on in IDOL land.

Last week, HOUSE became the first show in IDOL history to build on IDOL's lead-in. Yep, Dr. House beat AMERICAN IDOL.

Last night, something far more curious occurred. FOX lost a night that included AMERICAN IDOL.

IDOL itself is off 15 percent versus last year. Plus, the finale of DANCING WITH THE STARS walloped the premiere of THE LOT. THE LOT lost 72 percent of the IDOL lead-in, then lost another 40 percent of the audience left at the half hour.

Not a good sign.

I did enjoy THE LOT though - especially the part when the contestants had to look under their seats to find out which log line they'd be pitching the next morning. Some good ideas for some fun films! Do check it out - before it gets shuffled off to the dollar theatre.

Back to IDOL.

My heart's pulling for Blake, but my head knows Jordin's going to be singing that generic ballad one more time tonight. I bet she cries at the end tonight, too.

BTW - did you notice Jordin DIDN'T cry when the clip was played back at the end of the show? Know why? IDOL uses footage of the previous night's rehearsal for the show recaps. It was very noticeable last night.

Enjoy.