So I arrive an hour late to find Ryan hasn't shaved, no doubt in honor of the recently departed Chris Daughtry, and that tonight is the night "Idol" kisses up to Clive Davis.

Elliott's going first, and Clive's chosen "Open Arms" for the guy I can't help thinking that Mr. Davis is hoping won't win.

But it's a good choice, nevertheless, for the guy with the best of the three voices left (though, sadly, it gives Randy yet another opportunity to remind us that he was "in Journey for awhile"), and Simon agrees, though he thinks Elliott needs to loosen up and believe in himself.

Sounds as if Simon's beginning to at least believe in the possibility of an all-boy finale.