'Idol,' what's going down?

As this glorious season of 'American Idol' draws to a close, Newsday's trusty TV guy (and Melinda Doolittle super fan), Verne Gay, writes on the Jordin vs. Blake showdown:

Ceremoniously dumped last week, Melinda Doolittle was the most brilliant performer on the show this - or any other - season.

But she'll do just fine. In the business, we call this "a given."

Blake Lewis, Mister Beat-boxer, is a nice kid and a terrific talent, too. Jordin Sparks has incredible screen presence, and is hugely appealing. Plus, she's only a kid. Just wonderful.

Either will make a perfectly respectable "Idol" victor. (They perform Tuesday at 8, with the winner being named Wednesday night at 8 on Fox/5.) The republic will endure, and so - of course - will "Idol."

For Fox and for the most important show on TV, however, there are much larger issues than simply who's in/who's out, or who wins or who loses. As "Idol" ends its sixth and most abysmal season so far, the show has problems. Will Fox and the producers lift their veil of arrogance to fix them?

To read the full article, go here.

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