"American Idol": In case anyone still cares...

As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Simon Cowell has picked Taylor Hicks as his new favorite to win—which probably means he’s doomed.

I’m trying really hard to care about what happens tonight, but so far it’s not working. I will still watch, but it just won’t be the same.

As I’ve said earlier, tonight we will get three songs from the contestants: a song they choose, a song a judge chooses and a song Clive Davis chooses. Simon told Jay Leno last night that he picked Katharine’s song (which he said would get her into the finals), which probably means that Elliott will be stuck with some sentimental mess that Paula chooses.

Also on “The Tonight Show” last night, Simon discussed the feuding between the judges and Ryan while taking several swipes at each of them, hitting Ryan the hardest. Of course, Jay surprised Simon (or it appeared to be a surprise) by inviting Ryan to come out and join them. Ryan said “of course” he and Paula were speaking, but Simon said that was “not entirely true.” Both of them accused Jay of stirring up the trouble since the “feud” began after Ryan and Paula’s “Tonight Show” appearances.

And wouldn’t you know that Ryan is growing his beard back again. Come on, Ryan! I’m finding it hard enough to care about this show. Throw me a bone here!