"Idol's" Special episode

While Tuesday's episode of "American Idol" wasn't as immediately mean as last Wednesday's, though likewise, it was seen by about five million fewer viewers, from 37 million to 32 million.

Typical attrition or bail-out? I've heard from people offended and vowing not to watch anymore, as well as people who say anyone who goes on a reality show should understand what they're getting themselves into.

Last night's highlight probably came when one contestant reported that his audition came on the heels of his wife dumping him; after his performance, Simon Cowell surmised the guy must've serenaded his wife just before she left.

This comes after Special Olympics International declared to all who were stepping up to defend Jonathan Jayne, the Special-Olympics participant mocked on Wednesday by Simon, thanks but no thanks. "'American Idol' should be commended for providing Jayne with the same opportunity to succeed as any other contestant." its statement read in part.

This echoes Cowell's comment over the weekend, "But I will say that to suggest that someone who had (been in the Special Olympics) shouldn't be allowed to participate in this competition smacks of censorship."

So maybe Rosie O'Donnell -- who Special Olympics International may have a bone to pick with over her performance on "Riding the Bus with My Sister" -- needs to pace herself when it comes to picking fights. A battle a week will only result in feud fatigue.