Who didn't watch last season's "American Idol" and think it didn't quite match up to the previous season? The finale for the Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox finale was down 19 percent in the ratings over the previous season's showdown with Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.

I think that explains why the latest "American Idol" tour to come to the Twin Cities (Target Center, Fri., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.) is already discounting tickets 50 percent.

Goldstar, the national half-price ticket outlet that started doing business in the TC in May. The half-price ticket via Goldstar is about $25 including fees, regularly about $45 with fees.

There is no cost to join Goldstar but you must sign up on the site to order.