It’s Wednesday and time to end the dreams of another Idol contestant. But before we begin the elimination process, it’s group sing time and the song choice is “That’s All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera. There is no real energy or excitement in the performance as nerves seem to be overtaking the remaining six-pack of Idols—and Jason looks particularly nervous.
Who’s Gone Before?
We’re half-way to our goal of naming Season 7’s American Idol, so it seems like the right time to look back and see whom we have said goodbye to so far:
David Hernandez, male stripper turned Idol wannabe
Amanda Overmeyer, rock ‘n roll nurse who sang every song like she was passing a kidney stone
Chikezie, will forever be known as the guy who funked up the Beatles’ “She’s a Woman”
Ramiele, the tiny Filipino dynamo with the big voice who just never hit her stride once she hit the big stage
Michael Johns, a solid performer in the mold of Jim Morrison and Michael Hutchence who was sent home too soon
Kristy Lee Cook, the horse whisperer from Oregon who skirted elimination like Freddy Kruger in the Halloween flicks
Fox Filler
Ryan sat down with Lord Andrew and asked him questions about performing during which he defended Brooke’s decision to start, stop, and start over on her song last night as well as repeated his confusion about Jason’s song selection.
Then the usual Idol-infused Ford commercial preceded the start of the actual elimination process.
Elimination
Tonight there will be no bottom three—instead we were in search of the bottom two…a genuine twist that wasn’t expected. What will those wacky producers at Fox think of next?!
Ryan started the process by inviting the Davids, David Archuleta and David Cook, out to center stage. He recapped the judges comments from last night and then delivered the news that they are both safe for another week. No big surprise there, but the guys did look a bit shocked when they learned that next week’s mentor is Neil Diamond.
Trip Down Memory Lane
Taking a break from the tedious elimination process, we were transported across the country via the mystery of videotape to New York City where we caught up with Season 1’s Tamara Gray and Clay Aiken from Season 2 who are starring on Broadway—Tamara in “Rent” and Clay in “Spamalot”. Clay also plugged his new album which is scheduled to drop on May 6th.
Elimination Night Entertainment
While the four remaining Idols awaited their fate, Ryan introduced Simon Cowell discovery and top hit maker, Leona Lewis, who performed her number one hit, “Bleeding Love” for the audience.
More Results
Ryan called out Syesha and Brooke from backstage, reviewed the judges comments, and then sent Brooke to safety and Syesha to the stools of discomfort. The only person not surprised was Syesha who, as I correctly predicted last night, hasn’t done enough to build a fan base that can protect her when the number of Idols shrinks.
Needing to find someone to take up residence next to Syesha, Ryan asked Jason and Carly to the stage. Again he reviewed the judges comments from last night, asked the contestants a few questions, and then Ryan told Jason that he is safe and Carly is the unlucky Idol. Pretty much a surprise as Simon called her performance one of his favorites of the night—so much for getting on Simon’s good side.
Before eliminating one of the Idols, Ryan handed the microphone first to Carly to perform “Jesus Christ Superstar” one more time for the audience and then it was Syesha’s turn to sing for possibly the last time on the Idol stage. Both ladies were able to recapture the magic they produced last night—it’s just a shame that either of these girls have to go as they delivered two of the better performances last night.
Who’s Going Home
Like ripping a band-aid off a nasty cut, Ryan told Carly that she is leaving the show. And when he read her name, the audience was silent—and in obvious shock not unlike that which they experienced two weeks ago when Michael Johns was sent packing.
I guess getting a compliment the likes of which Simon gave her last night isn’t a good thing—and in Simon’s words tonight is actually “the kiss of death”.
With Carly’s elimination, we are down to five remaining Idols—the Davids, Jason, Brooke, and Syesha with the last three all on borrowed time.
Tune in next Tuesday to see what the Idol 5 do with the songs of Neil Diamond. Any predictions as to which Idol will try their hand at “Sweet Caroline”? I can hardly wait.
Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don’t have to…
Charlie
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