American Idol Results Recap, Wednesday, April 18: Rollin, Rollin, Rollin, Get Sanjaya Rollin' - GOODBYE!!

I live in Texas where everything’s big.

The people of this state take pride in their bigness. Big food, big hats, even big hair. Our State Fair boasts not only the largest Ferris Wheel, but a monumental talking cowboy wearing size 70 boots, and a 75 gallon Stetson. (I’ll leave it to you to do the math on his inseam.)

Houston once held the title of Nation’s Fattest City three years running - that’s big.

We drive big trucks and enjoy wide, open spaces. (I am referring, of course, to the nothingness encountered while driving your big truck from Abilene to El Paso or the space between Ross Perot’s satellite dish ears.)

We are also home to NASA, The Alamo, and the largest ball of barbed wire - 11 foot, 6 inches.

Yep, we like big.

So it should have not come as a surprise to me that this largesse would also extend to gestures.

And no, I do not mean the kind you make when someone cuts you off on the highway. Remember, this is Texas - most people keep that finger tucked in because most people also carry big guns in their big trucks.

Rather I am referring to the gesture made yesterday in the Texas House of Representatives when House Resolution 1039 was passed honoring, nay saluting, nay, nay exulting!, Sundance Head.

You may laugh ... bigly.

I’ll wait.

Ready to proceed? Good.

Yes, HR 1039 which may be read in its entirety at this link. However, I’ll Evelyn Wood it for you here and highlight the important pieces which include six WHEREAS’s and two RESOLVEDs...

Sundance was honored for "growing up in a house with a gold record on the wall", "performing memorably", the way he "surprised and even greatly impressed the judges, even Simon Cowell", his year of "good fortune" which included not only American Idol, but his "marriage and birth of his first child", and for his "talent, drive, and enthusiasm".

OK, look, I "get" that the show is popular. I understand that appearing on it and making it into the Top 16 can have far reaching effects on a contestant, but come on. A formal House Resolution?

If this is how my government rolls, I want one for WHEREAS performing memorably in lovingly documenting each note of this freaking contest, WHEREAS demonstrating selflessness in losing countless hours of sleep each season, WHEREAS I have been surprising and even greatly impressing myself with my Paintshop cut and paste skills, WHEREAS both of my socks match, WHEREAS I’m having a good hair day, WHEREAS I ate the five recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and WHEREAS I did not burn my toast this morning when I was half asleep.

RESOLVE that Texas. Now, how about a big recap, in honor of tonight being another Texas sized results show?

~~~~~~~~~

Pssst. What did you do to get detention, dude? I put a thumbtack on the teacher’s chair... seriously, this like blows to have to sit here with nothing to do for a whole hour. This sucks hind tit, man (that’s for you, Marnie).

OK, fine – maybe it’s not that bad, but it still feels like punishment to have to sit through another overgrown, Velveeta filled results show. So whoever got the class in trouble, you know who you are, and you are going to get a swirly next time we catch you in the bathroom...

With the lights down low, and the kids assembled like, well, kids in detention, Ryan stated, "Last night we went country and the country came back with the response. Is YOUR favorite safe?"

Insert long stare at Sanjaya. Sorry Ryan, it was funny last week when you did it. This week it’s just tired – like me. Has it been an hour yet?

Crap. We’re only up to THIS. IS. AMERICAN. IDOL.

Note to Nigel: THESE. RESULTS. SHOWS. ARE. TOO. LONG.

Ryan, nattily dressed in a dark gray suit and tie intro’d the judges: Randy, who obviously got kicked out of the Catholic School for dress code violations, wearing a faded red T, Mr. T’s bling, and a skull & crossbones fedora - talk about scaring the nuns; Paula who was demoted from gold jacket wearing blackjack dealer to silver jacket wearing casino waitress – someone did tip her a dollar token though which was hanging around her neck; and Simon, back in black as usual.

Ryan then addressed the controversy which has been boiling all day across the internet and here in the comments about Simon’s eyeroll during Chris’s shout out to Virginia Tech.

Simon explained exactly what went down, that he did NOT roll his eyes at the comment, but was still discussing the whole nasal congestion problem with Paula. And then, yes, I backed up and watched it twice, he actually choked up when he told America, "I may not be the nicest person in the world, but I would never, ever disrespect the families or the victims and I felt it was important to set the record straight."

There were tears in his eyes and he had a bowling ball of emotion in his throat. As I told you all last night and today in the comments – the man might be a pompous ass, but he is not the devil. And that is exactly what you would have to be to not be touched by the events of the past three days in Virginia.

As further proof, they then ran the entire playback of Simon and Paula while doing a small picture in picture of the simultaneous Ryan and Chris exchange. It is very apparent that Simon’s only reaction was to the whole singing debate.

Can we let it go now?

No, of course not. Mother Seacresta had to chime in and act all holier than thou telling Simon he should basically talk less and listen more. Sorry Ryan – be careful – those windows in your glass house will break pretty easily.

Thankfully they moved on to a video recap of last evening’s performances. Typically I fast forward through this part, but I actually enjoyed rewatching Jordin, Melinda, and Keith Suburban (Phil). Not so much Lakisha, Blake, or Chris. Definitely not Sanjaya. Rewatching his performance was the visual and aural equivalent of having to eat a horse rectum sandwich on Fear Factor. I almost threw up in my mouth a little...

It was just so bad. In past weeks, he at least tried to have fun, tried to entertain. But in the rewatching, it almost seems like he was being intentionally awful.

But more of Sanny later...

First we have to endure Ryan’s man-on-the-street interviews about last night’s show. Highlights? Two girls who like Blake’s "beatbopping". And Charles Manson encouraging Lakisha to shake it more, and Chris to smolder.

We were rescued from that titillating footage by THE. GROUP. SONG. Yes, I said, rescued. The kids were actually enjoyable this evening singing I’m All Right.

Perhaps because the lyrics were applicable to their current situation – away from family, etc. Perhaps they had more time to rehearse this week. But maybe most of it owed to the fact that the sole choreography simply demanded they play musical chairs a couple times.

Whatever the reason, they each sounded fine individually, and together they harmonized better than we have heard them to date.

This does not mean I will love the next GROUP SONG, but I certainly give credit when it’s due.

Coming back from the first of way too many commercial breaks, it was time for the producers to make even more money with this week’s American Idol Challenge. Remember, for only 99 cents per text, you, too, can have a shot at 10K, a trip to a Ford vommerical, tickets to next week’s show, and the satisfaction of knowing you financed Nigel’s latest beach house in Bora Bora.

Question: Of these American idol finalists, who was considered this year’s rocker?

A. Brandon-I-Hope-Melinda-Will-Let-Me-Be-Her-Back-Up-Singer Rogers

B. Stephanie-I-Channeled-Too-Much-Beyonce-And-Not-Enough-Of-My-Own-Bootyliciousness Edwards

C. Gina Glock n Roll Glockson

Hmmmm, that’s a hard one, Ryan...

Anyone else want to take a break and bang their head against my favorite wall with me?

Assembled on the couches, Ryan joined the kids to waste some more time by showing worthless video of them telling what music they are currently listening to. Now, I honestly couldn’t care less, but I am nothing if not thorough in these recaps, so here goes...

Melinda – Kirk Franklin (she’s got good taste. Check him out at www.kirkfranklin.us)

Sanjaya – working this week’s theme with downloads of country and blues

Blake – the new Incubus (man, I’m glad I was sitting down for that shock)

Jordin – Fergie’s Glamorous

Chris – Maroon 5, Jason Mraz (again, someone get me a paper bag. I’m hyperventilating from the shock) He also poked fun at having Peter Noone’s greatest hits.

Phil – Willie Nelson (to all the hats I’ve worn before...)

Kiki – Yolanda Adams (awesome vocalist – Yolanda, not so much Kiki this week)

This slammed headfirst into an abrupt intro of Fergie coming out to sing Big Girls Don’t Cry. (For those who weren't watching carefully, there's a reason for that awkward intro - Fergie wasn't actually there. Nor was Akon last week. These are prerecorded segments spliced into the LIVE show. Not convinced? Rewind - POOF! Where did the couches full of contestants go? And why is Randy seen in a white shirt, instead of his pirate themed fedora?) No matter - Aside from the giant hand making a reappearance with the ginormous guitar on the screensaver, the performance wasn’t bad. She looked subdued (for Fergie), but then this is a family show.

She was wearing black leggings, a blue high necked tunic, her hair pulled back, a Rubik’s Cube around her wrist, and Dorothy’s sparkly red shoes...well, if Dorothy worked at the Emerald City Gentleman’s Club, that is.

There was nothing showstopping about the song or performance, so I’ll leave it at: Fergie got some free publicity.

And then the producers got approximately four million dollars in commercial revenue. I counted – there were TEN commercials in this break, which then ran right into the...

FORD VOMMERCIAL.

This week’s selling of the kids’ souls to the Ford devil was set to I Ran. It was a spy flick and they were all decked out like Men In Black, except for Kiki who was Double D 7.

Oh, and Blake worked a trenchcoat and Grandpa’s plaid trousers again. The highlight was Keanu Malakar with his hair slicked back, head to toe black. I was seriously disappointed that he didn’t bust out some Matrix moves and throw down with DD7.

OK, maybe it’s because I’m tired, but I’m really getting tired of the Aren’t We Great promos for Idol Gives Back (aka The Most Amazing Thing Ever, EVER Since We Invented Sliced Bread, Of Course). This week tagged as THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT IN IDOL HISTORY.

Yes, it’s a great cause. I hope they raise millions of dollars. But there is something about it that just keeps reeking of self awareness. The more they hype it, the less sincere the effort seems to be. Again, I realize I’m sounding cynical, but philanthropy has never been at the heart of this juggernaut. I think at this point, I’d like to see more walk, and less talk.

That being said, tune in for a "duet you have to see to believe".

Now, short of raising Elvis and Janis Joplin from the dead, my money’s on Celine and Bono.

Or Paula and Simon.

POP MUSIC HISTORY, baby.

AFTER. ANOTHER. BREAK. which culminated in a two minute commercial for Idol Gives Back (deja view – you just showed us all this), it was finally time to get some results.

All the kids were assembled on stage with Ryan whose tactic tonight was to divide them into two groups – the highest votes and the lowest.

Sanjaya – stage right

Phil – stage left

Jordin – join Phil (hmmm, in-ter-est-ing)

Kiki – join Sanny (hmmmm, in-ter-est-ing-er)

Blake – join Keeks and Sanjaya (whoa.)

Chris – hang with Phil and Jordin (you could tell the boys were breathing easier to be standing with J)

Melinda – walk up here with Ryan who quickly recapped her performance and stated, "You are SAFE."

Then he went where he always goes at least twice a season – into the galaxy of the truly tacky – with "Now, I want you to look at these two groups and pick the one YOU think is SAFE."

I hate this. I hate this. I hate this. It has got to be the single most distasteful, tacky, rude move they try to pull each season – and on this show that’s saying something.

And poor Melinda – she was so uncomfortable to have been put in this position. I know I have derided her humble pie-nice-gal image a bit, but when she refused to budge and sat down on the floor, I said, "You go, girl."

Ryan tried to play it off by joking for her to "slide to your left" over to Chris, Jordin, & Phil – who were also SAFE, but everyone watching was left with a bad taste in their eyes.

When will the producers learn that these kids are actually tight with one another by this point? And even if they weren’t, they all are a bit more savvy than to pull a diva move in front of 25 million people. And that, most of all, we viewers don’t like to see them emotionally abused.

That left Blake, Lakisha and Sanjaya in this week’s bottom three. I was surprised by Blake, but not as surprised as Blake. He really looked like he had been hit broadside.

Randy’s feedback was that it was "crazy that Blake is up there."; Paula hoped that "Blake’s grandmother is not getting too upset"; Simon just smiled and said "I’m beginning to sense something here."

Me too. More commercials. Which is exactly what we got.

Back on the couch with all the kids, there was more time to kill so we all loaded up in the imaginary minivan and headed to the Dreamworks Studio with the kids to meet Jeffrey Katzenberg and preview Skrek The Third.

Yes, the cheap, shameless, movie promo of the season. Shut up and eat your popcorn.

The kids were walked through how the storyboard ends up as the finished product, they got to play around in the recording booth, voicing both Fiona and Puss n Boots, and then Puss himself walked in – Antonio Banderas. Now that is one sexy voice. Step away from the microphone, Blake, and let a real man show you how a cartoon cat can seduce a 41 year old woman.

The movie looks like it’s another winner, and I am actually looking forward to seeing it this summer. After all, Phil did gush, "It’s the best Shrek ever."

Cut back to the AI studio where Antonio, Melanie, and their daughter Stella were in attendance with Jeffrey (quid pro Idol). Ryan then intro’d last night’s mentor, Martina McBride.

She looked fabulous in simple black capris, heels and a black tank, all the better to keep the focus on her stellar vocals. The woman is successful for a damned good reason – she can SANG. She has such a smooth, serious command of her instrument, it is just a joy to sit and listen. And when she finished up Do It Anyway? Man, is she powerful – the woman is a pro.  I had "goosepimples" - and as JLo taught us, "You can't buy those."

I loved when her daughter joined she and Ryan after the song and little Emma essentially stole the show from Mom, answering all Ryan’s questions for her.

One more break and we finally came back to the one thing we really tuned in for: Who the hell is going home?

Blake and Kiki held hands while Sanjaya floated on his own a few feet away. Blake, however, was deemed SAFE and returned to the safety of the cushions to ponder why in the hell he wore an argyle vest on country night and to make a mental note to himself: Incorporate lots of beatbopping next week.

Ryan quickly recapped Kiki and Sanjaya, and after the biggest top 7 vote in Idol history – over 38 million phoned in – he spoke the words we have all longed to hear: "Sanjaya, you are going home tonight."

I doubt my living room was any different than millions across the country. My 14 year old shouted, "There is a God.", my middle child kissed the dog on the lips, and my youngest partied like it was New Year’s Eve creating the "he’s go-in’ Ho-ma, he’s go-in’ Ho-ma!" dance – think Walk Like An Egyptian meets MC Hammer U Can’t Touch This.

He was emotional and Lakisha played mom and held him tightly as they began rolling his Idol journey video. As he began watching it, he pretty much dissolved into tears, which reminded me that he is just a kid, and has held up impressively in the face of so much media attention, derision, and polarized public opinion.

Look, I don’t want to see a Sanjaya CD anytime soon – he’s just not that strong of a singer yet – but I certainly won’t begrudge him a sitcom were one to come his way. He’s a doll, knows how to work a crowd, and certainly has a big enough following, so someone get The Disney Channel on the phone. Sanjaya’s ready for his close up.

As Ryan so succinctly put it, Sanjaya "We won’t soon forget you."

Sanjaya took the mike one last time and reprised Let’s Give Them Something To Talk About, and good for him, he changed the last line to "How about hair, hair, hair?"

Happy trails to you, Sanny.

And that wraps up country week. We finally roped the right steer. Now get your rest, kids – we’re going to need it for next week’s extended version of Idol Gives Back. After all, you people know I’m a giver, so pack your lunches now for some record breaking recaps...

Comments

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[genuinegeno]

Exerpt from Reality TV Magazine:

Will American Idol Duet Be Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney?
Oh, those tricky American Idol producers have done it again. After months of denying that Michael Jackson or Paul McCartney will be appearing on American Idol, they go and drop a teaser that is bound to start up speculation again.

In a preview for Idol Gives Back, Ryan Seacrest listed several of the guests appearing. Included on Seacrest’s list were Pink, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Annie Lennox. Then, Seacrest added “Plus a duet you will have to see to believe when two of the biggest stars in musical history come together on our stage.”

Any time that someone claims to have two of the biggest stars in musical history performing a duet, then Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney are certainly two names that will come up. But assuming that American Idol producers have been telling the truth all along and Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney won’t be appearing on the show, then who else might be on the duet list. Some other names that spring to mind are Bruce Springsteen, Garth Brooks, and Madonna.

Because the image in the background when the duet was mentioned was of a man and a woman, the majority of early speculation on message boards revolves around one male and one female in the duet. Some popular early guesses have been Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Paul McCartney and Celine Dion. Some of the more outrageous guesses include Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, and Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

The reality is that with American Idol there is no telling. After Prince popped up on the finale last year, denials by American Idol producers don’t really mean much. However, in Michael Jackson’s case, his agent issued at least two statements denying there is any deal for Michael Jackson to appear on American Idol. Then again, considering all the strange stuff that Michael Jackson gets accused of on a daily basis, it seems weird that his agent would choose a rumor about Jackson appearing on America’s most popular television show as one that he would just have to speak out against multiple times.

[Sandy in NC]

Carol-

No biggie. I was in no way President of Hairjaya's Fan Club but I had seen some REALLY mean-spirited stuff posted on other blogs and sites calling the kid homosexual and ethnic slurs about his being Indian. I guess I was surprised to see anything even approaching that nastiness here. Sorry I got touchy! :)

[Carol]

Ah Sandy I'm just jestin' - Ryan seems very, very fond of Sanny. Sorry if I offend. Had a bad week.

[Erin]

I agree with what someone else said here that we should give Lakisha some slack. I think the reason behind her attitude change is that this is all beginning to take a toll on her. With each week, the competition gets more intense, and so is the stress along with the pressure to put out a spectacular performance each week. The problem with Kiki, is that she raised the bar so ridiculously high with her first performance "And I am Telling You..." and from that first performance people have been expecting her to either top that performance or perform on that same level week after week. Which is pretty much impossible IMO. So even if she delivers a good, solid performance, it's going to be viewed as just ok compared to the "And I'm Telling You" one.
The pressure these contestants are under each week coupled with their frantic, demanding schedules has got to be very taxing on them emotionally and maybe even physically. And I think that Kiki also is really missing her daughter since she has not probably seen her in weeks--so that makes it extra hard and challenging for her. But hopefully, she'll get to visit her daughter soon which will cheer her up and she'll get the extra boost of inspiration and motivation she needs to give another spectacular performance we all know she is capable of.
Just my 2 cents.
Also, I just want to say that Linda, you are BRILLIANT! Love your blog! Thanks for providing such intelligent, witty and hilarious entertainment!

[Sandy in NC]

Carol - that comment seems uncalled for...What are you trying to say?

[Carol]

Sanjaya's not going anywhere folks, his Crest Whitestrips and curling irons are already tucked away in Ryan's bathroom cabinet.

[Carol]

Jesus take the microphone! LMAO!!!

[Mom of 5]

Jacquie (ohio), I have to sit on my hands when I see a typo or grammar mistake in my posts (like I did above), because since there's not an edit function on this blog, I could drive myself nuts. *breathe deeply*

On another note, your typo of "comapassion" has to be one of the funniest mistakes I've ever read! Oh, how I wouldn't love to see Linda's take on a definition for that. :-)

[Maria]

just a note that i made...fergie stepped onstage and the first thing i thought was the bartender in shrek. she's the ugly stepsister, i believe, and she has the voice of a man. fergie sang for the part that i ddnt fast forward thru, but she looked a LOT like the ugly stepsister...

[Jacquie ( ohio )]

oops sorry tried to correct my spelling error "compassion" and I still didn't get it right....

[Jacquie ( ohio )]

Jacque,
My guide on my DVR says " the six finalists perform songs about comapassion and hope "

[Jacquie ( ohio )]

Jacque,
My guide on my DVR says " the six finalists perform songs about comapssion and hope "

[Marnie]

Thx for the hind tit reference! Someone actually gave me a hollar over at "my place" today--I haven't used it yet today, so that means I will have to find a way to use it when I'm out to sushi tonight. This should be GOOD.

It's odd b/c I didn't have much negative to say about last night, as I, GASP, liked the group song and, GASP, liked Fergie even! Wait, I'm still here! I thought I'd explode or something. Anyway, perhaps I knew in my gut the end result, but I was groovin' right along with the show last night.

Okay, Double D7--you are again my hero, Linda! Okay, this is not going to be very PC, but didn't it remind you of Long Duck Dong and his "oh sexy girlfriend" when he was resting his head on her Kiki's bosom last night!? hee heeeee!

[Mom of 5]

Linda, anyone who uses the words "largesse" and "bigly" in the same intro deserves to be my Queen of Recapdom. We are not worthy!

My 2 cents on Sanjaya's departure: he is just a kid. He says he had fun every week, and I'm glad. Had he earnestly tried to dazzle the judges with each performance, we'd all probably rag on him for being so blind as to his own skills. At least this way, he laughed at himself right along with us. Some people never learn how to do that.

This morning on a Fox news channel interview, he told our local affiliate that his plans for the future included seeing what he could do with music (since that's why he tried out in the first place), and would like to modeling and acting. The next Corbin Bleu, anyone?

[Shanna]

As far as last nights show goes, I was glad to see the one go that really deserved to go. However, it is sad when ANY of them get kicked to the curb. Sanjaya will have a great future though, he has enough people that love him that he will survive. As for KiKi. I feel that a big part of her problem is she misses her daughter. I can only imagine how hard it is for her to be away from her baby for so long now. I have been without my kids before but the longest at one time was only 10 days. And that drove me crazy. I was in tears after the first 3. So I hope that everyone will cut her a little slack seeing how I am sure that she is going thru alot right now. Maybe the powers that be could arrange for her to spend a little one on one time with her baby and then she can pull it together and finish in style.

[Audrey F]

As for Kiki, there is an underlying discontent and she has a hard time hiding it. It is almost like "Had I known it was going to be like this, I would have kept my butt at home!" I think she is just OVER the hype and is ready to get back to her life.

[Audrey F]

All I have to say about the Idol Gives Back thing is, SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! I want a line-item detail sheet on what they take in and EXACTLY how it is spent. they are supposed to help the poor here and in Africa. I would love to see Nigel roll up his sleeves and get to work on something else other than counting his money!

[Jacque]

Sanjaya has left the building...thank you...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! OMG!!!!!!

I have to agree with the mass here in that it was surprising to see him break down. He has been so cocky and in Simon's face that I wasn't sure if he was releaved it was over and he could go home or if he was upset because he really thought he stood a chance??!?!?

Kiki deserved to be in the bottom three, but I'm thinking through her tears at the end of the show, we see a new/improved/gracious Kiki next week. Chris has GOT to go next...got to!!

Simon had me near tears in the beginning as well. I can't imagine how difficult that was for him, but it needed to be addressed.

I know next week is going to be THE.BEST.IDOL.SHOW.EVER, but what theme are the kids going to be singing from? Has that been said?

[Tamara]

I agree, very classy move on Melinda's part.
She really is sweet, and very likeable.

Blake in Bottom 3 surprised me.
I thought it would be Chris.

I am glad Phil got some respect t his round. He really is a good vocalist.
I hope he keeps riding the wave though.
I dont know what the theme is next week?

I felt bad for Sanjaya too.
No, of course he shouldnt win, but he was sweet, and enjoying his crazy ride.

If you want to hate someone, hate all the negative people who follow VFTW.com just to sabotage Idol and the really talented contestants.

Hate the Howard Stern listeners who would jump off a bridge if he told them to.

They created the Sanjaya Universe. Sanjaya just played along.

He is not a bad person, the haters are, Sanjaya was just their means to ruin a very popular powerful Idol empire.

What I dont understand is, if all the haters dont like Idol, thenwhy dont they just NOT WATCH?
Why the mean spirited sabotage?

Why should ppl like Gina or Stephanie be casualties, when they are talented and did nothing wrong?

I am glad Sanjaya is gone, but only bc all the haters can now move on (yes, they will hate someone new now, but it wont be the same effect bc the ones left are all at least pretty good)

I am not glad Sanjaya was upset last night.
Bc he did nothing wrong, dont hate him, hate the negative people out there who created his Universe.

[Shelly]

I am so glad that Sanjaya got kicked off. I do feel somewhat bad for him as he is still a young kid but he really got cocky and I think that did him in.
Linda, I love your humor and look foward to reading your posts-keep up the great work!!!

[marlo]

HALLELUJUA, he is off the show!!! Isn't he the first male to CRY when getting eliminated? I personally think that the producers read and listened to peoples opinion's/ thoughts- that if Sanjaya did not get voted off- then they would stop watching. Now thats alot of viewers. I still think the show is "rigged" and that they know who will be the American Idol.

I too, was thinking, how many commercials can they sqeeze in a 3 minute slot. (thank you Linda for having a commercial count- my mind is at ease ;-) ). Yes the "Sponge Bob- no pants" was funny after the 2nd time watching it.

I was proud of Melinda to sit and not say "who she thinks which group is safe." That says ALOT about her. I would have done the same thing- Ryan is an assbag to even ask another contestant that. I think that was just lowdown!!

[Linda Sharp to Genuinegeno]

Count me in as as old fart who would love to see Barbra Steisand and Neil Diamond.

Of course I know who they are - but damn, it's been a very long time since they sang me lovesongs, OR brought me flowers!

[Moobsie]

Even though I knew when it was just Sanjaya and Kiki standing there...it was bye-bye hair boy but yet I still felt a little twinge when it was announced and a tad of sadness too! Like everyone gets now, he is just a KID and a kid that has had an ENORMOUS amount of publicity (BAD) thrown his way while he's out there living his life in public, something most of us have no idea about what that's like! Jordan is a true EXCEPTION for her age, most 17 year olds or even 40 year olds don't possess her confidence or presence! This season I think the show is boring and now without him...it will be even worse! I agree that NONE of these singers will go very far, for me seeing them sing once a week is MORE than enough! I also sense a change in Kiki, whether its an attitude or she's just coasting or maybe even giving up, either way I think she's the next one out. The more I see Jordan, the more I think she's going to win this and I think she does have the broadest appeal and the more versatile voice. I have always liked Phil's voice,(if you have to, close your eyes when he sings!) and I think he so MUCH better than those other two nasally, tinny falsetto voiced boys! I just don't go for men singing in falsettos...shouldn't women be singing like that? Even if Ryan is a bit of a big mouth, I happen to agree with him on telling Simon that he should PAY attention when the kids sing! He gets paid enough to do the show at least FAKE a little interest here and there! He is my favorite judge but Im starting to get a bit tired of his "playing" with Paula antics! Im also tired of the whole Idol gives back...Idol ALONE can give back from the amount of money they make from the commercials! Charity is a WONDERFUL thing but when your milking it for more publicity for a fading show, its just not the right way to go.

[genuinegeno]

I guess I'm getting soft in my old age, because as much as wanted Mangina off the show, it broke my heart when he cried unrelentlessly. All those weeks of that bravado facade (facado?)and that wise-cracking "Sanjaya's Universe" nonsense finally came to roost. Now, he can go back to being the normal 17-yr.old and delivering the morning news on his route, and leave the singing to the "pros". I actually think Nigel manipulated the votes to get Sanjaya off there- if he'd had stayed over Kiki, World War Three would have broken out! Now it's a race to the finish with Melinda, Jordin and Blake. My guess for "pop history duet"- Barbra and Neil- wishful thinking, but it is a charity they are both supportive of, and they are both "available", even by remote. I don't think anyone in the demographics would even know who they are, though. Now, I've REALLY shown my age!

[Alexandra]

I guess most people on this site are just nicer people than I am. Not only do I feel unmitigated happiness and relief at Sanjaya's departure, I would rather not ever see him again. I know there are those that professed his deep (as yet undeveloped) talent. I just never saw even a hint of it. And, as for his age -- look at Jordin in terms of talent and comportment. But, I know I'm a bad person. I laugh at the Sponge Bob No Pants commercial -- every single time. I am also getting tired of people saying this is the most "boring", "weak" and "least talented" season. I went back and looked at past seasons' line-ups and with names like Scott Savol, Ace, Nikko, Mikalah, John Paul whatshis name, that crooning guy, Kevin Covais and pretty much all of Season 3, the argument just does not stand. Thanks for the re-cap, Linda. As always you are spot on.

[Linda Sharp on Randy's Shirt Change]

Gialynn-

I did mention in the recap that the Fergie spot (like the Akon performance) was prerecorded and just spliced in to the LIVE program. That's why Randy appears in a different shirt and why the kids suddenly disappeared from the side of the stage.

[Thomas J]

Wow - for once, the actual bottom 3 exactly matched my bottom three performances from the previous night. Shock and surprise!

After last night, I feel somewhat compelled to retract my previous characterization of Sanjaya as a "little asshat." My wife has informed me that I was being way too harsh on the kid, and after review, I see her point. He doesn't really behave that differently than most other typical teenagers would when thrown into the pressure cooker that is AI. Not every kid can react as well as Jordin seems to every week. Sure, he's been the running joke on AI for several weeks, and sure, he went way farther than he should have...but at least little Sanny has the smarts to play along with the joke and to laugh at himself. Me, at that age? I probably would have slithered off the stage right around the time that I undeservedly got named into the top 12. So, while I won't be buying any Sanjaya albums, I will probably crack a smile or two whenever he appears on a commercial - maybe for Preference, by L'oreal?

And AJ - thank you! I knew I recognized that hippie from somewhere, but couldn't quite put my finger on where I'd seen him before. I guess all the late nights that I fell asleep to The Amazing Race reruns on GSN didn't quite make him recognizable enough.

[jz]

I did feel sorry for Hairjaya. In fact, I will miss him. At my house, we looked forward to the odd hair styles and the awful notes each week. If this were just a singing contest, we would have voice majors and backup singers all the way through the thing. We know each week that Melinda is going to do a fine job singing. But that, sorry to say, is boring.

My prediction -- the final three will be Blakebox, Melinda and Jordin. Then just Melinda and Jordin....and then Jordin.

[AJ]

"And Charles Manson encouraging Lakisha to shake it more, and Chris to smolder."

Wasn't that BJ, winner of The Amazing Race a few seasons back? (One of "the hippies," along with Tyler.)

[Gialynn]

Bye Sanjaya. I will miss you. Why? because you weren't all that talented, but you sure were entertaining. And in this particularly sad time, we need someone to lighten things up! After seeing him tear up last night, it made me and I believe everyone else, realize that he's just a kid. And a kid who took all the potshots well. I do wish him the best. Now, did anyone else notice that Randy was wearing a magenta shirt last night YET when Fergie was singing....he had on a white shirt?

[AJ]

"And Charles Manson encouraging Lakisha to shake it more, and Chris to smolder."

Wasn't that BJ, winner of The Amazing Race a few seasons back? (One of "the hippies," along with Tyler.)

[Audrey F]

Jesus take the microphone? That has to be the funniest comment yet!

[Audrey F]

You know, I did feel kind of bad for Sanjaya, just for a second. Then I thought "Duh, his ass is going to get PAID"! He will be rich just from the kickbacks from the teen mags! I think his first song release should be a duet with his sister--ala El and Bunny DeBarge! He will also go on tour and be on numerous late night talk shows! He is also tall enough and skinny enough to model. He won't even HAVE to open his mouth--just wear the damned clothes down the runway. Ha!

[Maria]

that's EXACTLY what i thought when he got kicked off!! i think he's going to be in a disney movie or something, after all, i have cousins who love both disney and sanjaya and for them, a movie with him in it would be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

i was hoping laKisha would go! she completely butchered jesus take the wheel, and that's one of my favorite songs. now there's less reason to watch the show [from now on perhaps i'll just read the recaps]...except for idol gives back, that should be cheesy and bring a lotta money to the AI producers. and possibly to the kids in africa...but mainly to the AI producers. the hype is getting really annoying, i just want it to be over. i usually don't vote, but i will next week...=]

[Amy in NM]

If I were a Shampoo company I would be on the phone to Sannys peeps....
The thing that is bugging me about "Idol Gives Back" is that I have not heard how much The Idol show itself is giving in cash...we will see.
And my prediction is Lakisha goes next week cause when she was singing my hubby yelled - "Jesus Take The Microphone" so there ya go.

[Diane]

Seriously, I don't know how anyone can think that any of the guys this season has not sucked completely, because IMHO they sucked worse than hind tit. It's more like all 8 tits. If we're talking about animals with that many tits. Or, as Linda's Italian friend would say, "teets."
But how could you NOT feel bad for little Sanny? He IS just a kid and has managed to go out there and smile every week, despite all the crap that's been said about him. When Ryan announced he was a goner, I said to my 13 y.o. daughter, Disney will be calling him fo' sho'. I had to text her this morning and tell her Linda said the same thing because last night my little darling told me "Mother, you really need to stop quoting Linda like y'all are buds or something. It's really starting to creep me out." HAHA now who's creeped out??

[Aesop]

Karen, I think you are wrong about success for contestants this year... I see Melinda going on to Broadway and being very big (sings too oldstyle for pop success); and Blake and Jordin will both have successful pop careers. Blake has an alternative pop style that will be very appealing when properly produced (a la Keane, Talk Talk, Crowded House) and Jordin has the most potential of all. I see great potential for pop success. She is a vocal chameleon and has cross racial appeal. With the right producers and song writers, she could rival Kelly's success and conquer both the R&B and Pop charts. Phil may be able to find some minor success in Country but more along the lines of Josh Gracin than Carrie Underwood. Is this the best group ever, maybe, maybe not, do they have potential for great success, absolutely.

[Brad]

Linda, great recap. Thank GOD Sanjaya left tonight. I know I'm probably going to hell for this, but I felt a sort of morbid satisfaction when he cried. If he had been a little more meek I would have felt sorry for him, but he was a cocky little SOB. And as for him changing "how about love" to "other than hair?" Yeah, that would have been nice if he HAD given us something to talk about "other than hair"... and bad singing. Good riddance.

[Linda Sharp on Blake]

Hi Karen-

Thanks for your feedback!

As for Blake, he just really hasn't done it for me since he first sat on the stool and sang Somewhere Only We Know. I think the kid is adorable, love his spikey, highlighted hair, but his performances just have not lived up to his beginnings.

I think he will be successful, but he seems to be flailing lately in trying to define who he is. His Bottom Three showing bears that out.

[Karen]

I HATE the result shows. Way too long, too cheesy, too everything. I should have stuck with only watching the last 5 minutes (which was on MUTE while Sanjaya sang).

Burning question, what the heck turned you against Blake? You were his number one fan at the beginning and now he can't seem to do anything right by you. He and Jordin are my favorites, but honestly, this is the most boring season ever. Unlike last year, I don't think any of the runners up are going to be very successful - I don't even think the winner will be that successful either (relatively speaking). It says a lot about the season when Sanjaya was the polarizing contestant.

[Lindsay]

Another brilliant re-cap. I don't think I've ever been so excited to see a contestant go home (oh wait....Yes I was....when Kellie Pickler got sent home)! I, too, feel for him and recognize that he does have some talent...just not enough for American Idol! And I think that now that he's gone, the real competition can begin! It'll be interesting to see how next week goes. And I've already packed a lunch and some snacks for the shows and your recaps next week! I can't wait! =)

[Sandy in NC]

Linda, when Melinda sat down and refused to play Seacrest's cruel little game, I cheered, too! The jackass.

I, too, did not HATE the Group Suckfest this week - the musical chairs "choreography" was pretty funny: OK, you guys have enough on your minds, let's just switch stools a few times...Question: Didn't they show the Idols singing Independence Day around the piano with Martina last night? Did they scrap it because it sounded so awful?!

Martina was awesome, as always. The amount of power that comes from that tiny little package is mind-boggling. We saw her in concert last year and she blew me away, but I expected that. For her to consistently deliver goosepimple moments on TV is a rare gift. I remember watching her sing on The Rosie O'Donnell Show way back when - she was 8 months pregnant - and she just WAILED! Made me cry from 700 miles away.

Sanny Bye-Bye-Bye - We had a few FINALLY's being yelled here when Hairjaya was sent home - my husband was right there with me. I liked that he changed the lyrics - Not about hair! The kid has that IT factor - I'm sure he will be FOINE! He won me over, in a sense - his Latin Week performance was a good one and he had some charm. Things will definitely be more vanilla without Hairjaya to kick around anymore, but luckily we have Linda to add a little spice for us!!

On to next week...Philly Boy is on the rise - if he can stay relaxed and confident, he'll be ok for a while longer. I think Miss Kiki is next on the chopping block. No question the girl can SANG but she has been coasting downhill for weeks now. There is something about her - does she not care? bad attitude? snotty? arrogant? I can't put my finger on it but she doesn't have that likeability factor that Jordin and Melinda have.

[Rowan]

"Rubik’s Cube around her wrist"

I knew it! lol, when I was watching that, I SO knew you were going to compare that to a Rubik's Cube! :)
And YAY, Sanjaya is GONE!! :D