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April 30, 2008

'American Idol': And the final four are ...

On tonight's American Idol, we'll learn who the final four are. And, I'm sure, hear some explanation for Paula's seeing into the future moment last night when she started evaluating Jason's second song when he'd only sung once thus far. (Here's the story that's been making the rounds today.)

Host Ryan Seacrest says he's still out of breath from last night's show because of its fast pace and that more than 45 million votes were cast.

First up: The group sing, a tribute to Neil Diamond.

Ryan stops in the audience to talk to Idol alums Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen so they can pimp their Fox Reality show. Then, after his blabbing about how they like to pay tribute to former Idol contestants, he walks right past Ace Young without saying a single word. Ouch.

Time to address that Paula issue from last night, sort of: He says, "The rumors, they're not true, and she's part of our family." Well, that clears that up!

Results time: Jason Castro comes forward and finds out that he's safe. David Archuleta is next, and he's safe, too.

Throwing it to commercial, Ryan says the theme next week is "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." Now that sounds promising!

Next, here's an extended preview for the next season of So You Think You Can Dance, which I am seriously looking forward to and which premieres May 22. (I covered the first round of auditions in D.C. a few months back. Check out a video here, if you want.)

More results: David Cook hits the stage and he's safe, so that leaves a bottom two last two of Brooke White and Syesha Mercado. (Update: As several commenters have pointed out, Ryan never actually used the words "bottom two," so it's possible someone else had fewer votes.)

But they have to wait it out, first through a performance by Natasha Bedingfield (including a kiss for David Archuleta), viewer calls (including a question from Tara Miller, who was Simon's first kiss when they were 9) and a performance by Neil Diamond (including an appearance by his mother, who is in the audience).

Back to the results, and Brooke is already crying. And by the way, Brooke is going home.

She is kind of a disaster, she's crying so much, but she gives her final sing her best try (until my DVR cuts off -- one of these days the show will end on time).

I'm really surprised Jason wasn't in the bottom two, but not at all surprised to see Brooke out. She's a sweet girl, but this was getting harder and harder for her, I think. How do you feel about the results? (Or about how the show chose to deal with Paula's gaffe last night, for that matter?)

 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:05 PM | | Comments (35)
Categories: American Idol
        

Comments

While I like Brooke's voice, and find her personality adorable, it makes sense that she's gone. The real mystery is that Jason managed to dodge the bullet again. My guess is that Syesha goes home next week and Jason will finally be cut loose the week after, and we will be down to a David's Duel for the finale.

I thought Ryan's explanation was quite odd. I'm sure it was well-intentioned, but I think it would have been better not to mention the "rumours" and instead just give Paula a chance to simply apologize to Jason for getting mixed up last night and to explain that the change in judging format sent her into a bit of a tailspin. And if Paula felt too emotional (or the producers thought she was likely to botch it and add fuel to the rumours) Ryan or even Randy could have handled the quick explanation. Saying "she's part of our family and we love her" seemed almost to imply another closing phrase: "despite her drinking/drug/sleep/speech [pick all that apply] problem."

I LOVE SYESHA SHE IS THE BOMB AND SO DOES MY MOM WE VOYE FOR HER ATLEAST 200 TIMES APIECE!!!

How in the world did she know? Why was she crying? What is the deal? Rotten deal I say. What say you?
How could they possibly pass on that beautiful voice and that pure, honest smile. Give me a break. The dude with the hair needs to go and so does the other chick. Let's go people, gimme a break.

I'm glad Brooke's gone...she's long overstayed her welcome. It's not surprising that Syesha was in the bottom 2 also. She has good vocals, but she's not likable at all. I'm hoping she goes next, then it'll be an all-male Top 3! I think it'll be Jason next, then Archie, and most likely Cookie will end up being the next AI...

It's about time! I'm so glad Brooke is gone. I have wanted her gone ever since her "Here comes the sun" performance, I'm glad Syesha is still there, it's good to see she has a decent following. I think she's more talented than most people give her credit for.
Buh-bye Brooke!!

I'm bored with American Idol...most of the winners fall off the map within a year or two after they win anyway. They actually get fired by their record label. This show needs to be changed up somehow...

I thought that she was going home last week. I am surprised that Jason did not go but, I think that Brooke was next in line. It is to bad she is a great musician and singer but, her nerves seem to get the best of her.

Brooke was on borrowed time...she should be thankful she got to live the Hollywood life one month longer than she deserved.

Well...that was sad. It was probably right, but Brooke was likeable, nevetheless. So I'm sorry to see her disappointed.

As to the Paula mess...maybe A.I. could replace Ryan Seacrest with Charles Van Doren. Just sayin'...

I didn't Tivo it, so maybe Sarah can check her DVR...I don't recall Ryan using the term "bottom two" or "bottom three" during the contestant reviews. Unlike past weeks, when the lowest vote-getters were at least identified as a group, I'm guessing that Cook and Syesha weren't the 3rd and 4th place vote-getters. (We'll assume that Brooke had the fewest votes because we have no incontrovertible evidence otherwise...)

If they changed that practice, you have to wonder, "Why?"

I think it was long overdue for Brooke to go home. IMO she was not in the same league as Carly, but, she was a sweet person. I don't understand this attraction for David Archeletto because I think he is awful! I wish he would be sent home, but, it looks like it is destined to be a duel of Davids. To be honest, this season is pretty boring. Last night was dreadful. All of them except Cook were beyond boring and bad. I hope they never do another Neil Diamond night.

I'm beginning to find Jason Castro irritating. Did you see that look David Cook gave him for grinning like an idiot into the camera while Brooke was balling her eyes out? And whenever she happened to block him out, he'd step out to find the camera and grin some more. He may be an idiot.

While Brooke had no chance of winning, Castro should have been eliminated weeks ago.

I don't know how Jason did not end up in the bottom 2 either. He really stunk. I don't think that the judges are giving Syesha her due respect. It is really coming down to a popularity contest. I think that is why the show is dying off a bit.

As far as PaULA....she must get drunk before each show...her comments are long and make no sense.

Finally!

I don't get it. Syesha is way less talented than Brooke. But let's forget those two. What the hell is with David Archuleta? Could he possibly have butchered two of Neil Diamond's songs more? I don't care if he cheesed up the Coming to America one. Puke. It was horrible. And what's with Randy? "Yo dog it was the bomb." Did you hear the same thing I did? Randy sees a little 17 year old Clay talentless Aiken wannabe and sees dollar signs because he knows cheese sells in America. Gimme a break. If there is anyone with any kind of musical talent please let David Cook win.

I feel that this is just a popularity contest. As a singer, I become frustrated and disappointed week after week. Why on earth is Jason still on the stage? He can't sing and has no personality, sounding quite dim when he is asked any questions. He isn't even cute? I don't understand.
I have quit watching the show. I will check out your site from now on for show result. It's become too painful to watch. Thanks for the space.

OMG! Finally. How in the world is that Jason still on there. He has 0 talent. Carly was the best to me and Ramielle, with David Archaleta and Siesha very good too.

Jason should have been sent home. I agree with you. These idols are not strong. They are all playing it safe and that's boring.

Eventhough, Brooke's time was well over due.

Christopher Complex

The thing I'm wondering about the most is why, we the audience, and Syesha were led to believe she was in the Bottom 2. Dialidol's measurement of the busy signal predicted her to have the most votes of all or at least the second most. She and David Cook were the only ones predicted to be safe. And yes, it did show that Brooke was in danger of being voted off. I don't know how acurate Dialidol is anymore though.

I don't really know what to think about how they dealt with Paula's gaffe except that what Ryan said was kind of sweet. I guess they thought that was the best way to quickly move on from it. But this did not address the rumors about producer's scripts and the show being rigged.

I have not been the biggest fan of Syesha's all season. But the girl really can sing; and she has done really well with her performances the last two weeks. Now I'd really like to see her and David Cook as the Final 2. That would be an AMAZING feat considering she has been in the Bottom 3 so many times!!!!!! That would definitely set some kind of record and would defy everyone's expectations!!!!!! It's already been a strange season!!!!!!!!!

It's about time!!! She should have been out weeks ago & I still have no earthly idea WHAT Syesha is still doing there. I may stop watching after this season - the show is really getting bogus!!!

I know some people thought it was time for Brooke to go, but I thought her performance Tuesday was much strong than Jason's. In the end it's a boost to her career and I found her a welcomed change to the yelling rocker and the same old same old belting out performers. But yes, she doesn't have the range of some of the remaining people, but she was unique to American Idol which didn't in the past keep the unique people in the race. It wasn't a surprise.

As for Paula, well I'm not sure what the deal with her is. She has appeared in the past to have some issues with pain meds, but who knows?

Brooke's departure is right on time...sort of. To be honest, she should of been ousted last week and Carly should of stayed based on overall performance. It is not in your best interest EVER to start and then stop your performance. Hey for once I agree with Paula. Perhaps she kept her futuristic intutition to herself last week only to see it bloom this week with Jason Castro. Speaking of Paula, she did seem flustered trying to respond after Randy. But still, she looked pretty ridiculous and deserves ever one of the many negative comments being lobbed in her trench. Back to whis week, yes the final four is what most expected. Castro will be the in the top three with the Davids soon enough for Syesha will be eliminated accordingly after rock and roll week. Castro stays based on looks alone for all the tweens out there who can't get enough of the dread-(ful) "locks." Anyway, can Cook ask for a better gift with this rock stuff coming up? A shoe in for the finally along with the other tweener Archuleta. All guys for this season number 7, just how the gals like it!

Way to Go Syesha! She pulled it out again and I am too pleased!

Paula is on something strong and mind-altering. She and the AI staff are all in denial!

Jason needs to go next, followed by that annoying Archuletta kid!

Regarding Paula's confusion--I have been watching the last few shows from Season 2 on AI Rewind (yes, I have too much time on my hands), and back then Paula was much more lucid. She didn't hesitate over her words or trail off in the middle of sentences; it's like watching a totally different person. I still like her though, she is kind-hearted and genuine.

Brooke needed to go, but so did Jason Castro. I don't think he or his dreadlocks even want to be there anymore, but he can't get voted off no matter how badly he butchers the songs...please, teenybopper girls, put him (and us) out of his misery!!

I stopped watcing after Michael Johns went.
The next to go should Ryan Seacrest!

Brooke and Syesha were the LAST TWO standing, not the bottom two vote-getters. There was never any mention of a 'bottom two' or any implication that the last two were the lowest vote-getters by Ryan Seacrest. He just went through the group (being careful to have Brooke be one of the last two) and then announced who was leaving. It is highly likely that Jason and Brooke were the two lowest vote-getters (according to the DialIdol system which is usually right about these things). The question that should be asked, is why did the producers select Syesha and Brooke as the last two standing, which implied to many (just read all the reports of last night's show) that Sysesha was the 2nd lowest vote getter. Forget the vast conspiracies that people are always talking about. THIS is the way the producers (consciously or unconsciously) influence the voting.

While I did enjoy Brooke's first few performances, she began to slowly unravel right before our eyes...and it was just painful to watch. Last night was so sad for her...I do wish her the best though.

...but I am happy that Jason's safe! Go Jason!!

David Cook is by far the best all round singer. He out shines everyone else if he doesn't win it will be a shame.


Oh for Godssakes, who cares? Why is this news? Was the Sun breathlessly reporting on the plot turns of the Brady Bunch back in the 70's?

SKK: This is a blog, not a news story. Take it as you will.

I stopped watching the show after the elimanations for the top 12 when Asia'h Epperson was eliminated. She should stayed around much longer.

I thought it was a very sad ending for Brooke, but understandable. She seems to be a sweet person.

I also found it funny how they dressed Paula up as a little girl, modest even! Smooth move...

Why do non-fans of the show visit blogs about AI? Come out of the closet already! We know you love it, that's why you're here.

Well Brooke needed to be put out of her misery, her lack of confidence was making each Results Night really stressful for her. Syesha should have gone home a couple of weeks ago, along with Jason (he is terrible and not in the same league with the rest at this point). Carly should still be in, and it should be down to Carly, David Archie and David Cook. And DAVID COOK should win hands down, IF this is talent contest. Unfortunately, the way the votes come in, it IS a popularity contest, so it is NOT based on TALENT.... Such a shame, the format of the show is killing it off.

Vote for DAVID COOK, he is REAL Talen

Adam:

I, for one, care. It's why I read the blog and post comments.

I would solve world hunger if I could, but I can't, so instead, I'll follow American Idol.

If you don't care, why are you reading the blog?

Well said Bucky!

I feel like David C. is pompus and really impressed with himself. David A. is a baby, and Jason is spaced out. So with that said, I really don't care who wins.

Season 4 was the best season and so far, there's been none to compare. I was/am a huge Constantine fan and it's hard to find anyone that measures up to him and to Season 4. Just my opinion.

It's all based on opinion and taste. I'm not a teen, I'm in my thirties and I vote for Jason Castro every week. I love his voice. For the same reason I love Jason, I can't stand Cook. Castro seems to be a very genuine person. I don't trust Cook especially after I found out he was selling an album on Amazon right up until a week or so ago. How is that fair? I don't think he should still be on the show. As for Syesha, she has a good voice, but she isn't as good as she thinks she is. She tries to tackle songs that always come across as too big for her. She thinks she's in the same category as Whitney Houston and she's not. I agree with one of the other bloggers, she isn't likable. Being the American Idol doesn't mean being the best singer, it's being the complete package. People have their favorites and they will vote for them each week to keep them there, good or bad, bottom line.

SKK: Regarding David Cook's album, I don't think it makes that big of a difference at this point -- Carly had an album, Brooke had an album. Nearly all of the Top 10 came into this with extra experience this season. No use in penalizing them for it now.

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About Sarah Kelber
Sarah Kickler Kelber, an editor in the features department since 1999, got sucked into reality TV with the first episode of MTV's The Real World in 1992. Then came Survivor and American Idol, and suddenly, the genre was everywhere. She started blogging about it for The Baltimore Sun in January 2006 and has logged more hours watching and writing about such shows as Dancing With the Stars, Big Brother and, of course, Idol, than she'd like to admit.
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