‘American Idol’ Top 8 become 7
It was a bit of a shocker. Or was it? Michael Johns was eliminated tonight, leaving seven singers left to fight for the American Idol Season 7 title.
In a week with an extra-long Idol Gives Back campaign episode, there was a little uncertainty on whether a contestant actually would be eliminated. Last season, the charity campaign week spared any contestant from being eliminated. But that wasn’t the case this year, and Michael Johns fell victim to the lowest number of votes.
Johns was joined in the bottom three by Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado. The other five contestants on the show were the first called to the stage, and Ryan told them one by one they all were safe. Kristy Lee Cook was the final contestant to get a seat with the top contestants, leaving the bottom three waiting behind the scenes.
When they did take center stage, you may have believed it would be Syesha who was going to be shown the door. You even may have thought it would be Carly. But Michael? I don’t know that a lot of people saw that coming. I have to admit, personally, I haven’t been a huge fan of Michael this season, even though he did have an incredible week last week when Dolly Parton was the guest mentor.
Overall, though, I just didn’t enjoy his performances. There was something missing for me. And apparently that something maybe was missing for much of the rest of the American Idol voting public.
The best part of tonight’s elimination, though, was the performance of No Air by Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and duet partner Chris Brown. Even though producers are saying this is the best season ever — they say that every year — I think Jordin proves that may not be the case. Because I don’t think there’s a single Season 7 finalist who has those kind of pipes. There may be a couple who can sing, but past talent should not be discounted. That’s all I’m saying.
American Idol, Michael Johns, Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson


April 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Thanks Reed for your comments on AI. I live in Hawaii and hate to be surprised so it’s nice to read an update so I’m prepared! Good job!
April 11th, 2008 at 5:12 am
You must be kidding. There is nothing missing in Michael’s vocal and stage performance. He is the most natural singer as good as Kelly Clarkson. Maybe what you are looking for are the screaming ability like Jordan Sparks! Jordan Sparks can’t sing the low keys, remember? and She became the idol! Even Carrie Underwood had a few missed performance during her season. Michael was all bang on. His voice is rich with emotions and originality that was hard to find among all the AI contestants which came with possibly age. AI should change the show name to American Teeny Idol because the show is losing its creditability as even Simon said it is becoming a popularity contest not a singing talent contest - evident by tonight’s result and last year’s Dolittle elimination.