American Idol

American Idol finalist Michael Johns, left, was eliminated tonight from the Season 7 competition.

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.

Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks sing their duet, No Air, on American Idol.

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

It was charity begging at its finest as celebrities gathered around the Kodak Theatre for a night of asking Americans (and Canadians, too) for pledges to help raise money as part of the second annual Idol Gives Back campaign.

There were American Idol contestants, former winners and a whole lot of celebrities. It was a recipe for a night like the Oscars — long-winded talks on stage and a few bad fashion choices. Of course, with Idol Gives Back there’s a little added singing. So, here’ s a look in pictures at tonight’s big fund-raising effort, which actually took place Sunday. Oh, and if you still want, there’s time to make a pledge.

For me, Sarah Silverman’s appearance was the highlight of the night. I think she’s a stellar comedian. So offensive, and so funny. She knows when and how and where to push all the right buttons — even at a charity event. What more do you want?

David Cook joined fellow Top 8 Idol finalists to sing a couple of songs. I thought it was interesting — and I really liked it, actually — when the group gathered around the piano to sing Seasons of Love from Rent. It’s a great song, and I couldn’t wait to hear who would sing the big female vocal part … and I was really surprised it was Kristy Lee Cook, at least in the beginning. What I can’t understand is the all-white outfits the contestants wore. Haven’t we been through this?

It’s Annie Lennox. Of course it was incredible. She’s timeless.

Carrie Underwood showed up fresh from bridesmaid duties, apparently. Aside from the Hypercolor-inspired dress, her performance was good. It certainly wasn’t her best, but it was far from terrible.

Speaking of terrible, am I the only one who is questioning Fergie’s choice of outfits? What’s up with the spandex-meets-pleather pants? I just didn’t get it. To make matters worse, the outfit initially was topped off with a matching jacket and some bizarre skirt-like device that added just a splash of color.

And the award for the longest skit without a point goes to … Miley Cyrus and Billy Crystal. Maybe I missed it, but I knew in the first few seconds it was going to be a “Who are you?” “No, who are you?” skit. But it still went on for 10 minutes. Waste of time.

Robin Williams‘ skit was not much better. It was entertaining that he used a couple of plays on words to sneak in some inappropriate language on the family friendly show.

And, finally, Mariah Carey, the diva herself. While I generally think Mariah is about the most amazing vocalist on the planet, I’m not sure why she had to cover her own ears when she was singing. I mean, c’mon, how do you expect everyone at home to listen when you can’t even stand the sound of your voice? Of course, her voice still is incredible. It’s just that she didn’t actually sing too much of the song. And was there a fan blowing her hair? And that sparkling microphone? Give me a break, Mariah. You’re making it hard for me to defend Glitter. (No, seriously. That movie wasn’t that terrible. Did you even see it?)

American Idol, Sarah Silverman, Billy Crystal, Miley Cyrus, Robin Williams, Mariah Carey, Fergie, David Cook, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, Kristy Lee Cook

Season 7 American Idol finalists perform Sunday during a taping for this week’s Idol Gives Back.

It’s the beginning of another three-episode week, and American Idol will let another singer go. And maybe raise a few million dollars in between. This is Idol Gives Back week, and each of the finalists will sing an inspirational song.

7:02 p.m.

First up is Michael Johns, who had a great week last week. His song choice is Dream On, which seems like a somewhat obvious choice for him. I have to say I’m back to the point of saying, “What’s up with this guy?” That whiny, screaming stuff? I don’t get it.

“I really believe that this is one of the important weeks for us,” Randy said. “… It had some pitch problems for me.”

“I couldn’t disagree more,” Paula said, giving praise (no shocker there) to Johns.

“You know what, Michael, I thought it was a very good performance,” Simon said. “… I don’t like it when you do an impersonation of a rockstar.”

7:11 p.m.

Syesha Mercado is committing one of the biggest sins in the Idol game — and it’s not performing a Whitney song. No, she’s performing a song from a former Idol winner, Fantasia’s I Believe. Of course, it’s not a sin when you give a great performance, and I think Syesha did just that … I’m not quite sure about that crazy high note at the end. But it was a surprise. Judges?

“It was OK, just OK,” Randy said.

“Not many people can take on songs like that,” Paula said. “You flipped it a little bit and made it all your own.”

“Syesha, to be fair, of course there’s going to be a comparison,” Simon said. “Technically, I thought you sang it very well. However, what it lacked for me, was that big, big wave of emotion.”

Now it’s Jason Castro’s turn. He has chosen Somewhere Over the Rainbow, but not the version Kimberley Locke brought to the Idol stage. This is a completely different, more Hawaiian approach. I like Jason, I really do. But I have to say, this seems a little too far off from what is expected on this show. Jason’s performance seems a little more fit for a subway station or even a not-so-crowded coffeehouse. I’m just not sure this is the type of showing that can keep him out of the bottom three.

“Yo, I tell you what,” Randy said. “Dude, Jason Castro is back … that was crazy, molten hot.”

“You have the most definitive sound,” Paula said.

Simon thought it was “fantastic.” I wouldn’t go that far. But, of course, I think we know who’s sitting in the judging chair.

7:24 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook is this year’s chance at a true country artist, but she’s struggled to find a song that really works for her. This week she chose Martina McBride’s Anyway. It’s a perfect song for Cook’s voice. While she’s no Martina McBride, this is the type of song that allows her to showcase her vocal talents in the biggest way possible. There are plenty of notes to hold out and big notes to nail. And she did it … the best she could.

“There were a couple of little pitch moments, but I loved that,” Randy said.

“I think you outdid yourself tonight,” Paula said. “This was your best by far.”

“I thought you were very, very good indeed,” Simon said. “I also think tonight, tonight you look like a star, Kristy.”

7:32 p.m.

Our Lady Peace is one of the best bands to come from Canada. And Innocent is one of their best songs. So, it’s fitting that David Cook, one of the best finalists on Idol’s Season 7 would choose to cover the song. Of course, he did it well. It was a nice, smooth change of pace for David. That said, it wasn’t as great as his previous two weeks … but how do you top those performances?

“I’m a huge fan of yours,” Randy said. “… I’m not sure this was one of your strongest weeks right here.”

“Tonight was no exception of you being so good,” Paula said. “You are so well defined as being the whole package. You are it.”

“David, I didn’t like this performance very much at all,” Simon said. “I thought it was a teensy, weensy pompous.”

The Show Must Go On by Queen is Carly Smithson’s choice. The song certainly fits her style — unlike that wacky outfit she’s wearing tonight. But I digress. No, wait. I can’t stop with the crazy, shiny gold belt. This performance is passable, but I’m not sure it’s all that phenomenal. I do think it will be enough to get Carly through to the next round, but she may end up in the bottom three …

“It ended up OK,” Randy said. “It was just OK for me.”

“There’s something I’m actually going to agree with a little bit,” Paula said. “Your voice, as always, is pretty much pretty perfect. I just didn’t feel engaged with you.”

“Carly, you look good,” Simon said. What? Really? Um, the gold belt. Is anyone else seeing this?

“I thought it was an unusual choice of song tonight. … You did lose control of the song there at the end,” Simon said.

7:46 p.m.

It’s David Archuleta’s turn to take center stage. His inspirational song choice is Angels. I actually think this was a wise song choice for David, who takes to the piano, adding a little extra drama. It also is aging him a little bit. It seems sometimes, no, almost all the time, David is trying to perform as if he’s a much older performer. As far as the quality of tonight’s performance, it was vocally where it needed to be. While subtle, the overall performance was pretty incredible.

“You know what I loved about this performance … when you did that little refrain at the end, that’s the David Archuleta I love,” Randy said.

“Best song choice of the night,” Simon said. “I’m not going to say it was your best vocal, however. … David, I’m nitpicking here, because you are going to sail through to the next round.”

7:54 p.m.

Closing out the night is Brooke White. She’s going to perform Carole King’s You’ve Got a Friend. Tonight, Brooke is mixing it up and letting someone else handle the piano playing. This is an interesting, slightly slow, version of this song. It seems Brooke maybe slowed the tempo a little too much. Maybe that’s not it, but something just doesn’t seem quite right. The song almost seems unrecognizable, and not in a good way.  I’m a little bored with this one.

“For me, I don’t think it was your best performance,” Randy said.

“That song, I grew up to,” Paula said. “… I think it’s the perfect way to close the evening. Once again, you’re very definitive.”

“It was sort of like a pleasant walk in the park,” Simon said. “It was nice. Was it original? No. Was it pleasant? Yes.”

WHO GETS MY VOTE: It’s a tough one, but I think I may have to send this week’s honor over to David Archuleta, maybe? I actually thought Syesha Mercado provided another bright spot … but the Fantasia comparisons are going to be just a little too much for her.

WHO SHOULD GO: It maybe should be Jason Castro, based on tonight only. I definitely think Kristy Lee Cook earned her spot for one more week. But previous performances may not be forgotten.

American Idol, Brooke White, David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, Jason Castro

Carrie Underwood arrives Sunday at the Kodak Theatre for the taping of Idol Gives Back.

American Idol is a show about numbers, really. It’s about the 29.4 million — give or take — votes that are cast each week for the contestants. It’s about the three judges. The Top 24. Then 12. And the bottom three.

But it’s also about one other number — $76 million. If you don’t skip through the chatter on your DVR, you’ve heard Ryan Seacrest repeat the magic $76 million number week after week. That number, as you probably know, is how much producers claim was raised during last year’s Idol Gives Back effort.

The Idol charity organization played off the huge popularity of the show — and a red carpet full of celebrities — to help boost funding for nine poverty-related charities in the U.S. and Africa. Randy, Paula and Simon, as well as Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood and many others, made trips to different areas where the money was to be used.

But whatever happened to all that cash? And how much money has been used just to promote (and promote, again and again) this charity effort? It seems like overkill. (Click here to read a New York Times breakdown of the $76 million.)

Musicians including Underwood, Fergie, Sheila E., Annie Lennox, John Legend and many others arrived Sunday at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles for the taping of this year’s Idol Gives Back effort, which airs Wednesday. (If you remember from last year, this could mean nobody will be going home this week …)

While I’m a huge fan of the show, I probably won’t be giving back through Idol Gives Back. It’s not that I don’t believe in charity, I just don’t know how I feel about Idol directing me on how to spend my charitable giving. Plus, this show already has a great deal of influence on my life.

What about you? Will you be giving back? Do you wonder what happened to all that money?

American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson

Ramiele Malubay is comforted by host Ryan Seacrest on Wednesday after it was revealed she was voted off of American Idol.

It just as easily could have been Kristy Lee Cook. But it was Ramiele Malubay who was met with the end of the road this week on American Idol. So, why did the tiny contestant get the boot? I think it’s simple, really.

Even though she’s cute and charming — that was even more obvious as she wiped tears from her eyes last night — Ramiele just didn’t show up to play the game. She certainly has talent, or she never would have made it on the show.

I think Ramiele wasn’t helped by the fact she had to be locked into choosing songs from categories that just wouldn’t work for her voice. The truth is, talented or not, she doesn’t necessarily have the vocal flexibility of a seasoned singer. So choosing songs from the Beatles, or even Dolly Parton, just doesn’t work.

This isn’t an excuse, either. I think she may have faltered even if given a chance to sing whatever song her little heart desired. You could see that little bit of discomfort with each week’s performance. Ramiele seemed intimidated by the big ol’ Idol stage. And who wouldn’t be?

The truth of the matter is this: While Ramiele wasn’t my favorite contestant this season, I don’t think it will be too surprising if she eventually lands a solid record deal and makes a living at this gig. She’s been compared to former contestant Jasmine Trias, if for no other reason than race, and you should know she found post-Idol success.

So, good luck Ramiele. I’m sure you’ll do well with your cute little self. Oh, yeah, and we’ll see you on tour this summer.

American Idol, Ramiele Malubay, Jasmine Trias, Kristy Lee Cook

Ramiele Malubay was voted off of American Idol this week, leaving eight contestants to battle it out for the Season 7 title.

Last night I had a guest blogger, my friend Susan, sharing her thoughts on American Idol’s Top 9 contestants. Tonight, I’m back to share my thoughts on this week’s performances, which were mentored by Dolly Parton.

It was a great week for some — Michael Johns, Carly Smithson and Brooke White — and it was a little less exciting for others. Those others, including Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook, just didn’t hold up. If one of these two female contestants goes home tonight, it will be no surprise.

So, let’s see how your votes came out.

7:58 p.m.

Things are getting a little bit of an early start tonight. In line with the theme, the Top 9 contestants are presenting their group performance of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5. It’s a little less ridiculous, compared to other group performances … oh, wait. Yeah, if you’re watching, they did just gather around the judges as if they were in a high school show choir. Good grief.

8:04 p.m.

It’s time for the results. First up is Michael Johns, who had his best week to date, if you ask me. He actually proved why he was in this competition … and that’s been missing for me. To nobody’s surprise, he’s safe.

David Archuleta is up next. He, too, had one of his better weeks, at least in the last month. Obviously, he’s safe.

Now it’s Carly Smithson, who was one of my favorite singers from the night last night. It seemed she would be shown to the bottom three since she was the third contestant to hear her results tonight. But, rightfully so, Ryan sent her to safety.

8:14 p.m.

It’s time to take a few questions from fans calling into the show. Tonight’s questions are a little less interesting than in past weeks. What does Syesha miss about her home life? What other talent would David Cook want to have? Is there anyone Randy Jackson hasn’t worked with? Nothing too exciting, really.

Not only will Dolly Parton perform tonight, but the Clark Brothers also are taking the Idol stage after winning the FOX reality show The Next Great American Band. Their song choice, This Little Light of Mine, seems a little bizarre. Their entire performance is a far cry from what we’re used to hearing and see on this stage …

Now, back to the results.

There still are three spots left for the bottom three. Will David Cook take one of those spots? It’s no surprise, here, either. As it should be, David is safe.

Now it’s Ramiele Malubay’s turn. As it should be, she’s the first contestant to be sent to the bottom three. While she seems like a sweet girl, she just hasn’t hit her stride this season. I’m not sure what happened from Hollywood Week.

Kristy Lee Cook is prepared for her spot in the bottom three. Even though it was one of her better weeks, she still is headed to the bottom three. There’s no question she should be there.

8:29 p.m.

Idol returned to Nashville to see some past contestants that have gone on to make a career in country music. They caught up with Bucky Covington (Season 5) and Phil Stacey (Season 6). They also went to see rocker Bo Bice (Season 4), who credits Idol for his success.

“I’m just as proud to be a part of this alumni as can be,” Bice said.

There are just a few contestants left to find out the results. Up now is Syesha Mercado, who had a pretty good week with Dolly’s biggest song — I Will Always Love You. And the results? Syesha is safe.

That means it’s down to Brooke White and Jason Castro. Without question, Jason is the one who should round out this week’s bottom three. But that’s not how it’s going down. And wrongfully so. It’s at the point where the bottom three certainly could include some of the better contestants, but Brooke certainly has that little something different that’s really intriguing.

8:41 p.m.

Before Dolly performs or someone goes home, it’s time to promote Idol Gives Back, which begins next week. When it’s finally time for Dolly to take the stage, she performs Jesus & Gravity from her recent release, Backwoods Barbie. I’m not sure how she does it, but this woman continues to be an incredible entertainer, even at age 62. I can’t help but love me some Dolly Parton.

8:53 p.m.

Time is running out on tonight’s episode, and the journey has to end for someone. Randy thinks it will be Ramiele. Simon knows it won’t be Brooke.

The person going home tonight is … not going to be Brooke. She’s going back to safety, leaving her Idol roommates in the middle of the stage. Tonight, the journey ends for Ramiele Malubay. She just didn’t hit her stride past Hollywood Week. She certainly had a great start, but Ramiele quickly lost what it was that made her stand out in the beginning.

I’m not sure what happened — maybe it was the pressure — but I definitely think post-Idol, Ramiele will be able to record n album and make a music career for herself. Until then …

American Idol, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, Brooke White, Kristy Lee Cook, David Cook, Dolly Parton

American Idol’s Top 10 finalists — minus Chikezie — performed Dolly Parton hits tonight.

I’ve been a little busy today — OK, a lot busy … but more on that later — so I didn’t get to live blog. And I’m sad, because Dolly Parton is this week’s celebrity mentor.

And, even though I’m watching the show now, I’m having a guest blogger — my friend Susan — share her thoughts … and hopefully a few of my comments.

So, here we go:

Brooke White was up first tonight, performing Pardon’s “Jolene,” but only passably. Simon was perhaps a tad too harsh with his declaration that it was not good enough. I mean, clearly she’s one of the best contestants. It’s just sort of unnecessary to make her doubt herself.

Reed said David Cook’s performance was “kind of boring, I’m not gonna lie.” Cook performed “Little Sparrow” with his own arrangement. Before going on stage, he admitted his past weeks’ influences were other bands. That was a smart move. No one likes to see a performer take credit for other people’s work. One thing I think everyone can agree on is his new hairstyle. It’s better, right?

Itty bitty Ramiele Malubay belted out “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” I liked it more than the judges. Reed says that though he thinks this is the best performance she’s had on the show Malubay needs to go home. Oh, and Simon used the old cruise ship comparison when giving his opinion. Yeah, yeah.

Jason Castro picked a Dolly song I’m not terribly familiar with, “Traveling Through.” Sure, it was a bit Hanson-ey, but I kind of liked Hanson, so . . . yeah.

Carly Smithson knocked Reed’s socks off, but not all of the judges (Simon). I can’t believe Simon can listen to a performance as beautiful as Smithson’s and then pick on her for her outfit. Reed now says, “That was one of the top 10 best ‘Idol’ performances ever.”

David Archuleta, yeah, he was good. I just don’t like his sappy song choices. But, according to the judges, it was the best thing ever. I just don’t get it.

(Hey! Did you see Michael Kors in the crowd? He looked purple instead of orange. Weird . . . and awesome!)

Kristy Lee Cook should have rocked some Dolly, but she didn’t. Her rendition of “Coat of Many Colors” was “just not good,” according to Reed. Also not good, her fingernails. For the love of Sally Hansen, stop it with the half painted nails Kristy Lee!

So, Syesha Mercado fell into the trap that it seems happens almost every week. Look ladies, I don’t care if it’s Dolly week, you can’t do “I Will Always Love You” on Idol. Why? Because Whitney did it. You also cannot do Mariah or Christina. The judges will crucify you every time.

Michael Johns. Oh, Michael Johns. Michael Johns . . . how you doin? It certainly IS “Alright.” That’s all I’ve got to say. Oh, and Reed now admits that Johns is “good.”

My work here is done.

David Hernandez auditioned for a role in the production of Rent, which runs through Sept. 7 at the Nederlander Theater in New York.

The American Idol Season 7 finalist most known for his stripping past now is turning to an obvious place to jump-start his post-Idol career — Broadway.

David Hernandez auditioned for producers of the hit Broadway show Rent with hopes of landing the leading role of Roger. Rumor has it he didn’t land that spot, but the show’s team is looking at hiring him as a supporting cast member. That would probably be a smart move for the show, which has drawn on Idol stars to fill out its cast in the past.

Frenchie Davis has starred in the show, and Tamyra Gray currently plays the role of Mimi on the Broadway stage. Rent was expected to close June 1 on Broadway after 5,012 performances and 16 previews, but producers now plan to extend its run through Sept. 7. The show has been playing at the Nederlander Theater and is the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history.

American Idol, David Hernandez, Frenchie Davis, Tamyra Gray

Singer Natasha Bedingfield was in the audience at Wednesday’s American Idol results show. She is just one of many celebrities who appear to be fans of the FOX reality hit series.

Earlier this year, Jim Carrey took over the American Idol stage. It was all part of a staged promotion for the film Horton Hears A Who.

It’s also pretty common for other FOX-affiliated programs to have their stars sitting in the audience, particularly when the show is scheduled to follow the Idol broadcast. Just this week Brad Garrett was present. But what about those other stars that are sprinkled in the first few rows?

In the earliest seasons of the show, the camera would pan the audience, spot a celebrity, and flash their name on the screen. Sometimes Ryan Seacrest would even point them out, even if they didn’t have a FOX affiliation. These days, that’s not the case — but the celebrities still arrive.

This week, alone, singer Natasha Bedingfield and actress Sara Ramirez were among those shown in the audience for a split second. Bedingfield was in the audience for the results show, while Ramirez, star of Grey’s Anatomy, enjoyed (or maybe didn’t enjoy) Tuesday’s performances from the Top 10 finalists.

I think it’s interesting these stars stop by the show. And I think it proves the point that stars are just like us, too. They not only breathe the same air as we do, but they also have a slightly shameful (or, perhaps, not) obsession with American Idol.

Next week we get to see at least one more celebrity on the Idol set — Dolly Parton. The country music legend will serve as this season’s first celebrity mentor. Earlier this year, Parton said she wouldn’t judge the contestants … but we’ll see.

American Idol, Dolly Parton, Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Ramirez, Jim Carrey

Chikezie Eze performs after being eliminated Wednesday night from American Idol Season 7.

It’s a case of too little, too late. There’s no way Chikezie Eze was going to last much longer on American Idol. He just didn’t have the following. Or anything that was really interesting enough to set him apart from the pack.

From early on, Chikezie battled to even make it into the Top 24. I was surprised he made it to the Top 12. He just didn’t have a breakout performance. Ever.

Recently, though, the singer did start showing the hidden talent that obviously got him this far. A couple of weeks ago, he mixed things up with a performance of She’s A Woman. And he put a little bluegrass spin on it. It was, without a doubt, his best showing all season long. The last couple of weeks were not as painful as the earlier weeks, but it really was too late. Someone had to go, and it made sense it would be him.

Contestants like Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook escaped the bottom three because they have something about them — call it the “it” factor if you must — that makes them really stand out in the minds of Idol voters. So, when they don’t have a strong week, America feels for them and dials in to save them for just one more week. Chikezie didn’t have that going in his favor, which is why his run ended this week.

Chikezie will be known as the contestant with the toughest name to say (at least for Simon) in the history of the show. Other than that, his success may fade at the end of this summer’s American Idols Live tour. Then, again, he may surprise us all …

American Idol, Chikezie Eze, Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay

If I had to say right now, Ramiele Malubay may be saying “goodbye” tonight on American Idol. But who knows? We’re about to find out at the end of the hour … so, let’s get to it.

8:06 p.m.

It’s time for the results. First up is Chikezie Eze. He’s in the bottom three, which is no big surprise.

Now for Brooke White. And she’s safe. As is Carly Smithson. No real surprises here …

8:22 p.m.

David Archuleta, who had a tough night last night is up. He, too, is safe. As is the other David, David Cook.

Now, it’s Syesha Mercado’s turn. She didn’t have the strongest night, and she joins Chikezie in this week’s bottom three.

So, what about Michael Johns? Not too surprising (though a little disappointing to me), he’s safe.

8:29 p.m.

And we’re back. Tonight’s questions from America include wanting to know if Chikezie is single (yes) and why David Archuleta chose the song he did this week. (”I just love it.”)

Now, it’s the moment I’ve been waiting for since I found out she was going to be back on the show. Bring on Kimberley Locke! She’s been busy losing weight, opening a restaurant and, of course, recording music.

Tonight on the Idol stage, she is wearing a special dress made by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano.

As always, Kimberley looks quite comfortable in her element. Her rendition of Fall, from the CD Based on a True Story, is even more incredible than it is on the album.

8:43 p.m.

There’s one spot left in the bottom three, and I’m still betting it’s going to be filled by Ramiele Malubay — it should be, at least. But I’m not the only one who votes, so let’s see …

We’re about to find out. Because it’s Ramiele’s turn, which probably means she’ll be safe. Her rendition of Alone last night was weak, even though she was sick. But she’s safe.

That means it’s down to Jason Castro and Kristy Lee Cook. It will be no huge surprise if Kristy ends up in the final three … and welcome to that big surprise I suggested last night. Jason joins Syesha and Chikezie to round out the bottom three.

Jason isn’t spending much time in the bottom three. Ryan quickly sends him back to the safety, which also is no huge surprise. So, why did he end up there, anyway? As I said last night, some fans are going to be power voters for those contestants they feel are in danger — people like Ramiele — and they’re not going to remember to vote for those other contestants they like … Jason, for example.

8:54 p.m.

Chikezie Eze was eliminated tonight from the American Idol Top 10.

Here we are, again. It’s down to Chikezie and Syesha, and the Top 10 is about to become the Top 9. After the judges squabble a little bit … the contestant going home tonight is … Chikezie. His time to leave was weeks ago, but he was starting to make a decent comeback.

At least as far as these two contestants are concerned, America definitely got it right. But that’s just my opinion. What about you?

American Idol, Chikezie Eze, Kimberley Locke, Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro

Tonight, they’ll sing songs from the year they were born. It should be a good night for American Idol. At least they’re not going for, yet, another week of Beatles songs. That really hasn’t worked for some of them.

7:04 p.m.

Ramiele Malubay

First up is Ramiele Malubay singing one of my personal favorite songs of all time — Heart’s Alone. It’s going to be a tough performance for Ramiele — born in 1986 — since the song is so well associated with Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who knocked it out of the park during her season. Ramiele did an OK job, but not good enough. She completely struggled on the high notes, making it seem a little too karaoke.

“It wasn’t the right song choice for you,” Randy said. “… It was a little pitchy, all over the place.”

“I’m really glad America has heard you sing and how big your voice is,” Paula said.

“I don’t think it was as bad as Randy said,” Simon said. “… The truth is, Ramiele, after what you sang last week … then you’re going to get through, again, this week on that performance. No question about it.”

7:12 p.m.

Jason Castro

Not only is Jason Castro celebrating the year of his birth, but he also is celebrating his actual birthday tonight. He chose Sting’s Fragile as the song from 1987 (I’m feeling super old right now) to represent his birth year. Even though it’s his birthday, I have to say Jason is continuing to slip a little bit in this competition. Tonight is no exception. I’m not sure what’s going on, but maybe he’s a little too focused on turning 21 and not on his performance. Not that it was terrible, I just think it could have been better.

“That was a very good choice of song,” Randy said. “I thought it was alright. … I’m still waiting to see that jump out vocal performance.”

“I think you’re staying true to who you are,” Paula said. “I agree, I don’t think we saw anything different.”

“Jason, I think you’ve had two bad weeks,” Simon said. “And I think it’s time you start taking this a little more seriously. … Everything about it was too laid back.”

Syesha Mercado

Now it’s Syesha Mercado’s turn. She also was born in 1987, and her song choice to celebrate her birth year is If I Were Your Woman. OK, now this is the Syesha I was praising early on this season. After a bit of a comeback last week, Syesha really proves this week why she’s still around. This is, without question, her best performance since cracking the Top 24.

“You know this is great, man,” Randy said. “… I think this is the best I’ve ever heard you sing, including when you auditioned.”

“What’s great about this performance, Syesha, is this is going to be the moment where everybody remembers Syesha flipped it,” Paula said. “… Everything was pitch perfect.”

“Syesha, it was definitely the best so far, but we’re only three in,” Simon said. “I think there is a limit on your vocal, and I think that song stretched it.”

7:27 p.m.

Chikezie Eze

Chikezie grew up singing in a home surrounded by Nigerian music. Tonight, he celebrates the year of his birth with a performance of If Only for One Night. While he said he was a little nervous about singing another ballad, Chikezie is delivering what I would say is one of his better performances. Then, again, he’s had a rocky year for me. But tonight, he’s doing quite well. Will he win? Not a chance. But this showing certainly could help him rebound and make it back for at least one more week.

“I didn’t love this for you,” Randy said. “It was just kind of boring for me, dawg.”

“I think you did a great job,” Paula said.

“Chikezie, I think you sang it well,” Simon said. “Having said that, I thought the performance, actually, was very cheesy.” (Um, Chikezie is cheesy? That’s almost too easy.)

7:39 p.m.

Brooke White

She was born in 1983, and it wasn’t all that long after that when Brooke White started playing the piano. Tonight, she’ll be playing the piano for a performance of Every Breath You Take by the Police. Um, uh oh. Brooke restarted the song just two notes into it. Could that goof up be a problem for the singer? Maybe. The bigger problem likely will be the fact her performance tonight is a little bland and not all that special. It certainly won’t be remembered — unless people talk about the fact she had to start over after the first couple of notes, and that certainly is possible. Definitely not Brooke’s best showing at all.

“Very interesting song choice,” Randy said. “… I almost would have loved it if you would have stayed without the band.”

“I enjoyed this performance so much more than last week’s,” Paula said. “… We always want contestants that are unique and have their own voice. And you do.”

“Brooke, I totally agree with Randy,” Simon said. “If you would have stayed just you on the piano, that would have sounded much more cool. … Definitely good enough to keep you in for another week, but you’ve just got to work this out.”

7:49 p.m.

Michael Johns

Michael Johns is up. He was born in 1978, and tonight he sings We Will Rock You from Queen. OK, so for those of you still holding on to the fact you think Michael deserves to be in this competition, I give you this performance as further evidence I just don’t get it. This is a complete mess, if you ask me. It’s screamy — and not in a good rock ‘n’ roll way — and he’s all over the place. But the audience is screaming, so who knows?

“Finally, finally you believe in yourself and you use that big old voice,” Randy said. “That was the best performance, for me, since you’ve been on this show.”

“This was your moment, your shining moment,” Paula said.

“Michael, this is the first time with you I saw star potential,” Simon said. “… Tonight, you just got it right.”

OK, so maybe I have a mental block against the Aussie. I promise I don’t have anything against people from Down Under. Hmmm.

Carly Smithson

Carly Smithson was born in 1983 in, as you should know by now, it was in Ireland. Tonight, she celebrates her birth year with a great classic — Total Eclipse of the Heart. If the judges think Michael Johns found his place, this song certainly is a perfect fit for Carly. While I think she came in a split second late in a couple of places, I definitely am glad to see Carly performing this type of songs.

“Very interesting song choice for me,” Randy said. “I like it, I didn’t love it.”

“You probably could take every song I’m not crazy about but make me a believer and go buy it,” Paula said.

“Carly, something didn’t quite work,” Simon said. “… I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I was going to enjoy it. … Something didn’t quite work there.”

8:03 p.m.

David Archuleta

David Archuleta is missing school while being on Idol. It could mean he will miss his prom. Awww. Little David. Tonight he celebrates his birth year, 1990 — um, yeah. So, what song did he choose? It’s You’re the Voice, an odd song choice if you ask me. (Do you think his dad, Jeff, screamed at him before the show to sing this song? I think he may have picked this song … and it’s not the best choice.) While the performance is sufficient, it felt a little too much like a Michael W. Smith concert from 1990, and that’s not how you win Idol — even if you are favored to win. I just didn’t get this song choice.

“It was a strange song choice for me … but it proves, once again, if you can sing, you can sing whatever,” Randy said.

“I think all of us was trying to figure that one out,” Paula said.

“I actually didn’t like the performance at all,” Simon said. “I thought it was reminiscent of a theme park performance.”

8:14 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook

Kristy Lee Cook’s year of birth is 1984. Tonight she sings the Lee Greenwood hit God Bless the USA. It may seem like an odd song choice at first, but I actually think it’s one of the best moves Kristy has made this season. It’s definitely a country song, and it works well with her voice. Plus, the patriotic card? That never hurts. The song isn’t a huge challenge, but she handled it well. This is the kind of stuff Kristy can sing and not be out of her vocal league. Will America be impressed? There’s no telling, really.

“Great song choice,” Randy said. “I thought it was a very nice performance from you.”

“It was a good choice, a very good choice for you,” Paula said. “… Your voice is sounding much stronger. You’re growing.”

“Kristy, your best performance by a mile, I think,” Simon said. “I have to say, that was the most clever song choice I have heard in years.”

8:21 p.m.

David Cook

Closing out the night is David Cook. This rocker on the rise could give David Archuleta a run for his money when it comes to stealing America’s hearts. He was born in 1982, and he’s been rocking the guitar for most of those years. Tonight, he performs Billie Jean, but not in the style of Michael Jackson. This, in fact, was another brilliant move by David. His rendition tonight really shows off his edgy rock voice, and the song is recognizable. And, just like the patriotic rule, that always helps contestants. But, when it comes right down to it, David really is the best contestant in the competition at this point. There’s no question about it.

“David Cook, I gotta say, you’re probably the most original, the most bold contestant we’ve ever had,” Randy said. “… You might be the one to win the whole lot. Hot. Blazing, molten hot.”

“You do it right to the edge without going over,” Paula said. “I think you’re brilliant.”

“David, that was brave,” Simon said. “… I have to tell you, it was amazing.”

WHO GETS MY VOTE: His first name is David. But his last name isn’t Archuleta. David Cook proved, once again, he has more to offer than anyone else in the competition. Even the youngest member of the group can’t stand up to this kind of talent.

WHO SHOULD GO: This is a tough call, but I think Ramiele Malubay — being sick or not — really struggled more than anyone. She just hasn’t pulled together a really memorable performance yet in the finals. That being said, this could be a really interesting week. This week’s elimination may surprise us all, especially considering a couple of the weaker contestants had a strong week … and the mid-level singers didn’t all show their best. Now isn’t the time to just get by. So, don’t be too surprised if you see someone like Jason Castro or Brooke White in the bottom three.

American Idol, David Cook, David Archuleta, Chikezie Eze, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Ramiele Malubay

On Wednesday night’s elimination episode, American Idol alum Kimberley Locke will make her return to the Idol stage. And she’ll be wearing a special dress designed by none other than Project Runway’s most recent winner, Christian Siriano.

Siriano, 21, sailed through most every round of competition to become Runway’s Season 4 winning designer. Since he took the title, he has been busy making appearance around the country. He also recently made an appearance on Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel.

Locke, who finished in third place — behind winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken — on Season 2 of Idol, released her latest recording, Based on a True Story, in 2007.

Kristy Lee Cook, now a Top 10 finalist on American Idol, once was signed to a contract with Britney Spears’ production company.

Britney Spears, fresh off of a great performance on How I Met Your Mother, seems to be making the rounds with all of the finalists this season on American Idol.

Spears, who became a pop superstar after her time as a Mouseketeer, was the one to sign Top 10 finalist Kristy Lee Cook to a recording contract when the Idol contestant was 17. Cook was the first artist signed to Britney’s production company. And Britney even promised to help Cook out by appearing in her debut video.

But, in 2003, Cook asked to be released from her contract to work toward other musical interests. Of course, those interests didn’t really amount to much … until now.

Earlier this season, it was announced Top 24 Idol finalist Robbie Carrico, who allegedly dated Miss Spears for a short period of time in the late 1990s. And, while Britney really didn’t have anything to do with her, contestant Kady Malloy did her best work behind the scenes with spot-on Britney impersonations.

I guess it’s only a matter of time before we find out Jason Castro’s dreads actually are made with the hair Britney shaved from her head last year … or maybe not.

American Idol, Britney Spears, Kady Malloy, Robbie Carrico, Kristy Lee Cook

David Archuleta

David Archuleta is becoming a household name, thanks to American Idol. But as a finalist, he committed one of the biggest sins during his performance of We Can Work It Out — he forgot the lyrics. And even though they gave him a slap on the wrist, the Idol judges really didn’t scold him the way they have done to other contestants in the past.

Now people are blaming David’s dad, Jeff, who apparently yelled at him, bringing him to tears, just before the show. It seems Jeff Archuleta, 40, was a little worried about his son’s talent matching his performance when it came time for the live performance. Of course, the judges still brushed it under the rug and excused it because David’s just a kid.

The truth is, they wouldn’t have given that kind of wiggle room to other teens in the competition — Do you think Jordin Sparks would have gotten that kind of treatment this early in the finals? Looking back, teenagers John Stevens and Kevin Covais certainly didn’t get any free passes just because they were younger than some of the others in the competition.

Then, again, maybe those teenagers didn’t have a parent yelling at them from the sidelines. Or maybe they did.

According to an Us Weekly report, Idol coach Debra Byrd is quoted as saying the stage mom and dad idea may not be all that new to the show.

“I mean, nobody said anything about Jordin Spark’s mom or grandmother, or Diana DeGarmo, or John Stevens’ mom. I could go on and on,” Byrd said. “He’s just a concerned parent like any of the other Idol parents.”

American Idol, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Kevin Covais, Diana DeGarmo, John Stevens