American Idol

Sanjaya Malakar finally goes home.

A performance from mentor Martina McBride. A performance from Fergie. An elimination — possibly a surprising one — and who knows what else. It’s all coming up in the next hour. So, who will be going home?

Before we get too far, though, let’s clear things up. Simon Cowell, certainly, didn’t disrespect the folks at Virginia Tech. After an explanation of his side, a tape of the eye rolling incident was shown in the correct context. See, Simon isn’t a completely heartless man.

Now, on to the rest of the show.

The first guest performance (after one of those dreadful group numbers) is Fergie singing her “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” It’s interesting to have so many guest performers this season. Even though the result is longer, drawn-out results shows, it does give fans another reason to tune in on Wednesday nights.

So, it’s time for the results. No. Wait. Another promotion for “Idol Gives Back.”

This time Ryan promises a duet that “you’ll have to see to believe.” I know I shouldn’t be so hard on this charity effort, but something just doesn’t quite add up. I am intrigued by the surprise duet. Will it involve Michael Jackson? Mariah Carey? Any of the other rumored guest stars? Hmm. I guess we’ll see.

Now, down to the elimination.

Two groups. One will have the highest number of votes.

Sanjaya Malakar goes to the right.

Phil Stacey goes to the left.

Jordin Sparks joins Phil.

LaKisha Jones visits Sanjaya.

Blake Lewis? He joins LaKisha and Sanjaya.

Chris goes to side with Phil and Jordin.

The person left is Melinda. And she’s the first to be given safety.

Of course, in true “Idol” fashion, she is asked to pick the group that is also safe. It’s a tough choice, and it’s not really nice to make the nice girl choose sides. But, instead, she takes a seat in the middle of the stage. Smart move, Melinda.

In a definite shocker, Phil, Chris and Jordin are safe. Well, OK. It’s not a complete shock. I am surprised to see Blake Lewis in the bottom three. Melinda and Sanjaya, though. Not at all.

So, who’s going home? I’m actually freaking out in anticipation. It looks like we’ll find out … after the break.

Of course, there’s more stalling. And a performance from mentor Martina McBride. She seemed to dedicate it to the “Idol” finalists, as she kept looking their direction during the performance. It seems like McBride really may have made a connection with the finalists.

Now, back to this week’s elimination. First, one will go back to safety. And that person is Blake Lewis.

Leaving tonight is Sanjaya Malakar. Finally!

COMING TOMORROW: Why LaKisha was in the bottom two. And more on finally seeing Sanjaya gone. HOORAY!

American Idol, Fergie, Martina McBride, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Sanjaya Malakar, Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson, Jordin Sparks