American Idol

Who will go tonight? Americans cast more than 45 million votes this week, but someone still has to leave.

“I think people are still a little confused, but hopefully not,” Randy said, referring to the fact tonight’s elimination could be a shocker, as it often has been in the past.

Past eliminations during this week have included Tamyra Gray, Joshua Gracin, LaToya London, Anthony Federov and Chris Daughtry. Not a bad spot to be if you consider some of these people’s post-”Idol” careers.

Before the elimination, of course, there are performances. Producers have to fill the hour somehow, right? First up, Pink.

Pink is said to have planned performing “U + Ur Hand” tonight, but producers wanted her to change the lyrics to make it more family friendly. Instead, she performed “Who Knew.” On a side note, Pink is amazing in concert. If any of the “Idol” finalists can bring that much energy to a live show, then they deserve the success Pink has enjoyed.

Finally, on to the results.

With the group huddled in the center of the stage, Ryan recaps the judges’ comments from Tuesday night. LaKisha. Melinda. Blake. And Jordin.

“Jordin, after the nationwide vote, you are safe,” Ryan says, sending the lone teen left in the competition to the couches.

Before any more results … it’s time for a performance from Barry Gibb. I can’t even begin …

Now, back to the results.

With little hesitation, Melinda is sent to safety.

“I don’t know, but I could make a guess,” Simon said. “… I think LaKisha is going to go home.”

Before anyone is sent home, Paula must give them both a boost and hold back a few tears.

“After the vote, over 45 million votes, Blake, you are safe,” Ryan said.

That means Flint, Mich., native LaKisha Jones is the next to go.

“Thank you,” LaKisha said, waving to the studio audience.

I have to say, I’m a little sad to see LaKisha go. It’s at the point in the competition where I really don’t care who wins. They all deserve it, and you can bet they’ll all make something of themselves beyond the show.

After wiping away a few tears, LaKisha is forced to sing “Stayin’ Alive.” Instead, I wish she could have relived her Jennifer Holiday performance. That performance alone kept this girl “Stayin’ Alive” for this long, and it certainly won’t hurt her in the future.

I’m guessing you’ll be hearing about LaKisha joining a Broadway cast or two in the coming years. That definitely wouldn’t be a bad thing. After all, plenty of other “Idol” castoffs have found themselves in New York for the very same reason.

American Idol, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, Jordin Sparks, Barry Gibb, Pink, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell