And then there were 4 (American Idol results)
(aired 4/30/08)
We start off with the group number as usual, a combo of Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue, and Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show. How did Little David get the Brother Love solo? Okay, well, I guess they did throw a bone to More Mature David. There’s also some fancy choreography wherein the girls get up and go sit on the other side of each guy. Inventive. Overall, the number is low on energy and in too low a key for some of them.
Ryan stops in the audience to talk to Idol alumni Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen, who are promoting their hosting gig on American Idol Extra, after which he breezes past a slightly disappointed-looking Ace Young. Sorry, Ace.
The Idol producers have evidently decided to address Paulagate only briefly by having Ryan reaffirm everyone’s love for the befuddled judge. I am personally not a conspiracy theorist and, in fact, choose to be as uncynical as possible regarding manipulation of the results, supposed scripting, etc. by the powers that be. But according to what I’ve read and heard, this flap may be of sufficient importance to Idol’s reputation as to merit a more thorough response. Well, let’s just move on.
Jason Castro is called to the stage. He answers a question from Ryan about his past performances quite smoothly and intelligently. He’s getting better at this interview thing. And yes! he’s in the top four. Cool.
Next is David Archuleta. Paula wants him to show more joy onstage. And she knows joy. Ryan tells him he’s safe. He is acting surprised again.
Ryan calls David Cook, who appears to be taking it as a bad sign that he was called up third out of five when the first two were safe. He is honest in admitting that he thinks Paula’s gushing praise might have been the kiss o’ death. His answers to Ryan’s questions are always candid but diplomatic. I like that. As expected, he’s safe.
So that means Brooke White and Syesha Mercado are the bottom two. Ryan recaps their songs and critiques. Syesha admits song choice has been tough. Actually, it’s pretty amazing she’s still around considering some of the stinkers she’s picked. Brooke says she kicked into happy, grateful mode last night. Uh-oh, when that switch flipped for Carly, she went home. However, Ryan sends them to the couch temporarily. It’s okay with Brooke: “We’ll stay as long as we can.” I do like her sense of humor.
Natasha Bedingfield is here to perform “Pocketful of Sunshine.” She’s a better singer than I realized. Excellent performance. Ryan makes like he’s going to have Simon critique her. I was kind of wondering what he would have said about it. But it’s just a fake-out.
Call-in segment time, blah, blah, blah. The unfortunate recipient of Simon’s first kiss (at age 9) is one of the callers. It’s the first time this part of the show has been even mildly amusing, in my opinion.
The Ford music video is “Catch the Wind,” and it’s far less frenetic than the last few.
Finally, it’s time for Neil Diamond. He’s singing “Pretty Amazing Grace.” It’s hard to believe the man is 67 years old. He sounds as good as ever. His mother is in the audience. He has some kind words and advice for the contestants. A class act, that man.
Brooke and Syesha are still waiting. Ryan calls them to center stage. And without further ado, leaving us tonight is … Brooke White. She cries even harder than Alaina Whitaker at being eliminated.
Thus ends one of Idol’s most memorable journeys. And with it Burke’s hopes of having correctly predicted the winner right after the auditions. Well, he came a lot closer than the cats and and I did (natashiablachandrobbiecarrico—ahem). Who? Yeah. Well, at least Brooke’s departure widens the gap between the humans and the cats as far as season predictions go. See the OVERALL STANDINGS in the left sidebar. Bunny … out.
SCORES
Bunny: 1 out of 1
Right about Brooke White
(Bunny’s Bomb: 0 out of 1)
Burke: 1 out of 1
Right about Brooke White
(Burke’s Turkey: 1 out of 1)
Prognosticats: 0 out of 1
Wrong about Jason Castro
(Prognosticats’ Hairball: 0 out of 1)