America Finally Eliminates Ramiele Malubay from American Idol

Goodbye, Ramiele Malubay, goodbye. She avoided the chopping block on American Idol for probably longer than she should have. Looks like Ramiele's lack-luster performances finally overpowered her cute little voice and stylish highlighted hair. Tuesday night's attempt at a Dolly Parton song sealed the deal for American Idol voters.

Though Ramiele Malubay had proven in the past that she has a powerful voice and a good range, her problem was that her song choices during recent weeks had not been showcasing her abilities at all. Her reviews from the judges we continually unenthusiastic (especially Simon's), which always has a large influence on the American Idol voters.

But here is the main dilemma - out of all the American Idol contestants left, was Raimiele Malubay really the next contestant who deserved to go home next? In my opinion, no! The next to go should definitely have been Kristy Lee Cook. It must be some kind of record now how many times Kristy Lee Cook has been in the bottom three, but still has managed to escape elimination. I can't figure out what it is that keeps her hanging on week after week. Kristy Lee Cook gets the same negative criticism from the judges that all of the other previously-eliminated American Idol contestants received. Yet she keeps watching all of the other talented singers around her go home...

The difference between Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook is that Ramiele has proven her talent. There were times during the audition phase and during Hollywood week that Ramiele simply amazed me with her capabilities of quality tone, singing right on key, impressive song deliverance, and overall good stage presence. Unfortunately that seemed to go away once Ramiele hit the "big stage," but at least we all know she's capable of it. With Kristy Lee, we've just never seen that. She's sang a few good songs, squeezed her way through Hollywood week, and has been hanging on by on a thread every since. If Kristy Lee has any "super talent" hidden away in there, she better start showing it now. Now that the American voters have really started to narrow the talent down, she has little hope of making it through next week.

I did enjoy Ramiele Malubay's poise as she sung her goodbye song last night. I don't think I've seen anyone else compose themselves quite as well after bawling their eyes out seconds before. Way to go, Ramiele...and maybe we'll see you again in the future someday...or maybe not.