American Idol: Double Elimination This Week

Having sung Elvis songs for this week's competitions, some American Idol contestants soared while others flopped. Adam Lambert mentored Idol contestants this week offering them honest advice to improve performances and showmanship. And many of them did just that.

Ryan Seacrest opened the American Idol show by reporting that over 34 million votes were received, the highest number of votes this season. Seacrest introduced the American Idol judges, referring to Simon Cowell as "psycho Simon Cowell."

American Idol Top 9 Group Performance

Then, American Idol Top 9 contestants performed a medley of Elvis classics. Crystal Bowersox opened the performance with "Hunk a Hunk a Burnin' Love". Siobhan Magnus helped her out, as did Katie Stevens. Then, the Idol guys came bopping down the spiral staircase in the middle of the stage as they sang back-up for the ladies.

The next song in the medley was "Teddy Bear," with Tim Urban leading the song. Aaron Kelly joined in. Next, Michael Lynche sang, then Lee Dewyze. Quite unexpectedly, There was some very nice harmony by the guys.

The Idol contestants continued the Elvis medley with, "Return to Sender." Andrew Garcia led the pack in this segment of the medley. It was surprising to see how comfortable several American Idol contestants appeared, especially Siobhan Magnus, Crystal Bowersox, and Tim Urban. "Viva Las Vegas" completed the medley.

Ford Commercial--American Idol Top 9 Contestants

Next on American Idol was a Ford Fiesta music video with the Top 9 American Idol contestants. The group sang, "Light and Day/Reach for the Sun."

Ryan Seacrest and the First Result-Who's Going Home?

Seacrest asked Casey James, Aaron Kelly, and Andrew Garcia to stand. He lined them up. Seacrest recapped their performances, including American Idol judges' remarks. Seacrest quickly announced Andrew Garcia is going home.

Garcia sang, "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison. The other Idol contestants hugged him. Garcia commented, "I appreciate everything. I'm glad I'm here. Love you guys."

Seacrest Announces the Upcoming "Idol Gives Back" Show

Seacrest reminds viewers the "Idol Gives Back" show is next week. Viewers were encouraged to visit the Idol Gives Back website to see items for auction to raise money for charity. Seacrest cued a video of Elliott Yamin and Fantasia Barrino in Angola, Africa on a charity mission. Another video with Yamin with Kara DioGuardo, also in Angola, Africa, was shown. Primitive conditions in which the African orphans lived were shown. Yamin and DioGuardo discussed the new "malaria-proof" dormitory being built to house the children.

The tape showed endearing scenes with Yamin and DioGuardo playing and dancing with African children. Idol Gives Back is raising money for this mission, along with furnishing thousands of mosquito bed nets to Africans. Idol Gives Back will star the Black-eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck , Joss Stone, Sir Elton John, and other performers. Can't wait.

American Idol: Brooke White and Justin Gaston Performance

Next, American Idol Season 7 contestant, Brooke White and Justin Gaston, a finalist from Nashville Star, sang a duet. Gaston stars in a web series, "If I can Dream." Twenty years old, he's an underwear model. Gaston reportedly dated Miley Cyrus in the past (Ledger-Enquirer website). In White and Gaston's performance of "If I Can Dream," White played piano and Gaston played guitar. The performance was boring--definitely not great.

American Idol Results Show: Back to Who's Going Home

Seacrest directed the American Idol contestants seated in the bottom row to join him on stage--Tim Urban, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche, Katie Stevens, Siobhan Magnus, and Lee Dewyze. Seacrest reviewed their performances.

Seacrest then said Bowersox and Magnus were "safe." Seacrest mentioned Dewyze had sung the song that Chris Daughtry sang the week he was eliminated a couple of seasons ago. Fortunately, Dewyze was safe. Not surprising, given how great his performance of "A Little Less Conversation" was the night before.

Left with Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, and Katie Stevens, Seacrest switched gears and announced Alisha Keys will be a song mentor in the coming weeks on American Idol. Interesting, this writer suggested Keys would be an excellent judge in an article found at this link.

American Idol Results Show: Adam Lambert Performance

"What Do You Want From Me" is Adam Lambert's new song. He performed it on a dark stage, his silhouette appearing with a background of colored lights. Just when you thought the song was slow and dragging, the beat picked up. Then, the fantastic laser light show garnered attention.

In typical Lambert style, he won us over with the big performance and some signature wails. Looking dramatic, Lambert donned a sparkling earphone in his left ear and wore a shiny silver lamee jacket. Huge rings wrapped his fingers. Talk about stage presence. The audience screamed and clapped for more.

Afterward, Seacrest commented, "Now that's a performance!"

American Idol Results Show: Who Else Is Going Home?

Seacrest sends Tim Urban back to safety. Down to Michael Lynche and Katie Stevens. Seacrest announces one of them wasn't in the bottom 3 this week. Then, Seacrest says Katie Stevens is leaving. Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus began to cry immediately. Stevens said being on American Idol was an "amazing experience." She sang "Let It Be." Frankly, it was the best performance by Stevens this writer has observed all season.

The judges had sober looks and seemed genuinely sad for Stevens' exit. Then, tapes of Garcia's and Stevens' American Idol journeys were shown. It was sad to see them go, but the voters decided.

Next Week's Show: American Idol

Seacrest reminded the audience that next week will be inspirational songs and Idol Gives Back. And we will all tune in for more American Idol. Who will go next time?

Sources

American Idol Television Show

American Idol Website

Ledger-Enquirer website