'American Idol' Fans Say Goodbye to Ashthon Jones

Over 30 million votes were cast, and America decided on March 10, 2011, that it was Ashthon's time to leave "American Idol." The decision came as no surprise.

Ryan Seacrest announced that Casey Abrams had landed in the hospital once again, reportedly due to a bleeding ulcer. Let's hope the stress doesn't wreak havoc with his health and ultimately keep him out of the competition.

The results show wasn't as dramatic as usual-no complaints here. Generally, Seacrest asks for the lights to be dimmed and then calls the singers to center stage in pairs or groups. He typically is on the verge of telling them who advances another week and who heads for the dreaded "bottom 3 stools" ...but instead they break for a commercial. Each of the contestants goes through the drill-but not tonight.

Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone and Karen Rodriguez were the first to be called front and center. Ryan said, "You're all moving on," then-in what seemed like an afterthought-he added, "Except Karen." For a split second, I'm sure Karen thought she was safe.

The next trio to face the music included Lauren Alaina, Ashthon Jones and Haley Reinhart. Lauren was very emotional, fearing her performance the night before had earned her a ticket out. Ryan gave her a quick reprieve, telling her she was safe. In another strange twist, he said, "Ashthon, you're in the bottom 3." Another afterthought: "Haley, you are too."

That was it. The other 7 contestants avoided sweating it out. I would have been surprised if Ashthon and Karen Rodriguez hadn't landed in the bottom three. What did take me back was when Haley Reinhart did. I thought her performance on Wednesday was her best yet, revealing her talent.

Up until the top 5 show, there is one "save" that can be used by the judges, if they unanimously agree to keep the ousted contestant on board. In trying to persuade them to use the save on her, Ashthon opted to sing the Diana Ross song she had performed the night before, When You Tell Me That You Love Me. She had a tough time with the song, going off-key often. I can't imagine singing under all that pressure, and it apparently got to her.

Adam Lambert, no stranger to the Idol stage, was back to perform an acoustic version of "Aftermath." The lyrics to the song are in response to the recent surge in teen suicides, and Adam's own struggles with identity. Part of the proceeds of the Billboard remix will go toward the Trevor Project, determined to end suicides among LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) youth.

P Diddy also performed, and advised the contestants, "Never give up your dream."

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"American Idol" can be seen on Wednesday and Thursday at 8pmET on FOX.