American Idol Season 9: First to Go Home

Twenty-four million voters decided the fate of four American Idol hopefuls on Thursday, February 25th. The twelve girls had performed on Tuesday night and generally did a good job. The twelve guys left a lot to be desired in their Wednesday night performances.

Four of the contestants are now moving on to new ventures. What I still don't understand is why they ask the booted contestants to sing right after they've given them the bad news. Is it American Idol's rendition of "falling off a horse and getting right back on"?

First Two American Idol Season 9 Girls Are Sent Home

After the usual American Idol drama, the first pair of top twelve girls to be on the hot seat consisted of Janell Wheeler and Katie Stevens. Janell got her walking papers. Of the pair, Janell did deserve to leave; however, I don't think she belonged in the bottom two. I expected to see Lacey Brown in that spot. Perhaps American Idol viewers wanted to give Lacey another chance since it's her second stab at American Idol? Janell accepted the disappointing news graciously. She seemed to expect it. Her vocals were a little better than they had been Tuesday, since she wasn't quite as nervous...but they were far from spot-on.

Ashley Rodriguez and Didi Benani were the next pair to weather the suspense. As it should have been, Ashley was sent home. She seemed to be attempting to hold back tears...maybe that's why she came across as flippant. Listening to her final song, it was clear why she had been one of the bottom two.

First Two American Idol Season 9 Guys Are Sent Home

Tim Urban and Joe Muñoz were the first pair of top twelve guys to be on pins and needles. I fully expected American Idol viewers to be bidding Tim goodbye; however, Joe was the one to leave. There were other guys, Jermaine for example, who would have made more sense in the bottom two. Joe made a positive, graceful exit.

Next on the American Idol hot seat were retro rocker Tyler Grady and nineteen year old Alex Lambert. Surprisingly, Alex is staying and Tyler is leaving. Due to Alex's nerves Wednesday night, his performance was shaky at best. He was terrified...and looked the part. Tyler felt he didn't get enough constructive criticism from the judges. What's that they say about not burning your bridges?

The highlight of the evening was Kris Allen's rendition of "Let It Be". Proceeds from iPod downloads will go to Haiti victims. Having recently visited Haiti, Kris belted out the tribute from the heart.

The top ten American Idol girls will be performing on Tuesday, March 2^nd. The top ten guys follow on Thursday, March 3^rd.