Michael Sarver's American Idol Dream Ended Tonight

Michael Sarver's dream to win this season's American Idol ended tonight. After a record 36,000,000 votes, more than any other past top 10 show, America decided that it was the end of the road for Michael Sarver. After last night's performances, most fans expected Megan Joy to be in the bottom three after the criticism she receive for her performance of For Once In My Life. And, many fans thought she might be going home tonight, but they were wrong. Tonight's bottom three came as a surprise as Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud joined Michael on stage. Scott was the first contestant sent back to his seat, leaving Michael and Matt as the bottom two. It came as shock to see Matt in the bottom two after his brilliant and soulful performance last night of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On especially after being called one of the front runners this season by Simon. Since the new rule of the judges save is still place, Michael had one final to chance to sing Ain't Too Proud To Beg. The judges deliberated during his performance and Simon, once again, delivered the bad news to Michael that he was going home. Michael will be back and going on tour with the other contestants for this summer's American Idol Tour.

It was interesting to watch the Top 10 perform a Motown medley for the group performance tonight especially after an Idol spokesperson admitted earlier today that the contestants lip sync this group song and dance number using their pre-recorded track of the songs. It appeared that this segment was taped in advance this week rather than performed live. There were flashbacks to original clips of Motown Records, Diana Ross and Supremes and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles throughout the performance. The contestants were wearing the same outfits, but it appeared that it might have been filmed and edited prior to tonight's show.

After Michael's elimination tonight, there are nine remaining contestants, three girls and six guys. The guys appear to be the top contenders in the competition with Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai and Kris Allen leading the way. Allison Ireheta is proving to be the top female contender.

Tonight's show was packed with guest stars and performances by Season Two Idol winner Ruben Studdard, Stevie Wonder singing a medley of his Motown hits, and Smokey Robinson and Joss Stone singing You're The One For Me.