American Idol 4, March 30: When You Least Expect It, Expect It!

Based on the email I get, there are a lot of you who, like me, will be watching tonight’s elimination with some anxiety. This is probably the best Top Ten in American Idol’s history. Saying goodbye to any of them is going to be tough. We’re not usually faced with this kind of angst until the top five or so! So, what happens?

Ryan welcomes us, and tells us another record has been broken in votes – 32.5 million, the highest in a non-finale episode! We get a recap of last night’s performances, which you can check out in detail, right here.

Next, there are our Idols singing "Everything Is Beautiful," the third of three songs for you to vote on. Either it, "When You Say You Love Me" or "He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother" will be released as a single to benefit the Red Cross. I think "Everything Is Beautiful" is a lock. Everyone, and I mean, everyone sounded wonderful performing it! Of course, you can go to idolonfox.com to cast your ballot. Beware of hanging chads.

Suddenly, there is a commercial, with our Idols as muppets, singing "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That)." Okay, that was cute.

Yesterday, I predicted that Jessica will make her second visit to the bottom three, Anwar his first, and Scott’s time is done. Am I right? Let’s see. Results!

Nikko - is safe!

Constantine - is safe!

Carrie - is safe!

Bo - is safe!

Nadia - in the bottom 3. (What?)

Jessica - in the bottom 3

Scott - is safe! (Whoa!)

Anwar, Vonzell, and Anthony get their results together. Ryan reminds us that last week, it was these same three getting their results together. Last time, it was Anthony in the bottom three, but this time: in the bottom is... not Anthony. It is Anwar Robinson! (Audience makes confused noise.)

Ryan asks Simon if anyone safe on the couch deserves to be in the bottom three. Simon says directly, he would trade Nadia for Scott. Ryan asks Jessica if she was prepared to be in the bottom 3. She says no, she gave her best performance and what happens happens. Ryan reminds Nadia that she was in the bottom three last week, but tonight she is safe! Back to the couch! (Whew!)

Jessica and Anwar are left smiling graciously, but clearly nervous. Jessica just did not ignite last night with a pretty lame song choice considering all the stuff she could have chosen for 90's week. Anwar is in a slump, and was flat out exposed by Randy and Simon last night, discussing the problems with his lower register that, frankly, he has almost always shown!

Personally, I think Anwar has too big a fan base to go anywhere. Jessica has been able to shake the "other blonde girl" syndrome with Carrie around. At least not yet. Uh-oh, Jessica.

Randy is asked who would he save? Randy said he would save both, because this is a weird week when two of the better singers are in the bottom three. Randy says it’s a singing competition, not a beauty contest. Hmmm. Paula agrees with him, and that people must remember to vote for who they like.

Without further ado, Jessica Sierra is informed she is going home. Time for the funeral video. Then Jessica does a respectable job of singing us home, though she is clearly disappointed. And, I am trying to pick my jaw up off the floor. I really thought it would be Scott! But, if I’m being honest, if I could bear to lose anyone right now, it was probably Jessica. Good luck to her in all she does.

Not easy! Nadia in the bottom three? Does she have that much ground to make up for one week? Anwar has some work to do, but he’s capable of it.

What happens now??? Let’s find out together next week.

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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