American Idol 2, February 12: This Year's Model

The judges have been imploring the contestants to raise their games. Last night, we saw Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke (who last year would have been considered too big to be viable contestants) step to the challenge. Will America agree? But, before we talk about who made the top ten, we have to address two disqualifications in the last week or so. One, I am disappointed by.

Jaered Andrews, who we barely got a glimpse of , was disqualified for being part of a group. I can see where this could cause some contractual nightmares. It was better to let Jaered go now.

However, in the case of Frenchie Davis, who you have surely heard was disqualified this week (though not from Fox or the producers, who have been rather mum about it), was let go because she has allegedly appeared topless on a website and appeared to be masturbating. The story I get is that she did it to earn some money to go back to college. Well, I don't think she committed a capital crime. And, this is the real world, sometimes the ends justifies the means. American Idol's chosen loss is America's gain. We will be hearing from Frenchie Davis again. Bank on that.

Now, it's time to see what America decided. If you recall, I predicted...

Who I think should advance:

1. Ruben Studdard

2. Clay Aiken

And, who I think will advance:

1. Ruben Studdard

2. Kimberley Locke

As the show begins, Ryan welcomes us to the show. A shot of the judges shows Simon is on a television screen, via satellite obviously. Hmmm...

Ryan and Simon trade insults that you don't care about.

We get a recap of last night's performances, which I have detailed for your reading pleasure previously.

Then, Ryan tells us that there was a viewing party for this group of eight at the Fox lot. They got some cool American Idol merchandise (we see a poster of Simon and a duffel bag).

Ryan says that Kimberley Locke's little verbal repartee with Simon has inspired a poll. Is Simon sexy or does he suck? Are they that hard-up to fill a half hour?

Finally, to business. Simon, why aren't you here? Simon says he is in New York and that's all he can say. Ryan doesn't press him. (What could be more important than the show paying him a couple million? Something heavy must be up... I smell a story. If you know it, tell me!)

Ryan goes to each contestant, all fidgeting on the red couch, and reminds them of the judges comments. And, tells them whether they were among the top three vote getters.

Jennifer Fuentes - did not make the Top 3. She cried immediately, Candice Coleman put her arms around her.

Candice Coleman - did not make the Top 3. She looked like she knew already, and didn't seem terribly bothered by it.

Ruben Studdard - eyes closed, nervous as hell, made the Top 3! It's nice to see some humility.

Rebecca Bond - so beautiful, so poised, did not make the Top 3.

Clay Aiken - many pee jokes were made about Clay regarding his nervousness. He did make the top 3!

Jacob John - a former Pick to Click until he kissed copious ass, did not make the Top 3. He's cute. Yes, I said it. He is cute. I daresay we haven't seen the last of him, either. I would bet he has an outside shot at the wildcard.

That leaves Hadas and Kimberley. Commercial break. Breathe in, breathe out.

Hadas - whose performance of "You Light Up My Life" did not instantly kill me, which means she was pretty good. Did not make the Top 3.

Which means Kimberly Locke made the Top 3. (I hate to be a killjoy, but as much as I like the couch treatment for these shows, if the producers make you sit top left, you should start doing the happy dance right away!)