American Idol, February 23: Four on the Floor

There are still two more eliminations to go. Is it going to be the second-lowest vote-getters or is there another surprise in store for us?

Those ladies who were safe earlier, the top row, are no longer safe. That’s Aloha, Jessica, Vonzell, Amanda, Sarah, and Celena.

Aloha is safe.

Jessica is safe.

Vonzell is safe

Amanda, Sarah, and Celena are left. Sarah Mather is eliminated!

Randy says it wasn’t her best and you have to do every performance like it’s your last. Paula says they spoke, she’s a beautiful performer, and she just chose the wrong song. Simon says in previous years she would have done well, and hopes she picks herself up, because "it’s not the end of the road for you." It was the song.

Sarah, who was stung after her critiques last night, now has to sing her way to the electric chair. Clearly dejected, she does "Get Ready" (now is good time to mention "Get Ready" was performed by the Temptations, so that was Eddie Kendrick on lead vocals {Paula!} not Smokey Robinson like I said before. Thanks for the heads up!) as well as anyone can expect. It’s good television, people! Eye-roll.

Now, for the second man to go.

The men of the bottom row are told they did all the work last time, so it’s up to the men in the top row now. So those men – Anwar, Joe, David, Bo, Mario, and Scott – are no longer safe. The top row’s men join Ryan in the middle of the stage. No one is in a hurry to get there.

On either side of Ryan is Mario and Scott. Both are safe.

Next are Bo and David. Both are safe.

Finally, Anwar and Joe. Both are safe. (Huh?) Confused faces all around.

Ryan, with an expression on his face that says he clearly doesn’t want to do this, turns to Judd and says he is eliminated! That’s a shocker!

Ryan asks Judd if he’s shocked. Judd says all he can do is put it out there and see what happens.

Randy says the competition is tough this year, Judd worked it out but it wasn’t good enough, he guesses. Paula says the guys are really strong, and she hates Wednesdays. Simon says he is not surprised, it’s the first time America saw him and he doesn’t think Judd presented himself the right way, and he feels sorry for Judd. (Simon? Feel sorry?) I know I feel sorry for Judd, that was the meanest elimination I've ever seen!

To his credit, Judd manages to get a reasonably energetic "Traveling Band" out, though his heart must be in his shoes.

So, tonight, we lost Sarah Mather, Melinda Lira, Jared Yates, and Judd Harris. I was two out of four. Wow. What a night! Next week, we do it all again. Can you handle it? Refill that blood pressure prescription and meet me here Monday!

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for many 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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