Tuesday's Andrew Lloyd Webber Night seemed to bring out the best in some American Idol contestants (Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson, for example) and the worst in others (like Brooke White and Jason Castro). Would that make any difference in Wednesday's (April 23) results? Hint: No.

8:58 p.m. Now I get it. The reason Back to You wasn't funny was the actress playing the daughter. No? Well, she's been abruptly recast in the clumsiest manner imaginable. No time to discuss, though... Idol is on.

8:59 p.m. ET. Was last night one of our most dramatic shows yet? Ryan Seacrest tells me it was and he only occasionally lies to me.

9:00 p.m. At least 38 million votes were cast last night, justifying Ryan's contention that however the votes went, it isn't his fault.

9:01 p.m. Ryan caps off his introduction of the judges by kissing Simon on the head, bewildering the judge, even after he explains that it meant nothing. Easy for Ryan to say. The Simon/Ryan 'shippers will have a field day.

9:02 p.m. Tonight's Group Sing, accompanied by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano, is "All I Ask of You." That means that three of the seven Webber songs sung over two night were from Phantom of the Opera and none were from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As a result, readers will hear no stories about what a brilliant Gad I played (or how acceptable and mediocre I later was as Joseph and Pharaoh, respectively). This was, incidentally, a wretched Group Sing choice, since it was never designed to be sung by an ensemble and it ends up being meek and mopey.

9:07 p.m. The Idol Tour will kick off in Arizona, probably in front of a half-empty stadium at this rate.

9:08 p.m. Again, Ryan repeats his contention about the alleged drama of last night's show. I know he's making a "drama=theatre" joke, but the most dramatic part of last night show was Brooke White's second mulligan of the season, part of her bid to become to American Idol what Nate Robinson is to NBA Slam Dunk competitions. Robinson can at least use being a dwarf as an excuse. Brooke's got nothing.

9:10 p.m. Since Webber isn't likely to break into song on the Idol stage, he sits down for a chat with Ryan, explaining the alchemy that comes from performing for three different levels of live audiences. Just as he was last night, Webber is smart and understanding. I'd say we could have Webber replace Randy next season, but then who would inform us that if you can sing, you can sing anything?

9:12 p.m. With Brooke looking on with an expression that yelps, "Do we really need to be talking about this again?" Ryan calls last night's boo-boo a unique occurrence on the Idol stage and gets Webber not only to say that it happens to the best of performers but also to offer testimony that in rehearsals Brooke was perfect. I'm confused as to why Ryan's ignoring that not only was Brooke's restart not unique for the series, but it wasn't unique for this season or for this contestant. Webber may be right that restarts can happen to everybody, but on American Idol, they seem to only happen to America's Nanny.

9:15 p.m. Look, it's not like I want to be piling on Brooke, but if this episode is just going to be a Brooke White Pity Party, what choice do I have?

9:17 p.m. After the judges' savage reactions to Danny Noriega's camp-tastic rendition of "Tainted Love," it's a little funny to see the song pop up in a glam-flavored Ford commercial. David Cook and Carly Smithson are most believably glam. Brooke? Not-so-much.

9:19 p.m. The Idol Gives Back figure stands at $65 million, $11 million less than last year, but still pretty good. I know this because President George W. Bush tells me so.

9:22 p.m. It's time to assign contestants to either the Divan of Destiny and or Satan's Stools. Ryan starts by calling out The Davids, who will doubtlessly be starring in an A&E reality season in around five years. Since just about everybody in America thinks that we're heading for a David vs. David Top Two, they're only asked to suffer through a couple minutes of inane banter before being sent to safety.

9:27 p.m. Which Idol veterans can you catch on The Great White Way? Diana DeGarmo! Tamyra Gray! Fantasia! It's typical that Tamyra's current run in Rent is acknowledged, while Frenchie Davis, a long-time Rent staple, is ignored. Clay Aiken has an album coming out soon, so he's decided temporarily to remember his Idol roots and take viewers on a backstage tour of Spamalot. How do we feel about Clay referring to himself in first-person plural?

9:30 p.m. Winner of the third season of England's The X Factor, Leona Lewis drops by to remind viewers that winners of talent shows like this one (though not necessarily this one in particular) can still find success on the domestic album charts. Paula quite enjoys Lewis' pyrotechnic display.

9:35 p.m. The next pair called out to battle suspense are Brooke and Syesha Mercado. That means several more mentions of Brooke's Blunder, countered cruelly with praise for Syesha's solid Tuesday performance. Both Brooke and Syesha are differently incredulous when Ryan says that The Nanny is safe.

9:38 p.m. Paula says that a "ginormous" fan base has kept Brooke around and that Syesha should be accustomed to her position in the Kristy Lee Cook Bottom Three Stool. Syesha appears to be justifiably annoyed.

9:43 p.m. Well, Carly and Jason Castro are up. Since Carly's performance was positively received and Clifford the Muppet's was torn to shreds, I can only assume that America decided to vote for Jason. Forced to relived the judges' insults, Jason just smiles blankly, squints and stammers.

9:45 p.m. Indeed, as feared, Jason is safe. Simon explains that Jason's charm and Brooke's humanity kept them safe. I guess those are valid substitutes for singing well.

9:46 p.m. Carly and Syesha will now both get to sing again, which is OK because they were both pretty good last night. Maybe America voted for Jason and Brooke to avoid hearing them sing Andrew Lloyd Webber ever again?

9:51 p.m. Syesha's encore is excellent and she ends with a "What else do I have to do, America?" shrug.

9:55 p.m. Who's staying and who's going? Randy's shocked, calling it "a bit of a popularity week in the vote." Paula says she's never seen more "relaxation and joy."

9:56 p.m. Carly's going home. Was she punished for shouting? For not knowing all of the lyrics to her Tuesday song? Being not being an American? Having a prior professional career? Just because I don't think she should be leaving this week doesn't mean Carly was ever going to win. We're just spinning our wheels at this point.

9:58 p.m. Simon apologizes for praising Carly last night, but graciously tells her she can leave with her head held high. Paula tries to babble something and everybody tries to shut her up.

9:59 p.m. If American Idol were actually a singing competition, tonight's results would really get my goat. But we know it isn't. If week-to-week performances had any relation to audience voting, tonight's results would feel wrong. But we know they don't. If the order-of-elimination made any difference who in the weeks leading up to the David-on-David American Idol finale, I might rant for a few seconds. But we know it doesn't. It just doesn't matter. It just doesn't matter.

10:00 p.m. Next week? Neil Diamond. I can't wait.

Pleased with this week's results? Disappointed? Or does it just not matter?

And follow all of our coverage over at Zap2it's Guide to American Idol.

Comments

IMO Carly and Syesha were the two best performances last night and the two strongest females vocally. Brooke and Jason should've been in the bottom with Brooke going home but with 'Vote for the Worst' behind Brooke and Jason coming off two strong weeks I can't say I'm really surprised that AI is officially a popularity contest. In saying that Carly and Syesha will be more sucessful outside of AI than Brooke or Jason. I'll wait until the Davids hit the Kodac Theatre before I watch again!

Carly you rock and I can't wait for your album!

Talei | Apr 23, 2008 7:40:32 PM | #

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It's become clear that it doesn't matter who votes, who wins, who stinks, who's great, or who gets voted off. This show is a way for the Idol record executives to mold their musicians into the public's buying hands.

| Apr 23, 2008 7:53:03 PM | #

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I'm so sad that Carl is gone. I fully expected to see her up there with the 2 Davids at the end. I'm just not sure if anyone really wants to win at this point. I doubt David C will be happy being told what and how to sing and I think 'lil David just wishes he could go home, go to prom, and stop all the neg comments about his dad. And Carly seemed completely fine with her dismissal...really, does it do any good to actually win AI or is it just good publicity to make the top 10?

Mitzi | Apr 23, 2008 7:58:12 PM | #

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I just lost repect for the American voters, and AI for letting it happen. We all know that Brooke and Jason should have been in the bottom two, with Brooke going home. Even with the missed words, Carly was still better than Brooke, hands down. What a rip off, but we also know it will be the Davids going head to head. What a true disappointment I really liked hearing Carly sing...But her choice in men...well whatever.

Jim from Tampa | Apr 23, 2008 8:04:24 PM | #

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Carly and Syesha in the bottom two-and Carly going home-America doesn't know how to vote in this competition. Wish it were a SINGING competition, instead of a popularity competition. Carly was my favorite, and I am deeply saddened and troubled to see her go so early-even though I wasn't expecting her to win it all, I thought she'd win 3rd place. *Sigh* Well, I love you Carly, and I'll definitely buy your album when it comes out! You have such a gorgeous and powerful voice!

Anonymous | Apr 23, 2008 8:11:42 PM | #

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Has Jason Castro been lobotomized? He has a strange blankness about him.

Weon | Apr 23, 2008 8:22:38 PM | #

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Isn't the title in itself a spoiler (as the pictures usually are)? Why not put a group shot on the main page (since now it's 50/50 whether it's a spoiler or not)...thanks for ruining it for me

ae | Apr 23, 2008 8:59:40 PM | #

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Well I am really glad that you don't write any sports stories Dan, cuz his name is Nate Robinson. How did you even know that he was in the dunk contest? Anyway, Carly has an exceptionally better voice than Brooke or Jason, but I was starting to get sick of her "are you serious I am safe" scream attacks evertime she is declared safe. I won't miss those. Jason is horrible. Even worse than Brooke in my opinion. He takes seven breaths for every sentence he sings. And he looks funny.

Clark | Apr 23, 2008 9:17:26 PM | #

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The Divan of Destiny!!!!!1!

Daisy Buchanan | Apr 23, 2008 9:25:34 PM | #

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What were Ryan and Carly talking about when they cut to them?

Bryan | Apr 23, 2008 9:34:17 PM | #

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Clark - Nate Robertson is an uber-mediocre starting pitcher for the Tigers. Nate Robinson is a dunking dwarf for the Knicks who wasted an endless amount of time starting a restarting increasingly less impressive dunks at the Slam Dunk competition two years (three years?) back. You really don't need to worry about my knowledge of sports. You can absolutely worry about my ability to type, or about the congnitive disconnect between my brain and my fingers...

It's fixed, in any case.

-Daniel

Daniel | Apr 23, 2008 9:37:26 PM | #

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It is really too bad that americans vote on popularity instead of talent. And allow anyone under 18years old to vote. Brooke should of been gone 6 weeks ago, and Jason rite behind her!

susan | Apr 23, 2008 10:00:26 PM | #

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Just looking at the contestants that are left, I think that this has to be least versatile group on Idol, ever.

Jason | Apr 23, 2008 10:08:55 PM | #

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This gets more disappointing every year. Sanjaya lives... he just answers to Jason now. Blech.

Lea | Apr 23, 2008 10:15:18 PM | #

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I was just happy they didn't do the call in questions. That was a victory in itself.

Jen | Apr 23, 2008 10:45:37 PM | #

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I think that you have to 'like' the singer in order to 'like' the song.
So I don't think AI is an popularity contest. I think it is a singing contest and the viewers vote for who they like to hear sing.
Carly screams, I'm sorry but she does. Syesha didn't have a personality until Tuesday night. If Jason is singing a song that suits him, he does fine.
I LOVE Brooke! I think she sings from the heart and is a beautiful person inside and out.
I think the viewers did the right thing tonight.

Lily | Apr 23, 2008 10:56:41 PM | #

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Daniel,
Where's the love, joy and happiness over the lack of Questions from our home viewers???????

Michelle | Apr 23, 2008 10:58:28 PM | #

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Jason is just ridiculous, but I remember when I was 13 I thought the stoner boys were cool too. It isn't hard to tell who's voting. I'm sad that Carly was the one to go.

:( | Apr 23, 2008 11:42:12 PM | #

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WTF?? What is going on here? Last week Brooke was great but was in the bottom three, and this week was just so-so and is completely safe! And how does Jason stay alive after singing Memory? It wasn't really his song! And Carly did a really good job on Jesus Christ Superstar, but gets elliminated?! I sometimes wonder if people are dialing the wrong numbers! I guess it's time for me to vote. As long as the two Davids reach the final. Let's see how tough Neil Diamond is. Who's going to sing Sweet Caroline?

Shaun | Apr 24, 2008 12:00:59 AM | #

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Now with Carly going home after her best performance and Syesha being in the bottom two after her best performance, nothing this season matters because David Cook(Yay) and David Archuleta(Boo) will be in the finale. It kills me that Brooke and Jason are still there what have done this whole show seriously giving off the same performances week after week after week and sucking in the process. I fear next week because it will be immensly boring, of course this year is more boring than ever. Considering that they 2 songs a piece next week, you can guarantee we going to get the same boring ass performances we've come to expect from David A., Brooke, and Jason. This is the most f***** up season ever.

Nina | Apr 24, 2008 2:05:28 AM | #

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If American Idol were actually a singing competition, tonight's results would really get my goat. But we know it isn't. If week-to-week performances had any relation to audience voting, tonight's results would feel wrong. But we know they don't. If the order-of-elimination made any difference who in the weeks leading up to the David-on-David American Idol finale, I might rant for a few seconds. But we know it doesn't. It just doesn't matter. It just doesn't matter.

Well said.

Rishi | Apr 24, 2008 2:26:43 AM | #

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I am still pretty darn miffed at America! The whole popularity contest is driving me insane! Carly Smithson was by far the best vocalist of the bunch. She sang way better than Brooke White and Jason Castro, as did Syesha. I think Jason Castro is pretty ridiculous. You've got to show that you're versatile and he really could not pull off the serious vocals in songs. Although I did not expect Carly to win, I thought she'd at least make it into the Top 4, with Jason and Brooke eliminated. Carly's got the most amazing voice and personality and she didn't regret a thing! That's the kind of idol America should have!

I hope this'll help re-jumpstart her singing career! LOVE YOU CARLY!

>:( | Apr 24, 2008 3:04:26 AM | #

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Here's the thing. All the Vote for the Worst people are dancing around because they've had a bullseye on Carly Smithson since this season started, grumbling about how Carly had a prior recording contract with a major label, and how Randy Jackson was the A&R person at the label when Carly was there, currently creating what would appear to be a major conflict of interest this season. Brooke, meanwhile, has transmogrified from the innocent "America's Nanny" to someone who's actually vulnerable and fragile on stage, with the VFTW crew contemplating what form of medicine she needs to take to prevent her from completely collapsing on stage in a sobbing, quivering heap.

My feeling? AI callers aren't voting for the best performnces, per se. They're either voting because their favorite is in danger, or not voting because they think their favorite is safe. Voters don't have this "I loved that performance, I'm going to call that 1-866-IDOLS number until my fingers fall off," instead they have this "Hokey smokes, Jason Castro might go home tonight because of that godawful performance, if I don't call like crazy he's going to take his dreads and go home."

Chuck Miller | Apr 24, 2008 3:24:03 AM | #

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WHY IS JASON CASTRO STILL IN THIS THING?!

Oh right, because the majority of the votes come from moronic teen girls...

Sean | Apr 24, 2008 3:31:50 AM | #

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I'd thought of the remaining "talent", Carly would have made it to the top 3.

Brooke was unforgivably bland, and Jason Castro continues to show how thin and extremely limited his already weak voice really is. Either of them deserved to go home before Carly.

It appears that people see something in half-retard, pothead, muppet-looking Jason Castro and they keep voting for him. It sure as heck isn't talent, as Tuesday night showed. What is it about his filthy-looking hair, his glazed-over, strange pothead faces and expressions, and stupid gold chain that people like?

Susan | Apr 24, 2008 3:36:53 AM | #

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I will miss Carly's incredible voice and presence on the show. She is an amazing talent. I only hope she goes the way of the Jennifer Hudsons and the Chris Daughtrys of AI past, and sees much greater success outside the limited creative constraints of the American Idol pop machine.

Ryan | Apr 24, 2008 3:44:54 AM | #

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Ding dong, the ringer's dead!

Hey Talei, why are you waiting on Carly's album, when she already had one out and it flopped majorly (flopped so bad, yet it was recorded TWICE).

Maybe people are too blinded by the gaudy disgusting coloring of the graphitti on her arm to notice all her lies. Bad enough was last week with her "dream come true" meeting with someone she already met years ago, was last night her taking full credit for changing over to "Jesus Christ Superstar" when we ALL saw Weber was the one who came up with the switch.

Go back to the Blarney Stone, ya two time loser.

Frank Rook | Apr 24, 2008 3:57:36 AM | #

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Vocally, I think Syesha was the best of the girls left; Carly did well last night but hasn't had a really strong vocal week since "Come Together". Yes, America got it wrong if its based on performances. But strangely enough, for the most part, the strong singers from the show, as last night's Broadway clip shows, wind up with careers of some sort one way or another, even if they aren't burning up the charts. Jen H., Chris Daughtry, Elliot Y, blah, blah, while Taylor Hicks or Reuben, who? (Yeah, Reuben's had albums, but I don't see em in the stores). Me? though I have to suffer through Jason and Brooke some more, I'm just glad we might have a guy win this year who might have a career on the charts like Kelly and Carrie do. Darn sure better than Reuben and Taylor at any rate.

John | Apr 24, 2008 4:25:10 AM | #

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HIP HIP HOORAY! Finally, Carly is gone. We dont have to look at her fat a##, or her nasty tatoo anymore. And we dont have to listen to her whining, there is a GOD!

I laughed when Paula said 'this is only the beginning for you"; HA! she tried this before, MCA wasted $2m on her and she sold 374 copies of her single. I'm so glad we wont have to hear her again.

GOOD RIDDANCE!

Bea | Apr 24, 2008 5:02:18 AM | #

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Goodbye, Carly. You have a great and powerful voice and will be a success with the right album and some decent marketing.
I am no longer surprised at voting results after all the crazy things that have happened over the years, but I am disappointed in the AI voters, and hope they'll wise up and get rid of Jason and Brooke ASAP. They would make a great zombie couple, wouldn't they?

Suze | Apr 24, 2008 5:07:55 AM | #

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Last week KLC gave a great performance and she got the boot.

This week Carly's was one of her best and she's gone.

But the Nanny and the Muppet are still around?

I think people should be allowed one vote.

This really is a Sangya (sp) season.

Those 2 should have gonde a while ago.

| Apr 24, 2008 5:20:26 AM | #

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If I recap what I saw on Tuesday: Brooke messed up, once again, the begginning of her song and her vocals were weak, Jason was completly unable to sing his song, David A. served us, once again, his usual oh so unsurprising "look I'm so deep" ballad with no stage presence while changing the middle of the song so much I failed to recognize it at that point, and the two strongest performances ended up it the bottom... Safe to say AI is not a talent competition base on all those evidences. That, or (and?) America knows not a lot about music and singing.

Mitch | Apr 24, 2008 5:30:14 AM | #

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Syesha is same old, same old. Archie is same old, same old. Jason may not have the best voice, but he gives us variety, etc. Carly was good. Brooke is very good, she could be another Carole King in this generation and why not? David Cook is the best! Every performance he gives is exciting! David Cook, even when it's not the best song, does what he can with it ... as does Brooke and Jason. Archie just stands there ... every single time, nothing new, nothing exciting. He is boring! Syesha should have went home and Archie should have been in the bottom as well.

But you know what people? It's not up to us and it never has been. The producers, Fox, etc., make the choices, not you. Call all you want ... it doesn't count. The phone companies are the only ones that your calls and texts count for.

RRN | Apr 24, 2008 5:38:28 AM | #

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Brooke & Jason were safe because they are likeable people who performed poorly,a nd their fans figured they had to call to keep them safe. Had Syesha given a mediocre performance she would have gone home, but she did good enough this week that the fans gave her one more chance. Carly's fans thought she was safe, but song choice was also a factor. Superstar can sound like an offensive song if people don't know the context.

JT | Apr 24, 2008 5:41:43 AM | #

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I am so happy Carly is gone. She couldn't sing. She screamed. She shouted. I could never detect any melody when she sang. I would never buy her CD, and apparently, no one else will either.

Kathy | Apr 24, 2008 5:42:56 AM | #

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This is, and always has been, nothing more than a popularity contest. I like Jason and Brooke. They seem like very cool people, but we are not here to vote for the coolest people. We are here to vote for the best singers, and they aren't it.

I'm done. This has become nothing more than a vote for prom king and queen.

Carly and Michael will both find fame in the Rock circuit, just like Kelly Pickler found fame on the country circuit. David Cook will make it big just like Chris Daughtry. Ayesha will find fame on Broadway or in movies just like Jennifer Hudson. Being the American Idol no longer means anything.

Pete | Apr 24, 2008 6:00:23 AM | #

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Listen. Did everyone who is soo upset with the results vote? Probably not. Do Syesha or Carly have any bit of personaility besides coming off as annoying and slightly stuck up? No. Brooke White is my favorite. I love her voice and her personaility. She had a bad week, it doesn't change the fact that I find her voice MUCH more interesting and entertaining than either Syesha or Carly. Get over it or vote yourself.

Colby | Apr 24, 2008 6:15:18 AM | #

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Nanny and the Muppet. Sounds like a new comedy on the CWs fall schedule.

spud | Apr 24, 2008 6:21:24 AM | #

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"We are here to vote for the best singers, and they aren't it". Boo-hoo. Cry me a river. I for one and thrilled that they booted the shrieking Irish lass. What the world does not need is another bombastic Bonnie Tyler-Celine Dion clone. So what if she can sing! Haven't you heard about all the millions of dollars in promotion that went into her first album that resulted in about 250 units sold? And while her desperation was understandable in a way, it was also not very pleasant. If you're unhappy go watch Broadway Idol instead.

vncntdl | Apr 24, 2008 6:29:49 AM | #

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I AM AN IDIOT WITH NO TASTE IN MUSIC

Frank Rook | Apr 24, 2008 6:32:36 AM | #

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I'm not all that bright either.....

Bea | Apr 24, 2008 6:33:20 AM | #

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I prefer elevator music anyway...

Kathy | Apr 24, 2008 6:34:41 AM | #

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I'm just bitter - Can't help it I just am.

vncntdl | Apr 24, 2008 6:35:59 AM | #

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Please -- we knew that she was toast when they started showing her husband in full light -- did you notice him? Mr. Tatoo-Face-Man. ack! Some scary stuff there. I heard the bus start up right there and then...

(Add that to the fact that she had her $2m contract/chance, she's got her own ugly tatoo, she's got bad teeth, she's not american enough to be an american idol, and all she did was sceam at me...

oh yea, I forgot one -- she was singing for Simon -- not engaging the audience one bit.

Wendy O'C | Apr 24, 2008 6:44:13 AM | #

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The reason Carly is gone is twofold: First, A.I. viewers voting has been slightly skewed towards eliminating "foreigners" (Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Chikezie) plus, on top of that. Carly was talked into choosing "Jesus Christ Superstar" as her song by Lord Andrew, which is perceived as the most blasphemous number in a blasphemous show. In a year when Kristy Lee managed to stay on the show long after her sell-by date by pandering to middle America, questioning Jesus' divinity was not the way to go, unless she just didn't care is she continued to next week.

John H | Apr 24, 2008 6:52:29 AM | #

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Remember that your appreciation of each singer is subjective. I liked Carly at the beginning but she screams far too much and I couldn't believe the praise she got from the judges for this week's performance. I asked hubby if they heard what we heard because I thought it was horrendous. I predicted she'd go tonight and I was right. I also think Brooke should go. And yes, I did remember this is not the first time she had to restart a song. And a David vs David finale is not set in stone, there are always those "shocking" eliminations. Peace.

Ellie | Apr 24, 2008 7:02:17 AM | #

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By the way, has anyone else noticed that facially. Brooke looks just like the cartoon Wendy on the hamburger commercials?

John H | Apr 24, 2008 7:10:00 AM | #

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It's actually not even a popularity contest. It's a phone dialing competition. How many people can hit redial 400 times in two hours?

As for Carly, good riddance. She had a decent voice, but screeched like a banshee on the high notes. Highly unpolished.

Michael | Apr 24, 2008 7:11:17 AM | #

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Some bitter people on here. Carly was a great singer, she will be missed.

Jay | Apr 24, 2008 7:11:32 AM | #

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DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD! YAY!

Mitch | Apr 24, 2008 7:12:07 AM | #

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I loved the shot of Jason yawning when he was backstage waiting to hear his fate! How could you NOT vote for this guy! Gotta love him!

Sue | Apr 24, 2008 7:13:15 AM | #

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Competition has to be fixed. I voted over and over again for Carly, Syesha and David C.
Carly's line was busier than Syesha's and about equal to David C.'s busy signals. I voted for over an hour and a half and I only got through 5 times. There's somthing wrong here.
I don't care if she's Irish, had a failed album already, has tatoos and a tatooed husband....none of that matters. The girl could sing circles around Brooke and especially Jason Castro. Carly and Syesha should have been in the top 4 based on performance alone but, now I know it's a fixed competition. AI's rating have been slipping and they needed another "shocker" to get more people talking about it as we all are right now like good little sheep.
I'm done until the finale.

Chris | Apr 24, 2008 7:21:39 AM | #

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I'm surprised people seem upset about the bottom 2 this week. Yes, Carly and Syesha had good weeks, but if anything last nights vote reflected their performance for the entire show. Syesha has had ZERO personality til this week, and as Carly readily admitted before she was eliminated that she had been picking songs soley based on the vocals, (assuming she'd showcase her voice, but she never connected with those songs, and it showed). And we are at the point of the competition where we are spinning our wheels waiting for the Davids. HOWEVER, do not be surprised to see one of the Davids be eliminated, like Chris Daughtry was. Brooke White or even Jason Castro could slide into the finals with the Taylor Hicks votes.

realgenius | Apr 24, 2008 7:31:50 AM | #

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Chris, if you spent the entire time voting for three people, you clearly don't understand how AI works and would probably be better off spending your time doing something productive. People who are fans of the bad singers know that their favorites suck and spend their entire time voting for that ONE singer. Dividing your time among two or more good singers doesn't help when the fanbases of the Jasmine Triases, the Sanjayas, the Jason Castros, the Brookes are concentrating all their efforts on one singer alone.

Pick one singer and go with it. It really IS that simple.

Beau | Apr 24, 2008 7:33:29 AM | #

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American Idol has been on for 7 seasons now, so why are so many people surprised that it's really a popularity contest, NOT A SINGING CONTEST? If this show were "fair", then Brooke or Jason should have been sent home last night. We all know by now that Jason has almost as many fans as Archuleta. Maybe Brooke received pity votes, or maybe some people wanted to see her have another meltdown next week? I couldn't believe it when Randy said, "It was a bit of a popularity contest this week." ONLY THIS WEEK? It's every week of every season!

It doesn't matter anyway, since the producers want it to be a David-David finale. How obvious was it when Ryan brought out both Davids first and declared them safe? I think that was a BIG HINT that they are TPTB's favorites, if not the top vote-getters overall. Some viewers might be tuning out until the finale, but you know that Fox will be promoting the hell out of the David vs. David rivalry.

Paige | Apr 24, 2008 7:39:40 AM | #

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What is the matter with American's? Brooke starting over again because she forgot the lyrics? Do you think on the night of Broadway songs that if anyone was live on Broadway they could stop the show for her to start over again? NOT! And many good singers were let go on auditions for forgetting the lyrics. Get rid of her before her dog dies next and America casts more votes for poor Brooke! And take dreads with you!!!

rain13 | Apr 24, 2008 7:44:54 AM | #

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All I can say is thank goodness drooling 13 year old girls can't vote in the elections. We'd probably end up with one of the Jonas Bros in office. Unreal.

And you people still slamming Carly for her appearance... GROW UP!

RJ | Apr 24, 2008 7:46:55 AM | #

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Did anyone else notice Clay Aikin? EEEEWWWEEE! He looks like he has been eating too much spam, and that hair--YUCK, YUCK, YUCK

Tina S | Apr 24, 2008 7:57:30 AM | #

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Ive watched AI for a long time and its no surprise. Brooke and Jason connect with people more than Carly and Syesha, and especially at this point in the competiton it is all about popularity much less about performance. And people vote more when their favorite is in trouble, like Brooke and Jason were. They are also more memorable whether for singing or not, than Syesha and Carly. Everyone really should give up the fact that this will be a fair show and just remember its about entertainment and ratings and $$$, and just buy your favorites music when it comes out regardless of where they place on the show.
..........
Carly does have a strong voice but doesn't know how to best showcase it while looking comfortable on state and connecting with the audience and the music. If she can't figure that out she won't make it even after Idol. I hope she makes wise choices- I like her only somewhat right now.....but she has the potential to be great.
...........
surprising no one had mentioned Leona Lewis. What a talent- best voice I have heard both on stage and in studio in a long long time-range like Mariah and Christina. Her voice is much stronger than the songs on the album. The songwriting could have been much better and the songs are a little too much the same. But its a first album. Do check out the album though. Some of the songs ARE really good and worth checking out and buying especially for her voice.

Erin | Apr 24, 2008 8:07:14 AM | #

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Finally a mentor with ideas and worthwhile comments. Andrew Lloyd-Webber zeroed in on the well-recognized shortcomings of each, and was extremely helpful, even to those who ignored him. Better by far than other "stars" who tried to out-Paula Paula with their gushing praise and blatant shilling for their own (surprise) new album.

So we end up with the only two decent performances rated at the bottom, and Carly goes home.

Not either of the girly-boys: Jason & David Archipelago; nor the blubbery back-talking Brooke; nor the usually-tolerable but overly smug David C, who turned the magnificent Music of the Night into a tortured, self-indulgent screech. Notice the smirk on his face, rather than the face of a tortured monster (The Phantom Of The Opera)?

Can you believe the laziness of Smurf and Armadillo in not-knowing they were about to sing girly roles. Who on this planet doesn't know Cats is performed by cats? Neither took the advice of incredulous ALW when he tried to dissuade them. (At least Carly changed songs, when he suggested her voice was unsuited to All I Ask Of You.)

And Brooke's heartfelt epiphany of being told what the Evita song was about, lasted until she opened her mouth to sing -- the second try, anyway. Loved the smile as the dying Evita begs Juan "You Must Love Me", from the movie version. Maybe she didn't want to see Madonna show how it should be done by actually viewing the DVD!

And David A. treated us to his overwrought agonizingly slow ballad style, also ignoring ALW's warnings to open his eyes. Now that he's sung a girl song, his true categorization comes through -- he is really a pre-adolescent girl in disguise. Nice voice, though, it's hard to get past the smarmy stylizing.

Syesha blows the doors off her song, finally abandoning the faux megastar impersonations for a jazzy style that may serve her well. Never liked her as much as when she toughed-out the lost voice during Hollywood auditions. Now, second-worst -- in this bunch?

And David Cook deserved to be chastized, like others have been, for taking on a song way too big for him, and then wrecking the melody at the end, in order to end on a rising pitch, while he screeched out the last notes, and missed (his-own) last note, and had to crawl up to it (by at least a semi-tone) part way through.

With Michael Johns and Carly gone, we are too. Bland and boring, except for David C, who clearly has been reading his press clippings to the point of being really annoying. Too bad, we did like him for quite a while.

Davie | Apr 24, 2008 8:11:02 AM | #

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in addition- As long as its a Davids finale, the order they go in until then is pretty much irrelevant. And I'm torn between wanting David C to win because he deserves it and will be the best male 'winner' AI has had or wanting him to not win to not be controlled as much by the AI people. Hmmm. Well, either way I think he will be a big success:)

Erin | Apr 24, 2008 8:13:52 AM | #

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Sweet Kristy got voted off last week. That means sweet Kristy's votes are now divided among Brooke (definitely) and David A and Jason (maybe). David C is benefitting from the Johns voters. That leaves Carly and Syesha in trouble. Syesha's very smart song choice saved her. Carly, on the other hand, shrieks out "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the minute I heard her start off, I said "She's gone". Like it, hate it, agree, disagree - middle America, who does pick up the phone and vote, is not going to reward someone who shrieks out "Jesus Christ Superstar" like it's a cuss-word. Instead of going for the Amanda vote (which it looks like she has been doing) she should have picked a song that would have scooped up some of Kristy's leavings.
So - unless Syesha and David C do something very stupid, they are going to solidify their base on the flow of rocker/belter voters who lost Carly.

Barb L | Apr 24, 2008 8:25:38 AM | #

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Thankfully, Syesha escaped elimination, because she was far better than Carly on Tuesday. Of course Carly was better than Archuleta, Brooke White and Jason Castro. The latter two should have BOTH gone home last night, but we all know that's not how Idol works. The non-Davids are theoretically 'playing for third place' at the moment, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see a David knocked out of the competition before the finale, probably the more talented David, David Cook. That's just how this show works.

Siansonea | Apr 24, 2008 8:31:05 AM | #

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Why did Carly get voted off? I think I know:

"Why, Clem, come listen to this. I think that girl that talks funny is singin' 'bout Jay-EE-zuz. And I cain't quite figger out what she's singin', but I don't think I like it!"

Poor Carly was a victim of the idiotic religious right, who probably never heard of "Jesus Christ, Superstar", but know it somehow makes them uncomfortable.

And did anybody notice that last night, the song was only referred to as "Superstar" (which is a completely different song by the Carpenters), instead of by its correct title? Hmmmm.

Art Carnage | Apr 24, 2008 8:43:36 AM | #

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First off, if you thought Carly did well, you must have never heard "Superstar" before, or have no real affinity for lyrics. Carly screwed the song up. She did. Wrong lyrics, multiple times. She committed more errors than Brooke did, it's just that Brooke had the temerity to stop and start over.

And since when did the recording business require people to be pitch-perfect singers? Two names: Britney Speara and Jessica Simpson. Great singers? Not really? Multi-Platinum? You bet. All you have to do to be successful is get people to like you. If you get there by singing, great. If you get there by being 17, adorable and cute to 12 year old girls, you're David Archuleta. If you profess purity, act "real", and cry occasionally, you're Brooke White. If you appear glazed-over, but harmless, with big baby blues, you're Jason Castro. All are lacking something, but all are likeable and will probably sell CDs if someone gets them a good song.

Carly wasn't all that likeable. She had a big-ass tattoo on her arm, is married to a refugee from a carny sideshow, and shrieked as often as she sang.
Syesha is cute, fun, and ultimately more fan-friendly than Carly. If someone gets Carly the right song, she could make it, but I don't think so, ultimately. Pop radio won't play her, there isn't much place for women on rock radio now, and the tattoo will keep her out of country. But I bet her tips go way up at the Irish Bar in San Diego.

Word Money G | Apr 24, 2008 8:45:23 AM | #

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Anyone else find it amusing that the first time Simon likes Syesha's personality is the week she says she invented a new one for her performance? That's good stuff.

Last night's show was brilliant - look at the ruckus it's created here. That's what keeps people tuned in year after year!

PM | Apr 24, 2008 8:48:59 AM | #

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I had to add- I totally agree with your post PM!

Erin | Apr 24, 2008 8:57:14 AM | #

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AI is like high school, a popularity contest where contestants draw cliques of diehard followers who vote for them no matter what. Each contestant has his/her own ready made fan base:

David Cook appeals to the alternative and emo crowd who like Nickleback and My Chemical Romance

Archuleta and Jason Castro are irresistable to girls 13 and under, a very strong demographic indeed given that they should split each others' votes every week

Brooke's fan base cannot be underestimated either. There are many who like subtle coffeehouse singer-songwriter stripped down acoustic music. The same people who swoon over Norah Jones or John Mayer and flock to Lilith Fair.

Carly's elimination doesn't surprise me at all; everyone stays away from the goth chick.

High School Musical | Apr 24, 2008 9:26:52 AM | #

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What are Ryan and Carly talking about when they cut to them? I can guess...

Carly: what the @#$%! is wrong with America? Jason Castro makes Sanjaya seem like the best singer in the world! Why are I and Saysha in the bottom 3?

Ryan: People take too many drugs before voting I guess.

edgar | Apr 24, 2008 9:29:10 AM | #

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Well, I can't believe that Carly is gone and Kristy is still there... what? you mean I can't blame Kristy anymore!

I think part of what happened last night was, that Syesha had the death slot and her and Carly have neither had strong fan bases this season. They both got praise and so their bases might have felt they were safe and didn't vote that extra time.

Whereas Brooke and Jason's bases knew they both screwed the pooch and voted for two hours.

This is three weeks in a row that the bootee didn't deserve to go. Johns, while not given a great performance wasn't the worse during his week. KLC had one of the better performances last week yet got shown the door. Now this week was Carly's turn.

I also figure that Brooke picked up a fair number of KLC's voters, after standing up for her during the departure. I'm sure that Brooke got a large sympathy vote as well. Jason's got the teen girls.

jbw | Apr 24, 2008 9:35:40 AM | #

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Art Carnage: The track listing for that song is titled "Superstar", only the entire musical goes by the full name "Jesus Christ Superstar".

I'm not lovin' all the Carly bashing to be honest. Don't kick the girl when she's down. I wish her well. The tattoos don't bother me.

Siansonea | Apr 24, 2008 9:38:25 AM | #

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Art

You realize that you don't actually vote against someone in AI. Perhaps you can stop being a bigot.

JR | Apr 24, 2008 9:39:12 AM | #

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One thing I realized last night while reading another website...it's not just teenage girls voting for Jason, it's sexually frustrated middle aged women. Sad really.

Me | Apr 24, 2008 10:23:16 AM | #

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Seriously, if Carly Hennessey was actually that talented,then she would have made it bfore. If a big record lable is going to sink Millions of dollars into you and nothing happens, then I dont think the idol producers want another taylor hicks or reuben studdard on their hands. They're not going to put $$$$$ into somoeone who is not going to make it.
And I know her name is Carly Smithson NOW, she jsut changed to her married name it right before she came on the show. She is a LIAR, she lied and lied thru the entire show, so no one wants to put their $ into a liar and a cheat and a looooooser, so you cant really blame the AI producers for that one!

Bea | Apr 24, 2008 10:29:29 AM | #

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Seriously of the final 5 left who's album would you buy and actually enjoy?

David Cook and Syesha (depending on what kind of album they make for her).

Any album by the other 3 would be SO dull and boring they would be forgotten faster than Taylor Hicks.

My final 4 would have been

Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, David Cook, David Archeletta

Sadly we Americans always vote on popularity with everything we do (even presidential elections)

Daniel | Apr 24, 2008 11:23:46 AM | #

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FINALLY!!!!

CARLY IS GONE!!! NEXT HAS TO BE JASON AND SEYSHA! AND HOPEFULLY NEXT DAVID ARCHULETA. I'M SO TIRED OF LISTEN TO HIM... HE ALWAYS SOUNDS THE SAME. BORING, PREDICTABLE (SINGING ALWAYS INSPIRATIONALS SONGS) WHO THE HELL IS GOING TO BUY A RECORD FROM ARCHULETA?
IN THE OTHER HAND DAVID COOK IS A FRESH AIR, UNPREDICTABLE, ALWAYS WITH SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND GOOD. HE IS THE ONE THAT HAS TO WIN THIS YEAR!!

richard (puerto rico) | Apr 24, 2008 11:41:18 AM | #

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I think what is being missed is that it is not about who sings best each night but whose music you would purchase. I admit neither Brooke nor Jason did well and worried that they would be voted off, but they are still my favorites. Brooke is similar to Carly Simon and Jason is similar to Jack Johnson, both of whom I would/do listen to. If we vote on who sang the best during each theme it would certainly change the standings a bit, but my favorites will never release a showtunes album anyway so why judge them on something that they wouldn't do voluntarily? They should be allowed to show who they are as an artist and what type of music they would put out. I say to have theme night, fine, but keep them broad and not to a list of a handful of songs catered to who the powers that be want to market.

SS | Apr 24, 2008 12:11:28 PM | #

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How about writing a RECAP instead of a BLOG entry. Not everyone who reads this is a die-hard AI fan and understands all the side-jabs and shit going on in this article!

You need to start writing better and more subjectively instead of ranting about trying to make jokes!

darryl | Apr 24, 2008 12:45:59 PM | #

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This has been the most boring season ever.

Trupen | Apr 24, 2008 12:52:36 PM | #

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This season's top five are the most boring yet. I don't think I will buy any of their CD's. Now I can catch up on NCIS and Criminal Minds.

Penny | Apr 24, 2008 12:55:26 PM | #

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darryl, you are confused. First you say you want a recap instead of a blog and then you say Daniel needs to write more subjectively. You wouldn't know good writing if it slapped you in the face.

For what it's worth, Daniel, I always look forward to your recaps/blogs/rants/jokes/fill-in-the-blank.

Beth | Apr 24, 2008 1:18:42 PM | #

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The results last night only go to prove (once again) that the voting public should be required to take, and pass, an intelligence (and taste) test before be allowed to vote on anything.

Bob | Apr 24, 2008 1:59:40 PM | #

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The results last night only go to prove (once again) that the voting public should be required to take, and pass, an intelligence (and taste) test before be allowed to vote on anything.

Bob | Apr 24, 2008 2:00:45 PM | #

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Vocal talent aside, I think the reason Syesha is always in the bottom is because she come across as unlikable. Frankly that's why I wish she were gone. She always comes across as a "b*tch" - and who wants an Idol who isn't accessible? Shoot, at least fake it. Syesha, either lighten up, or expect to be in the bottom ALL THE TIME.

Alex | Apr 24, 2008 3:33:30 PM | #

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As Simon has said many times, it's not just a singing contest. Many past and current stars don't have the best voices. Looks, charm, personality and style all play a part. That's why Simon is justified when he critiques someone's clothes. And that is why Brooke & Jason have stayed as long as they have. I would much rather watch a mediocre Brooke or Jason than a boring Syesha or David Arch. At least they make me laugh. Only one person will win. Until my final vote for David Cook, I will continue to vote for Jason and continue to fast forward through Syesha.

Kathy | Apr 24, 2008 4:23:04 PM | #

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Vote For the Worst .com came through and scored Big Time with votes for Jason and Brooke making it safe and Carly leaving! VFTW Rocks. Next is little David

http://www.votefortheworst.com/20080311/lies_carly_smithson

Steve | Apr 24, 2008 8:46:58 PM | #

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