After last week’s Carly outsting, I nervously tuned in, not sure what to expect from the American Teenie voters dialing frantically last night.  I can only hope that this week they got it right and will send Brooke packing.  I am also secretly hoping for a David Archuleta bottom 2.  Just because.

After the recaps from last night, Ryan had a serious message about Paula, saying that terrible rumors all over the internet after her ramblings last night are NOT true.  “She is a part of our family at American Idol and we love her.”  A teary Paula looked very upset.  For a moment, I feel as though Ryan Seacrest has come into my living room and personally scolded me.  I am guessing he was referring to people accusing her of being on drugs or being drunk on stage.  I have to say that I feel for her because she looks like she’s been crying all night long.  To be honest, though, she was pretty spacey last night.  She can’t speak coherently most of the time, so what does she expect the watching public to say about her?  Most people who are public speakers or spokespeople can at least form complete sentences.  I have always been a fan of Paula Abdul, and I have loved her shining, always hopeful, spirit on the show.  On the other hand, she has gotten increasingly less adorable as the seasons have progressed. 

And now on to the real topic of the show tonight… eliminations.  Jason Castro comes onto stage, a bit worried it seems.  Last night was not his most shining moment, but America still voted for him and he is sent to safety on the coaches of ugliness.  David Arculeta is next up.  Paula, in an effort to prove that she can speak clearly, proceeds to tell David that he’s… what?  I don’t know what she just said.  I think she said that he’s good.  Even Little David looked a bit confused and could only respond with a timid, I’ll try harder, type response.  No shockers here, Little David is safe. 

Ah, and here is the winning cup of the “Design the Coca Cola Cup” competition.  It’s actually a really nice cup.  I kind of want one now.  It’s red (of course) with white stars and black silouhettes of performers and the crowd at the show.  Nice job to the winner.  Where can I get one?

David Cook is up next.  We are closer now to the all-David finale that we all feel is inevitable as Ryan announces that he is safe.  So, Booke and Syesha are the bottom 2 are the bottom 2 this week, which is both a relief and a quiet disappointment.  I think Brooke is a goner, but I fear for Syesha.  Even though I have been shouting for her removal for weeks and weeks, I think Syesha is one of the few on this show who has truly grown in her scope and talent.  She has blossomed into a really great performer, and when she manages to stay in tune, she has some really amazing moments.  She has shown of late that she is capable of both the intimate and soulful moments as well as the big, showy take-control stage performer moments of a true diva.  While I do not think that she should have outlast Carly’s big beautiful talent, I think that Syesha is better than Brooke.  Of course, Ryan isn’t going to let us know the winner at only half past 9.  We will have to sit through another 25 minutes of pointless, excrutiating nail-biting moments before we know the final four.

Oh god, here’s the worst part of the show.  I might as well go get a drink.  Listeners call in time. 

1. Why is Paula the only one who gives contestants a break?  “What the contestants do is hard, and someone has to give them a break.”
2. When is the next time Paula and Randy are going to do a video together?  “We’ll be dancing like there’s no tomorrow”
3. Simon, which of these two performances is the most memorable??  Your first kiss with Paula?  Or your first kiss with me in the garden when you were 9 years old??  Omg, an actually great question!!!  Tara Miller, his real first kiss!!  Wow, this is unreal.  Simon is blushing!!  Ryan jumped in an asked if Simon is a good kisser.  Her answer?  “Um…”  Haha.  Then he asked if she still looks cute.  Awww.  This is awesome!!  Ryan is going to exchange numbers for them.  Wouldn’t that be great if they ended up hooking up again!  I am totally shocked that there was actually a great listener question.  Bravo!!!

 Ford Commercial time.  Pretty mellow tonight, eh.  Ooo, but Neil DIamond time.  With a black leather jacket and a really beautiful acoustic guitar (and a swaying half band behind him, hmmm) he was singing pretty tame.  I would guess the song is called “Amazing Grace” or something like that.  Now, after the amazing and dynamic performances I have seen him do in the past, this is a bit boring honestly.  I guess I forgot to mention that Natasha Bedingfield already performed, but there wasn’t much to note there either.  Overall tonight, this is not their best guest artist night of the year.  Aww, but there is his Mom, wearing a white American Idol jacket.  She’s so cute!  Wow, she must be 80 years old.  That is super sweet.

Neil Diamond’s advice for longevity in the arena of performing artists?  Stick with it, work hard, don’t listen to what Simon says.  Don’t ever stop if you love it.  Good advice, honestly.  Hoorah.  Okay, now tell us who is going home.

The two ladies are called down to the stage and Brooke is already crying.  “The contestant leaving us tonight is… Brooke.”  I think she already knew it, honestly.  I think this is absolutely the right choice this week.  She looks absolutely crushed, which is always the saddest part to watch.  A seal clap from Paula and a pat on the back from probable future winner David Cook can’t even cheer her up, but she did make it through the performance.  At the end, she was completely overcome with tears as she retreated to the back of the stage.  So with a tearful departure from Brooke, we are down to the final four on American Idol 7.