Before kicking off the elimination show Ryan asked Simon for his thoughts on last night's performace show. Simon said it was the best Final 5 show ever! And I think there are a lot of people who agree with him.
Ryan also introduced the night's guest entertainers who happened to be Natalie Cole, Season 5 American Idol, Taylor Hicks, and last night's mentor, Jamie Foxx.
Now that you have the rundown of the show, let the lip synching begin...the Idols lent their lips to a couple of jazz/scat numbers including "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing" and "I Got Rhythm".
After they finished the medley we were sent to commerical break and then treated to some behind the scenes footage of a food fight at the Idol Mansion. Oh the fun these kids have when they aren't being judged by Randy, Kara, Paula, and Simon. But would the fun continue when the elimination process begins?
Twelve minutes into the show, the reason for tonight (and every elimination night) is finally here. Ryan invited the five remaining Idols to center stage and began the painful process of ending one of their dreams by recapping Matt's night with the judges.
With tears forming in his eyes, Ryan gave Matt an opportunity to tell everyone how he felt he did last night. When he was done, Ryan asked him to stand on the right side of the stage--that is right if you are facing the audience; if you are watching on your couch at home, it would be on your left.
Next on the block was Danny who was asked how he has dealt with past critiques from Simon regarding his performing style. Danny said he watched other people's style, but wouldn't name names...any guesses as to whom he is referring? When the light banter was over, Danny was sent to the opposite side of the stage--that would be the left side if you facing the audience and your right if you are watching from home...hope that helps!
Allison was Ryan's next victim. He did the normal dance by reminding everyone about the judge's comments and then sent her over to stand next to Danny.
Kris went through the same process and was asked by Ryan whether he feels he's "in it to win it". Like a good Idol contestant, Kris answered in the affirmative. And for his honesty, he was asked to join Matt--which, if you are keeping track of at home, Matt (and now Kris) are on the right side of the stage if you are facing the audience; the left if you are watching from home...is that "joke" getting old yet? :)
To screams of joy, Ryan turned his attention to Adam. When he was done doing his thing, Ryan pulled Adam down stage a few feet and then did the "Final 5 thing" where he asks him with which group he thinks he belongs. After a few moments of hesitation, Adam said based on last night's performance, he walked over to Danny and Allison....but not so fast, Adam. Ryan took Adam by the arm and led him over to Matt and Kris because the three of them, including Adam made up the Bottom 3! A bit shocking, but as Simon said, with only five contestants left, someone has to go.
So let me recap what just happened...Danny and Allison have secured their place in the Final Four while Adam, Kris, and Matt are left to sweat out the rest of the show to find out if they will be around another week or going home to rest before taking part in the Idol tour this summer.
But before we are able to find out how America spent their votes, Ryan brought out Natalie Cole to entertain the audience with a performance of "Something's Gotta Give" from her Unforgettable album and recorded by Frank and Sammie from the Rat Pack.
While the Bottom 3 Idols chatted amongst themselves back stage, Taylor Hicks hit the stage with his trademark salt 'n pepper hair more salt than pepper, broke out the moves that won over America three seasons ago and sang his song "Seven Mile Breakdown". It was a spirited performance and one that we all came to expect from the leader of the Soul Patrol, but it seemed a bit misplaced on Rat Pack week. I guess this was the only week Taylor could get out of his Grease committment.
After chasing Taylor off the stage, Ryan brought the B3 out and sent Kris to safety leaving Adam and Matt to ponder their Idol future. And before they can find out who's going home, Jamie Foxx was introduced and rocked "Blame It"--another song/performance that doesn't quite fit the week's Idol genre, but I guess if 19 is going to ask Mr. Foxx to lend his expertise to the Idols, they have to let Jamie do his thing for the fans and sell some records.
For the record, I didn't get the song. It had a nice beat, but it sounded like Jamie was singing into one of those boxes that makes your voice sound electric. I guess I'm not his audience. Oh well, the song is over and now we can find out who the final member of the Final Four is.
After Jamie finished, he and Ryan talked about his mentoring experience with the Final Five. On more than one occassion, Jamie implored the viewing audience to support "these cats" regardless of who is eliminatied tonight because he thinks these five Idols are "some of the most talented performers (he) has been around in 10 years". Coupled with Simon's praise from earlier in the evening, these Idols are going to have trouble getting their ever growing heads through regular door jams.
But enough of that stuff, are you ready to find who's going home? So am I, so here goes....
A very nervous looking Matt and a surprisingly calm looking Adam found themselves on center stage waiting to learn the results. Ryan asked for the lights to be dimmed and then said that Adam got more of the 47 million votes than Matt and therefore Adam is the final member of the Final Four. So Matt's Idol run is finally over, but not before he won over millions of fans and showed the world that he deserved to be in the Idol Final 5.
So as we say goodbye to the Michigan native, we prepare ourselves for what is sure to be a great final three weeks of the competition that will decide who wears the crown of American Idol for Season 8.
Tune in next week, when the Final Four sing Rock and Roll songs under the watchful eyes and ears of Slash.
Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to...
Peace!
I was totally shocked that Adam was in the bottom, but it had to happen at some point. But my prediction remained true about Matt. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's showing. It's starting to be a nail-biter.
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