TVSquad

(S07E16) We're getting closer and closer to the Top 12, and more importantly closer to the end of thrice-weekly Idol. There were almost 31 million votes cast last night, but still not enough for four more contestants. This week, both the boys and girls were largely disappointing, with many of the top performers from last week fumbling, and only a few showing marked improvement.

A portion of that, I think, can be blamed on the theme weeks. For many of these kids, songs from the '60s and '70s represent songs they've never heard before in their lives. That's not fair to those contestants or the audience. If this is the season where we're supposed to get to know these singers better, why not let us have three weeks of getting to know the type of music they both enjoy and know they can sing well. Once you've found your Top 12, you can put those kids through the ringer with your theme weeks.

While it was much improved I'm still not a huge fan of the group numbers. I think in seven seasons we've had maybe two or three that were memorable. Tonight's wasn't one of those. I know they're as much a staple of the series as those damned Ford commercials, but I can still hate them a little bit each time I see one. The whole point of these kids is that they're dramatically different in vocal style and approach so putting them together in these medleys almost never works.

THE FIRST TO GO
Ryan started us off again this week with the guys. This time he stood them up and broke them in half, narrowing it ultimately down to Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega (Michael Johns, Jason Castro and Chikezie were all declared safe). In what should be the easiest and most obvious elimination of the night, Jason was the first to go. I can't say I'm surprised or displeased. His schmaltzy routines were both sickeningly overwrought and tailored more for an octogenarian crowd than mainstream America. My hope is that I can eliminate the "corn-dar" with him and he can get back to work in Branson, MO where his particular style will truly be appreciated.

After he sang his swan song, Ryan told us to take a look at the front row to see which one of the remaining five guys would be going home, but the camera stayed on Yeager. Don't you just love live TV.

THE OTHER SHOE DROPS
We've lost a guy, so it's only fair that one of the fairer sex be the next to go. Following the same pattern as with the guys, Ryan stood up Kristy Lee Cook, Amanda Overmyer, Alexandrea Lushington, Brooke White and Asia'h Epperson. Four were safe and one was done. After narrowing it down to Amanda and Alexandrea in the hot seat, it was time to say goodbye to Alexandrea. She had one of the strongest performances last week, but this week she faltered in song choice and stage presence both.

Still, Alexandrea is talented and beautiful. And, of course, since she was now emotional she put on an encore performance that was 100% improved over what she did last week. She should be able to turn this spotlight into something positive for herself.

THIRD TIMES THE HARM
And again, like last week, we stay with the girls to drop the second of them. Who's going to join Alexandrea on the talk show circuit next week? Ryan narrowed the remaining contestants down to Kady Malloy and Alaina Whitaker. At this point, I actually cared which one was going to go home because even though they both suffer from generic blonde syndrome, Alaina has shown much stronger vocal capabilities and had potential to really grow into a great performer.

For some reason, America must like impressions of Britney Spears because Alaina was eliminated. Even Kady was stunned by the news that she was safe, and Alaina was so shocked and distraught that she shouted in anguish, "I can't sing. I'm sorry!" I have to say, I worried that Alaina was too bland and picked Kady to go over her, so I was very close. Still, it's a shame we won't get to see what Alaina is capable of. Kady needs to really prove herself if she's going to stick around.

Paula gave her a standing ovation and tried to encourage that this is the start of an amazing career for her, and she knows it sounds cliche but she means it. Ryan gave her the choice to sing or not, and she ultimately decided to sing with the rest of the girls helping her out because "It's gonna sound horrible," as she explained it. Surrounded by the girls, again she put on a very raw and emotional performance and it was beautiful. Maybe they should eliminate everyone right before they perform every week and then somehow reinstate them.

BIG NEWS
On March 11, the Top 12 begins in earnest, and Idol has managed to get the Lennon/McCartney library available for them to sing. Former Idol winner Ruben Studdard recorded a special farewell song for use this season, and as we already know the "Idol Gives Back" special is returning as well. I'd normally complain that showing footage of that is just more filler crap, but that show was such a moving experience that reliving it only reminded us how important it is that we all do what we can to better the world we live in. And that it truly is a wonderful thing that American Idol is using the power of its ratings to bring widespread attention to these important issues. The new installment will feature Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Daughtry and Carrie Underwood.

FOUR ON THE FLOOR
Back to the falling blade, there's one more head to chop (figuratively speaking of course). It's come down to Luke Menard, David Hernandez, Robbie Carrico, David Cook and David Archuleta. This time it narrows down to Robbie and Luke, and in the second stunner of the week, Robbie is gone. Robbie is a much better performer than Luke, but the judges kept calling him out on his authenticity and America must have felt it as well. His fall was monumental as I felt that he was one of the top guys last week. Still, I think there were others who were much weaker than him this past week.

Conspiracy theorists can start speculating that Idol manipulated the results to remove him since the rumor broke that Robbie wears a wig earlier this week. According to those reports, it was a point of serious concern and contention behind the scenes with Idol brass, so maybe they didn't want to deal with it. If he wasn't willing to come clean and lose it, they'd lose him. There, now the conspiracy nuts can say they saw it in print, not that I believe it.

RESULTS
Boys Voted Out: Jason Yeager & Robbie Carrico
Girls Voted Out: Alexandrea Lushington & Alaina Whitaker

MY PICKS
This week I correctly picked Alexandrea Lushington and Jason Yeager. And I came close with both Kady Malloy and Luke Menard as both barely escaped elimination. But this isn't hand grenades or horseshoes, so it's 2-2 for the week and 3-5 overall.

YOUR PICKS
For the boys you guys picked Robbie at the lowest, followed by Jason Yeager, so you nailed that one. For the girls you had Alaina and Alexandrea giving you a perfect 4-0 for the week and a cumulative tally of 6-2.