American Idol - Elimination Night 4/23/08

Carly Smithson Goes Home On American Idol - Andrew Lloyd Webber Week
Fox Wednesday 9/8c 4/23/08

The night started off with a Q&A with Andrew Lloyd Webber and an ensemble number from the American Idol Top 6 contestants. Lloyd Webber admitted that he did not care for Jason Castro's song choice (Memory), nor his performance. He said that Brooke White did the right thing, starting over again when she forgot the lyrics (I wholly disagree).

"After the break," as Ryan Seacrest says.

Introducing American Idol Postage stamps, all proceeds go to Idol Gives Back.

Then a message from President George W. and Laura Bush. They are both making the prime time rounds.

Starting with David Archuleta and David Cook, and a million screaming tweens!
Both were eventually pronounced safe, of course.

Neil Diamond will be the mentor next week. Finally somebody that they may have heard of, maybe. At least I will finally know the songs!

After another break and a trailer for a cool looking new Will Smith movie, Hancock.

An update from Tamyra Gray(got robbed in AI Season 1), currently in Rent on Broadway. And Clay Aiken(got robbed in AI Season 2), currently in Spamalot on Broadway.

Next was a performance from a Simon Cowell discovery, Leona Lewis with Bleeding Love.

Finally back to the AI eliminations, Ryan called out Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. Brooke White was pronounced safe and Syesha Mercado is in the bottom 2. It's all about the fan base, Syesha. Brooke is also being backed by a 'vote for the worst' campaign. That is why the American Idol contest will rarely crown a true 'best'. These contestants are all talented at this point, and I have no doubt that Syesha will have a singing career no matter where she places.

Carly Smithson and Jason Castro were next to find out their fate. Jason was pronounced safe, after saying that he really did not want to sing his song tonight. Carly was kind of robbed, but her fan base has failed her before. Jason Castro has a huge fan base, that are extremely loyal.

Carly then sang Jesus Christ Super Star, I don't know why Syesha didn't get to sing yet (uh-oh, Syesha!)
Oh OK, now Syesha sings One Rock & Roll To Many.

I am glad they have both contestants sing their songs prior to finding out who goes home, rather than the tearful renditions of such songs as Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.

After the break... the actual show is only about 18 minutes long!

Wow! Carly Smithson goes home tonight, and the audience boos! Carly's fan-base has consistently let her down, putting her in the bottom 2 or 3 week after week.

Brooke White should have been eliminated, but Carly Smithson leaves the American Idol competition.

Simon said that his compliment last night was the kiss of death!


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