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The Top 10 Revealed!

Hey guys! Erin Fox here again. First off, I still have no news about Nina and her baby... which means she's dealing with some seriously long labor! I thought for sure she'd have him last night, but alas, Baby Boy Hammerling-Smith is a stubborn little guy. Send lots of positive thoughts her way! Secondly, I know all about Chikezie-gate 2008. I swear he was not left out intentionally, it was just computer error as in my computer kept crashing and I had to keep re-entering my recap (it was not a fun time at my house late last night!). Poor Chikezie was temporarily dissed, but I made sure to add him back as soon as I could.

Now, I have to admit something: I hate the elimination shows. I never watch them. I just can't stand the cheesy group numbers and bad product placement videos. But, let's hope they prove me wrong, and I'm thoroughly entertained.

We start with Ryan making a pretty huge announcement: The four mentors this year include, Dolly Parton, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Neil Diamond and Mariah Carey. Not bad! I do think less is more, don't you?

Ryan shifts gears slightly to promote the second American Idol song-writing contest. 25k were submitted last year and the best one will be sung on the finale (last year Jordin Sparks belted out "This is My Now"). Alright, fess up- are you going to submit a song?

Our first musical number is a Beatles montage that starts with David A., then one by one the other men join in. Then Brooke comes out sounding great, but is joined by Ramiele whose microphone isn't on, or she's not singing. Weird, no? Now all the girls are on the benches swaying back and forth. Ugh. But they all sound really pretty when they sing "Because." I might even have some goose bumps. Now Amanda's singing goosebumps have retreated.

After a recap of last night's er interesting performances, we launch into the bottom three. Brooke, David A. and Michael are safe. The first one to the stools is... Carly? WTH? That's some b.s. right there. That girl can sing! At least the judges are outraged as well.

Ford commercial time: It's an homage to Ed Wood's old-school flying saucer movies (in black and white) as they race off to "Should I Stay or Should I Go" in their modern SUVs.

Back to the chopping block. David Cook, Jason Castro and Ramiele are safe, and (surprise, surprise) Kristy heads over to the stools.

Now they're doing a call-in bit with fans. A woman asks if Simon would film a sequel to his and Paula's infamous kiss video... Simon says yes, because Paula's actually a good kisser. Simon, you flatterer.

Now on to Kellie Pickler! We get a little recap of where is she now (touring with Rascal Flatts not bad, Kell) before she sings, "Red High Heels." Was she always that nasally? She looks awesome in a sassy red dress, but the song is just, OK. I do like her taunting Simon during the lyrics, "I bet you want me back now." The naughty minx (or mink as she heard it) is back!

Awwww. Now we get to see Elliott Yamin and Fantasia go to Africa to distribute some mosquito nets bought by the $76 million made during last year's Idol Gives Back. Then Elliott has a teary, sweet moment at a hospital where a local woman has given birth. The tradition is to name the baby after a visitor... meaning Elliott now has a little African namesake. Double awwwww.

Back to the results! Syesha and Chikezie are safe, and Amanda goes to the stool! Ryan, thank goodness, tells Carly she's safe. WOW, Kristy is safe? WHAAAAAAAT? I thought for sure she'd be booted. But, it's Amanda's time to leave the show. Kristy must have a secret lucky charm to have lasted this long.

What do you think?: Did America eliminate the right Idol? Are you going to miss Amanda's gravelly voice? Will you be relieved to hear non-Beatles songs next week?

TVGuide.com Power Rankings poll: The Top 11 - Who's Your Idol Now?
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