Bye Bye Rocker

For me, last night was another tense elimnation night. I really thought my favorite, Haley, was going home. Even she thought she was.

First, after dividing the final nine into three groups of three, Ryan let Jordin, Melinda, and LaKisha sit down, then wasted no time in granting a reprieve to the trio of Blake, Chris, and Sanjaya! I was disappointed that he was safe yet again. As Ryan confronted the bottom threesome, did anyone even notice him let Phil break for safety? Or was everyone too busy contemplating in fear how Mr. Malakar may go all the way?

As for Simon, Randy, and Paula, they seemed nonplussed when asked to comment on the bottom two vote-getters, Gina and Haley. I as certain Haley would get the boot. I think she did too because as soon as Phil was told to sit down, she broke out in tears. She must have thought Gina had a better chance and to be honest, I did too. Then, when Ryan broke the bad news to Gina, I was in total shock. I had kind of started to like her. In her last few episodes, she came across as a genuine sweetheart, with some talent to boot. But that "Smile" did her in. Something about such a straightforward — and sweetly arranged, and perfectly in tune, and confidently calm — performance from the tongue-studded, black-clad "rocker chick"' obviously didn't resonate with fans. Only in the final moments of Wednesday's results show did Gina pour her heart into those same gushy lyrics to make for a moving farewell encore. As the orchestra swelled, and Ryan passed her the mike, and she gulped, "This is hard," I felt bad that I'd never voted for her. At least we know that, with reliable pipes like hers, she'll make a strong showing on tour.

With the flu sidelining this week's guest vocal coach, Tony Bennett, understudy Michael Bublé popped by to phone in an utterly forgettable rendition of "Call Me Irresponsible." I actually thought, "Hmmm. You started out a little pitchy." It was boring and just a little odd to me.

Next week the show welcomes Jenny from the Block! Let's get loud, people! J to tha L-O! I love J. Lo but she isn't exactly a gifted vocalist. But, she is someone with enough knowledge and savvy on what it takes to make it. I think we should embrace Jennifer Lopez as a perfect fit — the ultimate style-over-substance vocalist giving singing tips during the most style-over-substance season in Idol history. I can't wait to see how the contestants do next week.