Another Thursday night brought the end to yet another quartet of American Idol hopefuls. The voters seemed to do a much better job pruning the Season 9 bush this week, which gives me hope. So, whose journey ended? Let's find out.

First, I have a note for the producers: Those opening montages need some work. I know that, to these kids who are trying to make their dreams come true, there is a lot of drama in the competition. But when you make Randy and Ellen and Kara's words of advice to the contestants play like the trailer to the upcoming Clash of the Titans, it's a little over the top. At least save those kinds of overtures until closer to the finale.

From one rant to another...

Group Number: "I Gotta Feeling" American Idol
Since there are about 67 things wrong with this group number, I'll only focus on a few of the most egregious. No. 1: This song has been performed to death. No. 28: There are 20 people on a stage built for about eight people.  No. 43: The obviousness that the song is being lip-synched was at an all-time high. And if you add up all the numbers in this paragraph and multiply them by 2 million, that might accurately represent how massive my hatred for Idol group numbers are.

Danny Gokey, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me"
Gokey's gone country! Considering how bored I eventually became with Danny last season, I think it's not a good sign for this season's singers how much I enjoyed his performance. He sounded great, and made me long for a season where more of the competitors were that strong.

However, afterward, Danny sounded like he'd had three too many Red Bulls. Oh, and he found yet another way to remind us that his wife died. That's the Danny I remember! He clarified that country music is about the message, and that's why he chose the song and the genre in general. I can respect that, and I just hope the folks in Nashville accept him, since he's not yet developed much of a twang.

Without further adieu, your eliminated contestants:

John Park American Idol
His exit came as a shock to probably no one. It's a shame that there are at least two singers remaining in the competition that are less vocally talented than he is.  Unfortunately for John, he has the charisma of a wet mop and chose songs that just were flat and lifeless....


Were you pleased with America's decisions? Who are you rooting for now? Who do you hope gets the ax next week? Share your thoughts below! American Idol