Whacking two

Idol's chopping two, and the blue seats are looking pretty bare already. Ryan promises a full hour, laughingly claiming no filler. The judges are still happy--I guess they've figured out we aren't that entertained when they come across as bickering, bitter people.

Having written that, Paula tells Simon she's not his puppet as he messes with her back; then Ryan takes a slam at Simon's girlfriend, he wants him to apologize but then they just blow it off; he does say he'd give top marks to Blake.

They recap last night, then waste more time at the farmer's market in L, highlighted by Ryan prancing around. Come back and talk to the finalists, it's kindof a waste of time except when LaKisha says Simon's a good kisser. For some reason Simon laughs uproariously when Ryan says Simon's got a girlfriend and it's very serious.

Ruben Studdard gets tepid applause as he shows up to encourage more Idol Cares donations, dressed in a ridiculous striped polo.

Back and more self-congratulations over Idol Gives Back, with a tedious recap of clips. Then a performance from some idiot high-pitched kid; I mean, it's just random, no rhyme or reason. Then Fantasia flashes the donation number again, drawing a link between the recipients and herself, which is cool.

Back with a truly weird Ford commercial, they're all freaks in some show, to Paint it Black. Very odd; Blake, of course, is the ringleader. More Idols commercializing, then Ryan has Phil, Melinda, and LaKisha go to the middle. I'm predicting one out of each group of three is getting the axe. 135 million votes in two weeks, Ryan says.

Melinda, of course, is safe; I'm beginning to think she's kindof not very bright, hence the deer in headlights persona. Phil is already consoling LaKisha like she's gone; and wow, in a surprise LaKisha's safe, Phil is gone. Wow; but cool, he totally didn't deserve to stay over LaKisha. Nice guy; he may have peaked too late. This is what I wrote about him the first time we saw him:

Back with a guy whose wife gave birth this morning. I like him; has a good look, cracks up the audience while talking to Ryan. Says the baby's more important to him, he's bummed about missing out. Doing My Girl, dedicated to all three of his girls. Philip Stacy. I like his voice--high, but controlled; pleasant to listen to. Randy likes him; Paula wanted to hear something else--so he does, and sings it well too. Simon doesn't think so, Randy and Paula do. there's some bickering; but he goes on to Hollywood. He runs off to go home.

I'm developing a theory that with all the votes the last week from people who usually don't people were judged more on pure vocals, less on those 'intangibles' that are always biased against black contestants. So Chris should be headed home next, leaving Blake as the only whitey, which may be great for him. Phil sings, and he's good, very comfortable interacting with the judges, his friends, his wife, and then the other contestants in a big group hug.

Back, Ryan right away tells Jordin she's safe; cool. Leaving Chris and Blake, who look quite alike. They're gonna come back after a break, and after Bon Jovi.

They sing (You Want to Make) A Memory, which I don't think I've heard before. It's good; could totally have seen Chris cheesing this up last night. It's such an iconic sound, so 80s along with the Cosby Show, the 49ers, and Ronald Reagan/Mikhail Gorbachev. Ryan gives him a chance to run a commercial for their upcoming tour, then they go to break with Taylor Hicks.

Blake and Chris, who say they're best friends, and are messing around as they wait. And it's--Chris finally going home. Whoo-hoo. About 5 weeks too late. This is what I said about him the first time around:

Christopher Richardson, who we know from the tease is interesting. I like him, he has a humble, nice vibe. Wow, and he can sing--powerful, nice tone. Pleasant to listen to, good pacing, very sincere. I could see him doing very well. Carol is totally in synch with the judges, they all like him; Randy makes comparison to Justin T-lake, Paula says you're very special. Simon says you could surprise us in the next round, could do better. On he goes; sortof your average white guy in some way, Paula thinks girls will love him (3 of them hug him outside).

Sings us off as Ryan says Barry Gibbs next week.