Idol cuts to 9

They run the exact same promo for the songwriting competition that they did last week--why would they do that right off the top? They can't cut a new promo? Sheeseh.

Medley is as bad as it usually is, Syesha busts out halfway through, she and Ramiele seem to have become friends. Back, Ryan talks about how well the Idol downloads do on iTunes, they show what's essentially an extended commercial for the downloads, complete with the contestants praising iTunes.

FOX is going to kill the golden goose, they don't need to do stupid things like this that eat up show time. The camera work is horrible, hard to figure out what's going on.

They waste more time, then get to the elims. Chikezie up first, is indeed in the bottom three, as he himself thought. Brooke White next, it means she'll be fine; she is. Carly Smithson next, unfortunately it looks like she'll be fine. She refutes the pregnant rumor; and is safe.

Hmm, almost zipped past the Ford commercial. It's pretty cool, actually, you don't really see them, but they're 'singing' on t-shirts, CD covers, etc. David Archuleta next, he's fine of course. He brushes off Simon's remarks yesterday, Ryan just zips him over to the safe area. David Cook, he's fine too of course. Syesha Mercado, she could still be in trouble despite the reviews... she's in the bottom three.

That means it'll be Kristy Lee Cook in there too. Michael Johns is next, he's fine. Ryan says the others will be meeting Dolly Parton for sure, somehow I don't think either Syesha or Chikezie care about Dolly. It's been a pretty white year so far, from the Beatles to Dollywood.

Some chick asks Chikezie if he's single, says he's currently very very single. Hey, this segement's pre-taped, weird--guess it's a screening thing. David gets asked about his odd song choice, says he loves it, and that he did actually pick it. Some chick asks what she needs to do to take Ryan's job, Simon predictable replies well, you don't need a lot of talent.... Some chick asks Brooke if she could do a duet with anyone who, she says John Mayer. Another dumb question, and then it ends.

Kimberly Locke is back, so odd that they've got her performing, from season two. Her CD cover looks pretty airbrushed. The segment with her is boring, and goes on forever, the predictable weight struggle gets spotlighted. Yet another infomercial.

They do something else about Idol's charity efforts last year and where the money went in the U.S. Ramiele goes up next, she should be fine, she's her usual nervous/slightly quiet self on elimination night, and is safe of course. Leaving Castro and Cook to come out together, it should be KLC for the umpteenth time.

But Kristy's safe, Castro is in the bottom three. Ryan gets them all up and standing next to him. Three non-whiteys, Jason keeps talking about how he knew this was going to happen, goes back to the stands after Ryan tells him he's safe. Chikezie gives Syesha a sweet peck on the cheeks, he's really cool--I'm going to be sad to see either go.

Back from break, Ryan is just burning time, chats with Simon. He says you chose the wrong song, that's why you're here. Paula and Randy jump in to push Syesha, Simon says he didn't like the song.

And Chikezie's gone... that sucks. It's interesting, there has never been an overrated black contestant who's lasted on the final round--if you're black, you have to legitimately have good vocals, and even then your support often doesn't last long.

If you're white or a cute Asian American girl (or guy in one case), you can get by on other things; and can find plenty of excited fans to support you, even if you have a lot of bad weeks in a row (or never have a good week).

Curious if any of the judges will ever point this out... maybe we'll have to wait for Barack Obama to say something.