American Idol cuts to 4

Suddenly, we're down to the 'serious' contenders. It's not a great group; not horrible, but the season definitely hasn't lived up to my high hopes for it, back when Josiah was on the screen.

45 million votes were cast Ryan says; around the same as this time last year, surprisingly. They do a horrible Neil Diamond medley, everyone's vocals are so thin, the choreography is laughable. Sheesh, now they're even out of tune; really sad. David Cook's the only one halfway interesting, and then only if you don't look at his antics.

Back, Idol commercials, recap, then Ryan brings up the whole Paula thing, he just says--the rumors, they're not true, she's part of our family, and we love her... and I still think Simon wants to hook up with her. Uh, whatever.

Jason Castro first, and he's safe. David Archuleta, Paula says have more fun up there; I wish he'd take a risk. Not sure why they had Castro up first, obviously it'll be Brooke and Syesha.

More in-program commercials for the Idol family, David Cook is safe, the women come out. Syesha talks about how sometimes it's tough for her, Brooke chatters away, off to the couch for more filler.

Natasha Bedingfield performs Pockeful of Sunshine, it's fine; she comes across as a bit detached and maybe arrogant. Glad that the Idol stage is so obviously for sale now.

She seems cooler when talking, and after actually runs over to Archuleta and kisses and hugs him, shakes hands with the others a bit. Ryan jokes Archuleta would like to ask her to the prom, she says if he asks she'll come.

It's more idiot Idol questions from callers. Then, they put on some woman who says she and Simon kissed when he was 9, he remembers her last name and everything--it's pretty crazy. They talk back and forth a lot, it's pretty cool actually, Simon reacts appropriately to it, seems really pleased it's her.

Ford commercial isn't actually half bad, the song Catch the Wind is pretty good. Then, Neil Diamond, singing something off his new album. His voice is still strong; hushed and compelling. He's beginning to look a little out of it, but I still feel like it's the best thing we've heard this week, even though it can't compare to him in his prime.

Afterwards they point out his mom in the audience, he chats with Ryan for a while, tells them all to stay with it regardless of what Simon says.

Back to Syesha and Brooke finally, Brooke is in tears, and she's gone. Totally sobbing. She had some great performances, but lately seemed to be mostly frustrated and hostile. She screws up the song at the start, others come out to stand next to her. She's pushing through; as she said in the clips, she's found out she's stronger than she thought.

And I gotta tell you, I like this version--cracking voice, verge of tears--much better than last night, there's real emotion here.