Idol (with Jesus) cuts to 8

Someone's going home tonight--hopefully Kristy Lee Cook, or, dare I say it, Carly Smithson.... Kick it off with the group sing, 9 to 5. Brooke is great at the start; Kristy can't keep up, nor can Ramielle. Michael Johns truly lives in his own world; David Cook does well. And Chikezie's in the house, hanging out with the other fans.

Hmm, looks like next week is Idol Gives Back. I zip past last night, and Michael Johns gets called out first--odd, he seems to have a snarl on his face at first. It may just be his usual grimace. He's safe, of course; the bounder will be back for another week. David Archuleta, of course he's fine. Next person's in danger--and it's Carly Smithson, yay. Oh, she escapes, joins the others.

So half of the final six are gonna be in the stools. Back, and it's the taped segment again. Syesha gets asked what she misses most about her home life, she says her family/friends. Cook gets asked if he could succeed at any other talent what would it be, he said he wishes he was more organized. Next, Randy gets asked if there's anyone he hasn't worked with; he says he'd like to work with whoever wins Idol this year. Some chick asks if Johns/Cook have a song they wanna sing on tour this summer, they jokingly say Islands in the Stream, then say they haven't thought that far. Then Simon gets asked why he apologizes for negative comments--she apparently reads his clipped British 'sorry' as a real apology.

Another FOX promo, the next great band winners sing--the lead guy sounds and looks nervous. Let It Shine. They're actually kind of entertaining in a totally hick kind of way; are totally wailing on their instruments. Hmm, seems like the nerves are just their intense performing style, as if they're possessed. It's nothing if not entertaining; kindof feel tense listening to them though, it's a bit crazy--and they keep dropping Jesus in there, bizarre.

The Ford commercial is totally ridiculous, they go up against a bunch of black ballers and beat them. Uh, sure. Now, if it were bowling....

David Cook, Ryan asks about his visit to the hospital, he apparently has high blood pressure but is fine; he's safe on the show too. Ramiele Malubay, who's definitely in the bottom three; sure enough she's there, like a little sad girl. Kristy Lee Cook strides out, has a note for 'her' seat, and she's in the bottom three as always. Paula says it comes down to connecting with the audience, Randy dittos.

Brooke, Syesha, and Jason--it should be Syesha based on past voting patterns, but who knows. They catch up with with some past country Idols--Bucky Covington, whose hair is nuttier than ever; Phil Stacey is hanging out in Nashville too; and hey, Bo Bice is there too, looks totally the same despite some major surgery. Man, he has some fat dogs, loves being a dad.

Syesha comes out, hmm, maybe that means it'll be between Brooke/Jason. Whoah, and she lives to sing another day. Brooke looks sick and cold as ice; Jason looks like he's just hanging out. Odd, Brooke admits he hasn't watched last night's show yet, forces Simon to apologize to the violin guy from last night. Jason't quiet, says she felt good about last night--and Jason's safe.

Good, I'm beginning to sour on Brooke's attitude, although I like her vocals. Ramiele is dwarfed by the two of them ("you guys are so tall!"), they're funny together, apparently all roomies. Simon goes out of his way to talk to Carly, about her clothes, says she's cute. I think he's officially found his Katharine McPhee to promote this year.

Another in-show commercial for Idol Cares, then Dolly Parton singing Jesus and Gravity. Man, given the checkered backgrounds of this year's contestants, this focus on piety is hillarious. She's a professional performer, but her voice has really gone to seed, like she's lost her range. Wonder if Kellie Pickler is somewhere watching. The lyrics are actually better than the song and the performance; she's trying her best to resurrect her career, but it's kindof sad. She sticks up for Simon afterwards, says somebody has to tell the truth; then says she finally got here, has been trying to get on the show since it started.

Randy predicts Ramielle will be out, Simon says not Brooke, who's in tears over it all, including Jesus and gravity. Ryan sends Brooke out, man, she's really fallen apart. Wow, Kristy cheats death yet again, and Ramiele's out. They share a loooooong hug.

Man, she's just crying, this time for herself; gets a standing ovation from the audience, which rarely happens. The other girls are backing her up as she sings us out. Now the guys come out as she works the crowd.

Well, the show just got less fun; curious to see how much longer Kristy can continue to cheat death.