The night started out with the group singing Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World”. Then, we moved right into eliminations.

The back row of the boys was declared safe, one by one. That brought us to the first person on the front row– Nick Pedro, who was immediately eliminated. I thought Nick showed great promise, and I really wanted him to do well, but he just never came across with as much personality during the performances. In interviews, he was overflowing with charisma, but during the performances he fell a bit flat. Perhaps it was nerves.

Then it was time for a girl to be eliminated. The back row was told they were safe one at a time, until they got to the last person on the row– Alaina Alexander. She was eliminated. She didn’t seem surprised, but she did seem a bit bitter.

Kellie Pickler was the special guest performer tonight. She’s looking more and more like her idol, Dolly Parton. She sang an autobiographical song “I Wonder” from her new album. It was really good. She definitely has a career as a country singer.

The rest of the guys were declared safe, leaving AJ Tabaldo and Sanjaya Malakar. Honestly, I would have been okay with either one of those two going home. As much as the judges liked AJ, I found his performance style disconcerting, at best. Well, it doesn’t really matter because tonight he went home. Sanjaya just looked like he wanted to be put out of his misery.

The final three girls were called to stand with Ryan. Antonella Barba, Leslie Hunt and Jordin Sparks were led through the critique of their performances. Antonella was allowed to sit down first. I thought this surely indicated that Leslie would be going home, but it is American Idol– one never can tell. But tonight the indications were accurate. It’s a shame because she is a good singer. But, again, something about her performance style seemed off to me.

So, now we’re down to 16. Just one more elimination before theme weeks begin with the Final 12. Let us know what you think about tonight’s elimination in our poll, or leave us a comment.

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