The night started off with introductions, then it was on to the group performance. Tonight’s performance was a Diana Ross Medley. It was alright. I wasn’t jumping out of my chair :) (Hey, that is fun to say— now I understand why Simon says it all the time.) I did want to note that I really think Haley Scarnato looks a bit like Katharine McPhee. Is it just me?

When they came back from commercial, we got to see our first American Idol Ford commercial. The Idols sang “Float On”— I believe that’s by Modest Mouse. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong. Chris Sligh’s hair was a hoot.

Then, it was on to the serious portion of the evenings. Brandon Rogers was the first in the bottom three, but he was soon joined by Phil Stacey. The rest of the singers sat down until only Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato remained. (I did have a brief moment of panic when the final three were Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato. It had all the earmarkings of an Idol fake out that might send Blake home.) Now, I know a lot of you got your hopes up when you saw Sanjaya possibly heading to the bottom three, but you must hear me when I say, “Sanjaya is probably not going home for a few more weeks. That’s just the way it works. You’ll only drive yourself crazy if you expect him to go home every week.”

So, Sanjaya and Haley had to wait through commercials, Diana Ross singing and more commercials before finding out that Haley was safe and Sanjaya was in the bottom three. Phil Stacey was allowed to sit home. And then Brandon was sent home to the strains of Daughtry’s “Home”, I believe. Again, correct me if I’m wrong. It’s late, and I’m tired.

Next week the top 11 will perform, and we’ll go through this whole crazy cycle all over again.