the elite 8: a SIMULBLOG!...

It's getting to that tough part of any season. We've gotten to know them, care about them and, in some cases, like them, and yet one of them has to go.

It's killing night. Because THIS is American Idol.

And this is a SIMULBLOG, where I'm typing as fast as the law allows while the action is unfolding live and in person on the East Coast. And I'll be hitting that fabulous "publish" button at every significant break. So if you want to be totally spoiled, stick around and bathe in the spoilage. If you want to stay pure and chaste, chaste yourself away, but come back once you've been de-chasted and dish with the rest of us.

Because the show's about to start!
_______

After the introductions, the kids start the show with 9 to 5. And here I was expecting Islands in the Stream. I like how it seems the kids - especially the guys - have decided they are stuck doing the pointy poses, so they may as well just have fun with them. They don't sing all that well as a group, but they make me chuckle, so I love them.

And in no time, we're being sold Burger King products and finding out that Ford is giving back to Idol as Idol Gives Back.

We get a mini AI Rewind of the night before. And the sofa means safety. The stools are bad.

Michael Johns is called to the stage. He gets reminded of his reviews. And he's told he's safe.
David Archuleta comes center stage without being summoned. He says the song he sang "had a great message." You like that don't you David. He's sent to the safety sofa quickly.
Carly Smithson is next. Ryan teases her with the stools before sending her to the sofa.

The stools are empty after the first round.
_______

I am not even going to mention how much I detest these phone calls.

It's time for The Clark Brothers to sell their new CD, which, after their appearance here will probably hit #1. I didn't watch the band show that they won, but I already really really like the them, especially as instrumentalists.

The kids are playing basketball in the crappy Ford commercial. You have to see it.

And they go right to more executions. Carly lays into Simon for the wardrobe comment. Good girl.

David Cook is told to come on down. He says the medical stories were blown out of proportion and he's fine. He's sent to the sofa just to be sure.

Ramiele Malubay is called to the stage. She looks scared. With good reason. She's sent to the first stool.

Kristy Lee Cook shows up. She says she has her stool reserved. And Ryan obliges by sending her to sit next to Ramiele.
_______

It's time to catch up with Idol Alumni. It's Bucky!! It's Phil Stacey! It's Bo Bice!! I am totally liking this part of the results shows!

Syesha Mercado is called to the stage. She must be safe. And she is.
Brooke White and Jason Castro arrive arm in arm. They are reminded of the songs they chose. Brooke is told she's joining the bad people. Jason heads for the couch.
_______

We're reminded to start saving our dimes for next week's Idol Gives Back. And it's time for Dolly Parton to sing. She's got Jesus. And Gravity. And a choir backing her up. I won't sing. I'll let you listen for yourself. Or not.
_______

These one-hour results shows are killing me.

The three rejects stand with Ryan on the stage. One of them gets sent back to the safety of the good sofa. And after some unnecessary banter, Ryan lets us know that's Brooke.

Ramiele and Kristy give big hugs. Kristy is safe and Ramiele is told she's through. And there are big big tears.

Ramiele watches her journey to the sound of Ruben. She has so much potential. I'm glad she's on the tour.

Good luck Ramiele!