Each sang two numbers of which they picked one by themselves. For Phillip Phillips, his first number was more or less a disaster for his standards. He sang ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’ and he did not come out with his guitar. It was not an incredible performance but he more than made up for it with his second when he did ‘Volcano’. That was the song he picked by himself and it showed because it really looked like he was the original singer. All the judges had positive things to say about that second number.

Hollie Cavanagh’s first song was ‘faithfully’ and she too bummed it. Hollie can be overly dramatic and this song was up her end but she really over did it. Her second number had some believability issues. She did ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ and it was more like she did not connect with the song. Some of the judges hinted at her age and why that choice of song as being the problem.

Jimmy Ledet was the next contestant to come on stage and he followed the pattern of making a hash of the first number while delivering the goods at the second with was a song of his choice. He got some well deserved criticism and praise in both cases. His first song was ‘You Raise me Up’ and his second; ‘its A Man’s World’.

Jessica Sanchez was criticized for her first song but commended for the second. She was criticized for her choice of song.

When the results were announced it was Sanchez that was the first named and made it to the top three. Then Ledet followed closely before Phillips was picked. It was Hollie’s last day. The rest would go home for a hero’s reception (and more publicity) before the finale.

The tension mounts, as another finalist is sent home live

Sent Back to Safety First

Jessica Sanchez

Sent Back to Safety Second

Joshua Ledet

Sent Back to Safety Third

Phillip Phillips

Eliminated

Hollie Cavanagh

It’s getting down to the wire, as the remaining finalists performlive for America’s votes.

Tonight’s Theme’s Are: Songs by Californians& They Wish They’d Written

Performing Tonight Are:

• Hollie Cavanagh
• Jessica Sanchez
• Joshua Ledet
• Phillip Phillips

It was elimination night and it was Ledet that was the first to be called. Ryan announced that he was saved to continue the journey. Between him and the next person, Coldplay came in to perform their hit single ‘Paradise’.

Hollie and Phillip were up next and of the two after all the analysis and introspection; it was Phillip that was safe.

Carrie Underwood came back to the show she won seven years back as she sang ‘Blown Away’.

Skylar and Jessica were up next and it was Jessica that was safe while Skylar joined Hollie in the bottom two.

Coldplay came back with ‘Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall’ and they were perfect. The time came for the judges to count and in the end it was Skylar Laine that came to the end of her run. But she got this far and it is clear that she won’t go missing for long.

There are fewer contestants left and thing would be heating up.

Skylar disclosed her discussion earlier with Hollie Cavanagh, fellow contestant, where she had thought she was safe. Hollie thought she would be the one to be eliminated as she had been nominated twice and didn’t imagine she would survive but Skylar would only stare back at her. The show continues every Wednesdays on Fox network.

Phillip reckoned the support he has from his girlfriend and that she is proud of him pursuing his dreams. He reaffirmed to his fans that he is determined to give them the best through his music and nothing else or less. He believes that his music speaks for him and that is how he will get his votes. So, to him Ryan’s announcement does not really affect his chances on the show.

The five final participants have promised to unravel their respective “A” games this week for the themed night. The theme night is two-themed with Brit Pop in one and 60’s music in another.

Steven Van Zandt has agreed to coach the participants on Jimmy’s request.

Round One: Retro 60’s

While Holle started the show and was lost in “River Deep”, she was asked to give up the effort of pleasing the public. And many judges have been telling her the same. Finally she managed to shrug it off and bag a 4 on 5.

Phillip followed Hollie with “The Letter” Although some did not like few bits and pieces of the per-formance; J.Lo was really impressed with his performance. Some others also did not like the melody of the song, but in the end it was termed as sexy and bagged him a 4 on 5.

The show did not go the same for Skylar though. She bagged a mere 2.5 on 5. The judges were not par-ticularly happy with her as she did not sing any CCR song. But J.Lo had a different take on the same and she seemed to enjoy the performance.

Jessica Sanchez bagged 3 on 5. Some felt that Jessica’s song was not up to the mark, but thanks to her lovely voice which acted as a savior.

Joshua was the show stealer. He scored a 5 on 5. His theme matched Joshua well. He was also hailed amongst the 2 top idols ever. His performance was termed as the best in that round.

Round of the British Poppers

Hollie started on a high note with a 5 on 5 performance. Finally all the judges admitted that they had pushed her only to see Hollie in her current Avatar. Every one was mesmerized by her voice and her show.

Unlike Hollie, Phillips slipped down a notch. It was a mediocre performance, but the song was sung well and he bagged a mere 3.5 on 5.

Skylar sung “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”, and the judges were pretty impressed. Her show was called flawless, but due to some Pitch variation issues she got 4 on 5.

Jessica’s performance proved that it was worth saving her from exclusion. Her song was good but it lacked life and sounded too slow, hence she got a mere 3.5 on 5

Joshua however kept his tempo and completed a second 5 on 5. He sung “To love Somebody” and sang it well with a lot of passion. His flawless performance earned him a standing ovation yet again. Steven called Josuha a real artist for the current performance. At his age of 19 he sang the song much beyond expectation.

Final Standings:
1st – Joshua 10
2nd – Hollie 9
3rd - Phillip 7.5
Skylar & Jessica tied at 6.5

Skylar Laine : Eliminated

Tonight’s Themes Are: British Music & Songs from the 1960s
Performing Tonight Are:

Hollie Cavanagh
Jessica Sanchez
Joshua Ledet
Phillip Phillips
Skylar Laine

Mike, president of alternative entertainment on Fox network described Ryan as the best in the business because of his tact in engaging viewers and calming contestants during intense moment as well as the way he adapts to any situation. The show creator, Simon Fuller also described Ryan as an expert host and a commendable professional.

Ryan’s new contract with American Idol lasts 24 months and will earn him about 15 million USD per season. Besides the show, Ryan has also signed a deal as NBC’s special correspondent to cover the 2012 Olympics set in London as well as a contract with Fox to host its 25th anniversary celebrations that are set to happen soon. Towards end of last year, Ryan was quoted debating about replacing Matt Lauer on Today show if he resigned from the co-anchor job but Matt has since signed a new deal for the show as his commitment to the program.