One by one, the herd is thinning out on the way to the American Idol finale. This week, the remaining contestants took on the songbook of Neil Diamond. Was the bushy-browed wonder's work kind to the 5 best singers in the world?

Well, yes and no. Some good, some bad, some ugly...and, last night, one had to go home.

Last night's show followed the Bottom 2 structure of last week's results show, and, after Jason, Archie and Cook sat down on the big, comfy couch...Syesha and Brooke were left standing in the harsh, bright light of judgement.

They had the lowest vote totals for the week...but which lovely lady was picked-off?

Brooke White has been eliminated from the competition. Her performances of "I'm a Believer" and "I am, I Said" didn't draw enough votes to keep her around for another week...and last week's much talked-about song restart probably didn't help her chances much, either.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Jason and Brooke in his Bottom 2. He's batting .500, there. Mr. Funk also thought Jason would be going home this week. Artie, your thoughts on this week's results?

Funk: Well, that SUCKS. Did she deserve to go this week? Sure. Did I want her to go this week? No. Will I miss her shining, happy/uber-emotionally-crying-but-completely-human persona? Yeah, probably. Will I buy her first album? At least the single! I was disappointed, but I think it was probably about time. Her fanbase clearly was not as dedicated as all of the tween girls who loved hearing Jason Castro singing about his tight jeans. So, farewell, Brooke.

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie Heart ALSO had Jason and Brooke in her Bottom 2. And, like her ol' buddy Artie, she's a total Jason hater...saying he would go home this week. Julie, what do you think of this week's results?

Heart: Brooke and Syesha went head to head for the final spot at safety. As surprised as I am to see Brooke leave, I kind of thought it might happen after last night. She’s had too many mistakes, and Syesha has been strong the last two weeks. I still think Jason Castro should have been the one going home, Brooke is more talented and original. I would much rather see her perform then Syesha as well, but I don’t think the fans could get past Brooke having two bad weeks in a row. Watching her stand next to Syesha, she knew it was her night to go home, and when she had to sing –it was painful to watch. I don’t know if it’s ironic or classic that she messed up her final song and couldn’t even finish. I think if she can get her confidence back and put out a record people would actually buy it though, it would probably be different than what most idols would put out. Other thoughts from last night? Worst. Group. Song. Ever. I don’t know what they were thinking with that, but it was just bad. So cheesy and corny, and many other vomit educing adjectives-even for Idol. They really do like to mess with us on Idol, making Jason Castro go out first and he’s safe…I wonder if he got sympathy for Paula screwing him over last night. I know they drew out David A’s critique, but why was he shocked when he was safe. C’mon now, even he’s gotta know he’s a shoe in to win at this point- and I think Natasha’s got a little Lolita crush on him! David Cook was the third one out of the gate, and they wasted no time telling him he was safe. The call segment of the show was a lot more interesting last night with Simon getting a call from his first kiss. That was actually cool to see his reaction. And, yeah...I’m not really interested in hearing a new song from Neil Diamond…if he’s the one I have to watch singing it!

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde Collins apparently lost his mind. Not only did he put David Archuleta in his Bottom 2 with Brooke...he said Archie would actually be the one to go home! Clyde, what were you THINKING?!

Collins: I knew. Don't think I didn't know it'd be Brooke. Brooke knew. I knew. It wasn't going to be a David, because those overrated pukes are too popular. It wasn't going to be Jason, because him leaving after Paula Abdul's blatant hatchet-job this week would create an unwanted controversy and make him a martyr. It wasn't going to be Syesha, because she's got momentum (not enough to win) and has come alive in recent weeks. That leaves...Brooke, the unlucky and unloved. It was an easy call, but, as I said in the column after Tuesday's performance show...I'm pushing for complete and total anarchy at this point. The mediocre and predictable ending toward which this season is headed should NOT be allowed to happen. The Davids commit crimes against music on a weekly basis, and no one cares. The ladies are doomed, because it's OBVIOUS that little girls are the ones dominating the voting. How else do you explain Jason Castro?! I like the guy, don't get me wrong...in fact, he's just become my new favorite contestant (bye, Brooke). Those haunting, blue eyes are keeping him around just as much as his mellow voice...if not moreso! I still don't get what little girls see in balding faux-rockers or theatrical dwarves with breath control problems, but, hey...whatever floats your boats. Not up on the trends, don't read the Tiger Beat. Anyway, I'm miserable about Brooke leaving on some level...but okay with it on another. She wasn't going to win the show. She got a stay of execution after last week's screw-up, and I like that she got to go out the way we WANT to remember her - a sobbing, blubbering, sappy mess. I'm sure more than a few of her haters smiled...but plenty more people felt really, really bad for her. I want people feeling unhappy when they watch Idol, at this point...everyone should have to experience the show the way I do, now. It just got a lot less genuine and a lot less interesting. Oh, well...there's always next season! Looking forward to Season 8, people! (Sigh.)

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
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