For the first time since Season 11’s semifinals, American Idol let the audience know the total number of votes cast – 53 million. One can only assume that the previous numbers were quite disappointing, and that is why the producers could not even announce them. A week after Jessica Sanchez got saved, host Ryan Seacrest said the contestants all together gathered the highest number of votes with the “Now and Then” performance show.

The opening montage of Thursday night’s results show alerted the audience to what could happen now that the judges have used up their only ‘save’ for the season. “Another shock rocks Idol,” the opener said.

Joshua Ledet and Hollie Cavanagh were the first to know their fate. Two soul ballads worked well for Joshua; he was safe. Hollie, on the other hand, was in the bottom three. Adele was just too big a song for her to give justice to, apparently. To make things worse, her second performance was absolutely forgettable compared to the rest.

Skylar Laine and Elise Testone were called next. Now this is quite predictable. Skylar country-fied Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and clearly pulled it off. Vocals-wise, Elise did a good job with Alicia Keys’ No One, but she lacked the pop star appeal in her performance. And her Let’s Get It On number, while beautiful overall, did not carry the kind of melody that speaks to the demographics of the voters. Elise was back in the bottom three. Is this the last trip to the bottom for her?

Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon and Jessica Sanchez, who could make a very good Top 3, were called in last. Some hearts must have skipped a beat thinking if Jessica is in the bottom three again, judges are just going to have to accept that she is not that hot, after all. Mentor Jimmy Iovine apologized for not having steered Jessica away from singing songs that are too old for her. But is it the entirety of the “problem?” Now, Colton and Phillip – they are the only ones who have never been in the bottom three. But their performances were at polar opposites a night ago. Colton’s interpretation had “wannabe” popping all over the stage, while Phillip’s had “real deal” sparkles all around. It is surprising, however, that Colton was not quickly forgiven for his missteps. Ryan announced he was in the bottom three.

Last week, Phillip went the mediocre way singing Maroon 5’s Give More. But he was safe. This says a lot about the two guys' hold of their fan base.

No more singing for their life this time around. Ryan announced, the person going home is Colton Dixon.

Speaking to Ryan and the judges after the announcement of his elimination, Colton said, "You know, I need to apologize... I wasn't myself last night, and I get it. I appreciate what you told me last night. I'll take that when I'm making a record."

"You have a huge career ahead of you, man," Randy Jackson told Colton.

Hollie and Elise get to stay another week. This only means that nothing should be surprising anymore this season.

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