'American Idol' Cuts Another Contestant

NEW YORK — Uneasy lies Chikezie, who won't wear the crown. The one-name singer _ who previously worked security at Los Angeles International Airport _ was eliminated from "American Idol" as the show narrowed the competition to nine finalists.

Chikezie, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., injected the singing contest with enthusiasm and soul. His performances could be risky and kinetic, as when he sang the Beatles' "She's A Woman," or safe and retro, as seen in his earlier rendition of "More Today than Yesterday."

Simon Cowell criticized Chikezie for singing the ballad "If Only for One Night" on Tuesday's performance show: "You chose the wrong song last night. ... It wasn't original."

The other lowest vote-getters were Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado.

Tattooed finalist Carly Smithson took a moment to address speculation she's expecting a child with her husband. She told host Ryan Seacrest: "Apparently I'm pregnant _ but I'm not."

Wednesday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kimberley Locke, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in season two.

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On the Net:

http://www.americanidol.com/

Comments

[LeoMarvin]

This country elected Taylor Hicks over Katherine McPhee and Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks over Melinda Doolittle (Jordin deserved to beat the annoying beat-box guy), and George Bush over... what difference does it make who it was over? Bush was elected twice! When I hear the words "President Obama" I'll consider whether America is also ready to redeem its judgment of singing ability.

[bluegreen]

Too soon, too soon. I'm gonna download his music.

[cBc]

If only this "contest" was really about actual singing talent, instead of how many times teenage girls can speed dial multiple votes....but of course it isn't.
Why the dreadlocked Castro is still among the living, but Chikezie isn't, simply baffles me...but I digress.

[HobbyWizard]

Chickezie's soul-HeeHaw vamp of "I Just Saw a Face" last week was the best performance I've seen on Idol in years. That said, he should have steered clear of Luther Vandross material. A great left-field choice from 1986 would have been "Absolute Beginners" -- Chick could've sent that one to the moon.

Ah well - if the Chickmeister is out, so am I!

[Fletch17C]

My friends and I knew that Kristy -- the single least talented singer in the bunch -- would not get sent packing when she quacked out "God Bless the USA." She had been in the bottom 3 since the beginning, and all of sudden, she wasn't. No surprise. She pandered her way into the next round with jingoism, while the other contestants worked their talent. Next week she will be singing some other song (off key, of course) that talks about how much she loves God and America while wearing a red, white, & blue outfit and an Uncle Sam hat. That's bad news for Michael & Carly. Despite their talent, I suspect they will eventually be punished for not being "American enough."

Chikezie was not going to win, but he deserved another week on the show.

It wil be interesting if the final turns our to be a showdown between the 2 Davids -- the sweet pop kid and the intense rock dude. They are both talented in their own ways, so it's tough to pick one over the other, which is pretty cool.

[Bulbul]

He will do good with his velvetty voice, I would say too soon for him, so many of the ladies are not gonna make it ! Do not have that voice that makes one to listen to them more.
Actually this is the first time I am watching the show so early on, other years, particularly last year the pitchiness would hurt.
Three men on there are super ! Dave probably would win and other two, win or not will have a fantastic road ahead....

[slobone]

This shows what can happen when Simon takes a dislike to somebody. You can only withstand that for so long.

[Ramirez]

I liked him but he wasn't gonna win and this was gonna happen sooner or later. There's only four with a chance of winning:

Carly, Brooke, Michael, and David Cook.

[monac58]

I think you are 'off key' with your final four prediction. I agree with Carly and David Cook.
But if people really want a talent they will stick with David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado as well.
RIght now the weakest links are Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Maloubay. Both of them can leave immediately as far as I am concerned.

[Nyk]

David Archuleta is gonna win the whole thing. Not because he's the absolute best, but because he's got enough talent and he's got the tweeny vote wrapped up. And those little girls vote and vote often.

[Ramirez]

I agree with your weakest links but David A is sinking as the others are starting to grow. He is loaded with talent to be sure but his last couple of weeks have been underwhelming.

Good point about his voter base though. Although you could make the same point about Christie and Ramiele.