April 23, 2008 9:09 PM

And then there were five

The luck of the Irish ran out for American Idol contestant Carly Smithson Wednesday, as she ended up on the tail end of 38 million votes.
With Smithson's departure, that brings the remaining singers to five.
Smithson was joined in the bottom two vote-getters by Syesha Mercado, who displayed a refreshing coolness. She's been on the bubble before.
For the first time this year, both of the low vote-getters were allowed to sing songs. Smithson did Jesus Christ Superstar and Mercado did One Rock and Roll Too Many.
Wednesday's show included an extensive chat with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose music the singers sang Tuesday.
There was also a brief visit to New York to see how Idol alumni are faring on Broadway. Featured were Tamyra Gray, who appears in Rent, and Clay Aiken who is starring in Spamelot,
The show also featured a taped message from President George Bush and his wife Laura imploring viewers to continue to give money to the Idol Gives Back charity campaign. The effort has raised $65 million thus far. Producers are hoping to top the $100 million mark.
There was also a surprise performance by Leona Lewis, the British sensation whose hit song Bleeding Love is burning up the airwaves.
Lewis was discovered and produced by judge Simon Cowell.
Next Tuesday's show should be interesting. Neil Diamond will be mentoring the singers. I can't wait to hear David Archuleta sing Cracklin' Rosie.

Posted by Mike Pearson at 9:09 PM | Comments (0)