By: Mary Cavaliere

After 28 million votes, tonight was the first elimination show on American Idol. Two girls and two guys were sent home leaving the remaining Top 20 to battle it out next week.

This week’s theme was the 1960’s so the show opened with a group number that I enjoyed more on a visual level than an audio level. Everyone was dressed in black and white and all the girls were wearing the styles that I wore as a teenager. Mini-skirts with white knee-length boots, big hoop earrings, teased hair, and peace signs. I just loved it!

As always, Idol changed the format of elimination. They always want to keep you guessing when they’re going to announce someone is leaving and tonight was no exception. It was only 15 minutes into the program when Garrett Haley was told he was going home. Well, that’s the first one I predicted right! The second elimination was Amy Davis who I also predicted might go home. That’s two for two!

One of the treats of the night was watching the debut of a new video with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson that is to be released on March 11th. Paula has been a judge on American Idol for so long that I think people forget what an icon she was in her day. Well she didn’t disappoint. She looked as hot as she ever has and it was enjoyable to watch.

What is never enjoyable to watch, in my opinion, is the vocalists being voted off singing their way out. My goodness, if we all enjoyed listening to them sing they wouldn’t have been voted off in the first place! As painful as Where The Boys Are was last night, I had to sit through an even worse rendition of it again tonight.

The third elimination of the night was not a surprise to me even though I was hoping it wouldn’t happen and she’d get a second chance. Joanne Borgella, the plus sized model with the beautiful smile was sent home. The last one to go, which took me a little by surprise, was Colton Berry. He was definitely not one of the strongest vocalists last night, but I don’t agree with Simon that he should try to do something else with his life. He’s way too young to make that decision. He’s got a good voice and with hard work, singing can continue to be the main focus of his life.

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

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