37 million votes last night, and we still expect the results to be completely predictable and anticlimatic. But, oh well- at least there are performances from Daughtry and Bon Jovi to look forward to. Fantasia as well, but we’re not so much looking forward to that one.
 
Speak of the devil, at least we get Fantasia’s performance of “Bittersweet” out of the way quickly. There’s only one singer in history whose voice annoys us more than hers, and it’s Macy Gray. This is slightly less awkward than her performance last year was, but it’s still terrible.
 
The Ford video is underwhelming. The song isn’t even catchy. Not much to say about it, since it’s pretty much the same commercial we see every week.
 
Before we get down to business, Seacrest reminds us that the three contestants who survive tonight’s elimination will be given homecoming trips this weekend. Then we reflect on some past homecomings from all 8 seasons.
 
Seacrest reminds us that the results will be given in no particular order, and then sends Casey James to safety. What? Why? Well, here’s some helpful advice for next year’s hopefuls: When in doubt at your audition, take off your shirt. Obviously it worked for Casey.
 
Daughtry’s performance of “September” is unlike what we’ve come to expect from them, but we like it. The song is mellow and pretty, and while it doesn’t totally blow us away, it’s a good way to kill a few minutes of an otherwise mind-numbingly dull show.
 
Back to the results, and Lee Dewyze is safe. That leaves… Michael Lynche and Crystal Bowersox? The suspense is killing us. Or, um, not. At all.
 
Bon Jovi’s performance is… well, lackluster. We like them, but this song is about as cookie-cutter as it gets. We’re happy when it ends.
 
And since we could cut the tension with a plastic spork, let’s just get it over with. Michael Lynche is eliminated. Crystal Bowersox is safe. Like we didn’t see that coming.
 
Next week, the top three perform and we learn who’s in this season’s finale.