American Idol Season 9 Top 24 Elimination

Ryan started building the drama as soon as the show started, telling us that the votes are in (24 million of them) and four people would be going home. He introduced the judges and asked Simon why he’d been harsher than normal the night before. Simon said he didn’t think he had been particularly harsh, adding if you’re judging the show you’ve got to give people advice. Ryan confirmed that Simon believed he was just helping, saying, “you were charitable last night? Thank you,” and moving on leaving Simon looking slightly unsure. Ryan introduced the group number … and this clip will never, ever get old:

Oh, Ryan!

Ryan had the lights dimmed for eliminations, starting with the back row of girls. Siobhan, Haeley, Michelle, Katelyn and Katie were safe but Janell was out and sang her song again.

After the break, Allison Iraheta (whose surname Ryan still can’t pronounce) performed her new single Scars.

Allison joked, “should I give you an awkward interview right now?” then laughed with Ryan about being nervous backstage, thinking she was going to be eliminated.

Ryan asked the front row of girls to stand, then told Paige, Lacey, Lilly, Crystal, and Didi to sit back down and Ashley had to sing again.

Before starting on eliminating two of the guys, Ryan introduced a tape of Tyler in a bath robe, tennis socks and boots. Again starting on the back row, Ryan told Michael, John, Aaron, Todrick and Tim that they were safe, but it was the end of the road for Joe.

Ryan announced Idol Gives Back will take place on April 21st with the support of Exxon Mobil, News Corp, Ford Motor Company, Coca Cola and AT&T.

Kris Allen was just back from Haiti and Ryan asked what it was like on the ground. Kris talked about the devastation and destruction, but also the hope. Ryan asked him to explain why the coming rainy season would be a problem before saying that proceeds from Kris’ performance on iTunes would go to the relief fund and running down other ways to donate.

Ryan asked the final row of contestants to rise before telling Casey, Jermaine, Lee, Andrew and Alex that they were safe and it was the end of the road for Tyler.

There was a journey montage for the four who are going home with Will Young’s “Leave Right Now” playing in the background. That’s hilarious!

Next week it’s the girls again on Tuesday, the guys on Wednesday and the results on Thursday.