'American Idol' Makes a Surprise Cut
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stephanie Edwards was robbed - big time- on "American Idol" on Wednesday, while Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato were allowed to stay. The departure of the 19 year-old Georgia peach narrowed the number of "Idol" contestants to 10. The winner will be chosen in May.
Simon Cowell had said Edwards' rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" lacked the edginess and youthful energy that she brought to other performance. Paula Abdul echoed that sentiment, telling Edwards she should have "more fun" onstage.
Dodging viewer elimination was Chris Richardson, 22, who was the next-lowest. The Virgina crooner had impressed judges with his smooth take on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." Cowell called it his "best performance so far," while Abdul praised him as "charming and sexy."
In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to dominate the ratings, attracting 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast and gazillions of dollars for everyone except us.