"Idol:" To Sir With Love

A spoiler-free take on tonight's elimination after the jump. But I think it's safe to announce that, despite the dismay of many on the Idol Chat this afternoon, Sanjaya Malakar will be touring the nation this summer. And is that such a terrible thing? Sure, he performed "You Really Got Me" like an eight-year-old who'd binged on sugar cookies. But admit it, you had to watch.

I wasn't surprised at all that Stephanie had to go. There's only room for so many crooning divas in one season, she doesn't have the power of LaKisha and Melinda. Besides, I figure Jordin has won over much of Stephanie's natural fan base. At this stage of the contest, it's either about wowing the viewers, as Jordin did this week, or carving out a niche. So there you have it: LaKisha is LaKisha, Melinda is Melinda, Gina is the rocker who yells, and Haley is aiming for a Maxim cover shoot. Given tonight's outfit, I guess Lulu is, too.