'Idol:' Damage Control

Yes, yes, we'll talk about the elimination after the jump. Here, I'll note the intensity of the "American Idol" damage control effort, following the Eyeroll Incident. Not only did Simon make the expected statement, declaring that he is not, in fact, heartless and evil; they actually went to the videotape to prove he was rolling his eyes at something Paula said, and not at Chris Richardson's tribute to his friends at Virginia Tech.

As I did last night, I think his claim is credible. Especially if Paula was agreeing that "nasally" is a form of singing. I know not everyone agrees. But cameras can be cruel. As can eliminations...

And so, we come to the end of the road. Sanjaya is toast. And I'm going to miss him. Not for performances like last night's, when he looked like a contestant in a summer camp talent show. But for his hair, his scream, and his ability to make the best of what could have been a psychologically damaging situation. In those early weeks, he always looked ready to cry when he was told he could stay another week. But eventually he not only got the joke but embraced it, to a point. He proved it last night with what must have been a pre-planned refrain: "Let's give 'em something to talk about, other than ha-a-a-air." And he'll do fine in the long run; apparently, he already has a standing offer to appear on "Hannah Montana."

So yes, Simon's nightmare is over, as evidenced by his grin when he realized how likely it was that Sanjaya would get the boot. And yes, this will please every good-intentioned person who wants "Idol" to be a singing competition. But I'm telling you, folks: Phil Stacey won't be nearly as much fun to kick around. And you have to listen to Chris Richardson for another week. So there.