American Idol: Paris Gone, Final Four in Place

The sad day has finally come when American Idol's little firecracker has finally burned out. Paris got the boot last night and for perhaps the first elimination show ever, she didn't cry. She just smiled that big cheeked smile and pluckily sang her closing tune, good natured until the end.

I've always been an advocate of Paris Bennett and I will continue to be after the show. She was the only contestant that every single solitary guest judge spoke of with glowing praise. She was the only remaining contestant who could bring the funk while still really singing her heart out. Still, it was her time, and America chose correctly once again when deciding who to send home.

This is the part of the competition where everyone starts plotting their final three, final two, final contestant standing on the Kodak Theater stage in a "pool of their own sweat", as Elliott suggested. This is a tough spot for me because at one time or another I've named almost every contestant remaining in the final four as my "favorite" contestant. Assuming everyone's performances are pretty much equal next week (and there are no standout Fantasia singing "Summertime" moments), I'm going to vote til my fingers bleed for Elliott next week. I want him to be in the final three. I think he's the only singer left in the competition who has stayed true to himself throughout without the ideas of fame, power, and success warping him into a cliche of some image the moneymakers thought up for him.

Of course, the moneymakers ascended to their thrones for a reason, so chances are Elliott might not make it another week. Assuming that, the rest of the competition would then be between the three remaining cliche players, all of who are endearing for reasons outside of their image packages. The starlet, Katherine McPhee, seems to get more beautiful each week but also continually proves that she's got pipes to compete with the Christina Aguilera's of the world. The rocker, Chris Daughtry, may have smoldering flames behind him, but he's also proved that he has impeccable taste when it comes to timing and technique. And finally, the baffling soulpatrolman Taylor Hicks, who dances like a freak but has the soul of a musician.

If Elliott bites the big one next week, these will be the stereotypes you're deciding between. But if he stays, then we'll have two of the cliches and one goofy looking big eared singing sensation and sweetheart. And what could be more endearing than that?