In the wake of "Paulagate," Ryan Seacrest started Wednesday's American Idol by addressing Tuesday night's debacle. To recap, during the course of a rather ho-hum show, judge Paula Abdul made the critiquing gaffe of the century by judging a performance that hadn't happened yet, sparking outrage across the Internet, with rumors and conspiracy theories flying on everything from show-rigging to producers possibly scripting judge's critiques. Though Abdul tried to make it appear she mixed up her notes, it was obvious she had not. Eventually, she was forced to come clean on what actually happened. That's right, she watched a rehearsal.

Seacrest took part of the blame by saying he threw the judges a "curveball." Judges were not supposed to be giving their thoughts on the performances after round one, yet faced with extra time, Seacrest asked them to just that. In the end, a visibly teary Abdul accepted the apology and was comforted by both of her fellow judges, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, as Seacrest assured audiences the rumors were "not true," and that Abdul was part of the Idol family (clip above).

Everyone okay, then? Let's get started ...

First, a Neil Diamond medley by the top five that was the hottest of all possible messes, except for smooth little David Archuleta displaying some dance moves that left this writer with semi-inappropriate thoughts about someone born circa 1990.

However, for those who felt the same, no need to feel too pervy, as one of the night's performers is also clearly harboring a crush. Once all three guys remaining in the competition—Jason Castro, David Cook and Archuleta—were deemed safe and Syesha Mercado and Brooke White were sent to temporary purgatory, Natasha Bendingfield performed her newest hit, "Pocket Full of Sunshine." Afterward, she was on her way offstage when she turned and ran past Ryan Seacrest to ask if she could say hi to David. It didn't escape notice that David Cook stood up first, expecting that he was the David that Bedingfield wanted to greet, but she popped down next to the littler David and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She also said she'd go to the prom with him, if he asked.

Following Bedingfield's mild flirtation, this week's mentor Neil Diamond took the stage to sing an underwhelming gospel/salsa combination of a song called "Pretty Amazing Grace." Then, it was time for justice to be delivered.

Center stage, Brooke White's tears started to flow and she seemed to know the verdict before it was announced. With her long, blonde hair, big blue eyes, and size zero frame, the Gwyneth Paltrow doppelganger will surely find her way to an iTunes near you soon. Just not via an AI victory.

Next week, the top four take on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which ranges from Madonna to Bob Dylan should allow all contestants a fair shot and returning to their comfort zone. No word yet on how Morrissey will come into play.

RELATED: Remember when Paula totally freaked out in the airport? No? Well, then, enjoy it for the very first time.