VIDEO: American Idol Early Favorite Haeyley Vaughn Gets Eliminated
Mar. 5 2010, Published 9:34 a.m. ET
Regardless of what the judges think, America was in control on Thursday night as contestants were voted off on the results show. There were some surprises, including early favorite Haeyley Vaughn getting an early exit.
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After a typically enthusiastic yet hokey group number to start the show (this time it was the Black Eyed Peas tune I Got A Feeling), the eliminations began. The men were up first: Tim Urban, huggable and electric Michael Lynche, and guitar-wielding heartthrob Casey James were early saves. Then, the spotlight turned to John Park and Todrick Hall. Randy Jackson said both “lost the plot” since the competition began, failing to show off the personalities that got them to the show. Park’s rendition of John Mayer’s Gravity was not enough to save him and he was the first contestant to go. Despite the letdown, he was upbeat and sang his heart out during his farewell.
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Lee Dewyze (who got a surprising thumbs up from Simon Cowell), Aaron Kelly (who had a rough week), and Alex Lambert also got reprieves leaving Jermaine Sellers and Andrew Garcia. Unfortunately for outspoken Sellers, his votes fell short and he was sent home.
Before the women could hit the chopping block, former Idol contestant Danny Gokey performed, providing a short break from the drama.
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
But alas, two women would eventually have to go. The back row of women went first: Lilly Scott, Paige Miles, Katelyn Epperly and Didi Benami were all safe, with Michelle Delamor going home. Last but not least, the first row was up last: Haeley Vaughn, Lacey Brown, Siobhan Magnus, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens. The teenage Vaughn, an early favorite, sadly ended the show with a (pretty off-key but heartfelt) swan song.