American Idol: The Search for a Superstar - Season 8 Episode 20

"American Idol" – Two Contestants Eliminated – March 11, 2009

Ryan reminds us that it's going to be a double elimination and that some new rule will be going into effect.

33 million votes were cast.

Ryan shows us pictures of Jennifer Hudson, Tamyra Gray, Chris Daughtry, and Michael Johns. What they have in common he says is the outrage that was sparked when they were voted off. In response to that, they're instituting a new rule: the judges' save. From this point forward until the top 5 the judges can save a contestant once, and it has to be unanimous. Once they've used the save they can't use it again for the rest of the season. When they do, no one will be eliminated. The next week, two people will be eliminated.

Ryan says this doesn't reverse America's decision-making. Simon agrees saying the way the show works is people vote for who they want to save. So if someone doesn't get enough votes this simply saves someone the judges deem more worthy than voters.

We get a video package of where the contestants will be living. A swanky Beverly Hill mansion complete with pool and bowling alley.

Group Sing: Medley of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and "ABC." It sounds curiously recorded. The most impressive thing about it is how well Scott McIntyre is executing the goofy choreography.

We get a recap of last night. Ryan banters with the contestants.

Ford Commercial: "We Will Rock You," Queen. The contestants are projected on the sides of buildings.

Results: Michael, Alison, Matt, and Megan are safe. Jasmine is going home (unless the judges save her.)

She re-sings her song and the judges confer. They don't save her. Jasmine is going home. She tears up and Ryan whispers comforting words in her ear. Jasmine watches her journey as we hear Carrie Underwood's cover of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home."

Guest Performance: Kanye West, "Heartless." There's a lot of blinding white light and Auto-Tune. He has mercifully cut the mullet.

Results: Scott, Alexis, Danny, Adam, and Lil Rounds are safe. Jorge or Anoop may be going home. So, of course, Jorge is going home.

Guest Performance: Kelly Clarkson, "My Life Would Suck Without You." Fun song, great vocal. She shows 'em how it's done.

It's Jorge. The judges decline to save him.