American Idol axes two more finalists
With no one ousted at the end of last week's charity-focused show, "American Idol" gave the heave ho to two contestants Wednesday night Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson, relates Reuters.
The viewer vote tally from last week was added to this week's, with more than 135 million phone and text-message ballots cast in all. Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Chris Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., drew the fewest votes. With their departure, the number of finalists is down to four. The winner will be chosen May 23.
Randy Jackson said on Tuesday's program that Stacey's take on Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory" was his "best performance ever." Stacey — a "good man," said host Ryan Seacrest — performed that song one last time on Wednesday, as LaKisha Jones and 
other finalists wiped away tears.
Richardson, a Justin Timberlake lookalike, hugged "best friend" and finalist Blake Lewis when Seacrest announced he was going home.
"Thank you to everybody for keeping me in this long," said Richardson, before giving a farewell performance of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" — again, by Bon Jovi.
Wednesday's program also featured performances by Robin Thicke and Bon Jovi, the multiplatinum band whose shaggy-haired lead singer was this week's guest coach.
- 'Idol' - clothes off
- "Idol" worship at American Music Awards
- Thousands line up for “American Idol” auditions
- American Idol producer claims about mistakes
- Nigel Lythgoe made some mistakes with “American Idol” last season
- “American Idol” Taylor Hicks made the fans go crazy at 4H Fair
- "Idol" judge Cowell examining Abdul's new boyfriend
- "Idol" Kelly Clarkson composes at night
- "Idol" Carrie Underwood's fall follow-up
- "Idol" judge Simon Cowell gets double income
- Britney Spears to reaveal next album in May
- Victoria Justice signs with Britney’s manager — Larry Rudolph
- Adam Lambert is ready to rock the AMAs
- Jennifer Lopez: ‘Fresh Out The Oven’ music video
- Nathan Followill and Jessie Baylin: wedding pictures
- Miley Cyrus tour bus crashes
- Carrie Underwood on Mike Fisher:'We’re Both Doing Our Thing'
- John Mayer wins the Billboard battle
- Leighton Meester and Cyndi Lauper: Woodie Award Women
- Britney Spears takes home the big prize for pussy!
- Christina Aguilera reveals about naked plans
- Images: Topless Britney Spears
- Britney Spears brings new nude fashion
- Beyonce and Shakira want duet
- Gwen Stefani releases The Great Escape
- Brit's second with the same name initials as first
- Christina Aguilera amazed by her bust Christina Aguilera amazed by her bust
- Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton bust up again
- Helena Paparizou: MY NUMBER ONE Lyrics