'American Idol' Cuts Another Contestant

By ERIN CARLSON,

Posted: 2008-03-27 07:10:56

Filed Under: American Idol, TV News, Reality TV

NEW YORK (March 27) - Uneasy lies Chikezie, who won't wear the crown. The one-name singer - who previously worked security at Los Angeles International Airport - was eliminated from "American Idol" as the show narrowed the competition to nine finalists.

Chikezie, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., injected the singing contest with enthusiasm and soul. His performances could be risky and kinetic, as when he sang the Beatles' "She's A Woman," or safe and retro, as seen in his earlier rendition of "More Today than Yesterday."

Simon Cowell criticized Chikezie for singing the ballad "If Only for One Night" on Tuesday's performance show: "You chose the wrong song last night. ... It wasn't original."

The other lowest vote-getters were Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado.

Tattooed finalist Carly Smithson took a moment to address speculation she's expecting a child with her husband. She told host Ryan Seacrest: "Apparently I'm pregnant - but I'm not."

Wednesday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kimberley Locke, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in season two.

'American Idol' Season Seven Top 24 Contestants

David Archuleta

Age: 17 | Hometown: Murray, Utah
Background: David won the junior singer category of 'Star Search' in 2003. He overcame vocal paralysis to audition in San Diego

Colton Berry

Age: 17 | Hometown: Staunton, Va.
Background: The high schooler has directed and starred in numerous local theater productions, including 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Les Miserables' and 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Joanne Borgella

Age: 25 | Hometown: Hoboken, NJ
Background: The plus-sized model won 'Mo'Nique's Fat Chance,' a reality show/beauty pageant, in 2005

Robbie Carrico

Age: 26 | Hometown: Melbourne, Fla.
Background: Could he be the next Justin Timberlake? Robbie was a member of the pop group Boyz-N-Girlz United and briefly dated Britney Spears in 1999

Jason Castro

Age: 20 | Hometown: Rockwall, Tex.
Background: Jason starred as the love interest of the title character in the MTV series 'Cheyenne'

David Cook

Age: 25 | Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
Background: David was a fixture in the Heartland music scene in the bands Midwest Kings and Axium. He released a solo album, 'Analog Heart'

Kristy Lee Cook

Age: 24 | Hometown: Selma, Ore.
Background: The horseback-riding, cage-fighting country singer was once signed by Arista (and linked to Britney Spears' production company)

Amy Davis

Age: 25 | Hometown: Lowell, Ind.
Background: The bikini model made it to the second round of 2007's 'Nashville Star' and sang for a group including two members of the band Survivor

Asia'h Epperson

Age: 19 | Hometown: Joplin, Mo.
Background: Asia'h lost her father to a car accident just days before her Atlanta audition

Chikezie Eze

Age: 22 | Hometown: Inglewood, Calif.
Background: Chikezie made it to Hollywood in season six but fell short of the Top 24

Garrett Haley

Age: 17 | Hometown: Elida, Ohio
Background: Garrett tried out in Omaha

David Hernandez

Age: 24 | Hometown: Glendale, Ariz.
Background: After suffering from nerves during his San Diego audition, David wowed the judges during Hollywood week with his rendition of 'Love the One You're With'

Michael Lee Johns

Age: 29 | Hometown: Los Angeles
Background: The native Australian fronted a band, The Rising, which was once signed to Maverick

Alexandrea Lushington

Age: 17 | Hometown: Douglasville, Ga.
Background: As a child, Alex performed at the Apollo Theater and on 'Star Search.' She also enjoys writing stage plays

Kady Malloy

Age: 18 | Hometown: Houston, Tex.
Background: Kady, who hails from the same town as season 2's Kimberly Caldwell, can impersonate famous singers

Ramiele Malubay

Age: 20 | Hometown: Miramar, Fla.
Background: The Filipino-American stands only 4'11" and aspires to be the next Jasmine Trias (season 3)

Luke Menard

Age: 29 | Hometown: Crawfordsville, Ind.
Background: Luke is a member of the local a cappella singing group, Chapter 6

Syesha Mercado

Age: 21 | Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.
Background: The daughter of a Motown singer, Syesha appeared as a contestant on the short-lived ABC reality competition, 'The One: Making a Music Star'

Danny Noriega

Age: 18 | Hometown: Azusa, Calif.
Background: Danny auditioned for season 6 but was eliminated after "nerves took over"

Amanda Overmyer

Age: 23 | Hometown: Mulberry, Ind. Background: The Harley-riding, rock 'n' roll nurse survived a bad car accident after her Atlanta audition

Carly Smithson

Age: 23 | Hometown: San Diego
Background: The native Irish singer tried out for season 5, but visa problems disqualified her. Under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy, she released a record, 'Ultimate High,' for MCA in 2001

Alaina Whitaker

Age: 16 | Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Background: The water polo player and her sister, Brittany, won a local singing contest with a prize of $5,000 and a three-song CD

Brooke White

Age: 24 | Hometown: Mesa, Ariz.
Background: The nanny, who claims to have never seen an R-rated movie released an album, 'Songs From the Attic,' in 2005 and reportedly opened for Phil Vassar on tour

Jason Yeager

Age: 28 | Hometown: Grand Prairie, Tex.
Background: Jason was a finalist on the first season of 'Making the Band'

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2008-03-27 06:58:24

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59 comments

stringwinder 03:54:37 PM Mar 29 2008

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I wonder if there is a way to see what songs that the Idol Contestants get to pick from and then a way to post our suggestions?

one1923 03:37:29 AM Mar 28 2008

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will this post?

one1923 03:37:05 AM Mar 28 2008

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Simon was right though. Kristy's song choice was really smart. I don't particularly care for the song (except for the sentiment) but it was a sharp move. And I got to give her props for that.

Chikezie should've stayed though.

Stop Gay Rights 11:50:22 PM Mar 27 2008

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Jactmsn 11:31:07 PM Mar 27 2008

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You want to know your time of death?
visit the website:tombclock. com

Basketballguy827 08:40:56 PM Mar 27 2008

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David Cook is the best he should win. He is going to be REALLY big after this season of Idol. He rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sunnysky2007 08:08:19 PM Mar 27 2008

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I think that Carly, Ramiele and Syesha are way underrated. They can belt out a song and they have powerhouse voices. I also love that they pick songs that are harder to sing and having the guts to do it. All in the top 10 are good singers and this is the best top 10 in all of American Idol's history. The only problem of these 3 girls is song choice but Carly, Ramiele and Syesha can sing and got pipes. I think David Cook and David Archuleta are way overrated. Dont get me wrong, they're good but overrated.

hotbluecar7 07:30:59 PM Mar 27 2008

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I think Chikezie was definitely supposed to leave this week. He could have left couple weeks ago but making the top 10 is a good thing for him. He could sing Luther Vandross but that's the only thing he's been singing and in that style. Kristy should is another who has lasted longer than she should've and her patriotic song that she sang this week was a sign of desperation and shrewd strategic move that actually worked for her. She should be next to go. Jason Castro and Brooke pick good songs, in fact, I think Brooke picks the best songs for her but both her and Jason only sing a couple of notes all throughout their songs. Also, Brooke looks way older than her true age. Both are boring. Syesha's determination and having the persona of Im the best attitude, puts off fans to gravitate around her. Carly's tattoos and former $2 mil record deal before Idol also becomes a deterrent for her.

rsappr 07:18:08 PM Mar 27 2008

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kristy lee cook is HORRIBLE! ramiele and jason castro are next!

this is a bad cast!!

signed,

sanjaya

commish12804 07:07:51 PM Mar 27 2008

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now if America gets it right and eliminates Syesha and Ramiele doesn't matter which order they go in as long as their both off the show by the end, everything will work out for the best.

msgraftongirl 06:42:08 PM Mar 27 2008

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Again, for those who don't enjoy the show, don't watch it. And while you're at it, go to some other discussion. I see families watching this together which is a positive thing in our society. I take my nieces to the tour when it comes to town and we have a wonderful time, and we make a fun night of it. So, if you don't like it, too bad. Just don't rain on our parade!

christest15 06:38:27 PM Mar 27 2008

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That Kristy Lee Cook is full of herself and very annoying. Love to see her exit and get off my television.

heypearl0607 05:54:25 PM Mar 27 2008

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Kristy and Ramon noodle should have been gone before Chiekieze.

msgraftongirl 05:44:11 PM Mar 27 2008

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Isaak didn't sing. But Chikezie does remind me of him. That's funny! Christy Lee Cook does some weird stuff with her eyes when she sings, and it scares me! And so do Carly's tattoos. Now she has the number 7 on her fingers, yikes! The kids look at these people as role models.

starpatchsam 05:16:24 PM Mar 27 2008

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lizstebbins 04:13:13 PM Mar 27 2008

Report This! Chikezie should have been gone long before this, he would be great in the lounge of the 'Love Boat". I wish him the best.

IF THEY DO A REMAKE HE COULD PLAY ISSAC!!!

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