Chikezie Eze says goodbye on "American Idol."

Fox

Kristy Lee Cook’s cleverly timed tug at America’s heartstrings with “God Bless the USA” certainly paid off for her this week, proving the judges’ mantra that song choice is key.

Cook, who’s no stranger to the bottom three, was quickly swept into the safe zone — leaving an empty seat for someone more talented. That someone being Chikezie, who was sent packing Wednesday night.

I guess Luther Vandross’ “If Only For One Night” just didn’t cut it for Chikezie. While this wasn’t my favorite performance by Mr. Eze, it certainly wasn’t the worst performance of the night. I think Ramiele Malubay and David Archuleta tied for that award. (Did I just hear a collective gasp from the masses for mentioning David A.’s name?)

I never had confidence that Chikezie could win the competition, but I didn’t think it was his time to go yet. He was far more consistent vocally than Kristy Lee, who frankly is just becoming a nuisance. But, life is chaotic and Americans are finicky, so to expect any kind of fairness in the order contestants are voted off seems a moot point. I’m just glad Carly Smithson made it through without any problems after her shaky performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Wednesday’s show started out on the dull side, with Ramiele singing Heart’s “Alone” (and not very well, although her hair looked cool). Next up was birthday-boy Jason Castro, who tried to charm his way through a very mellow rendition of Sting’s “Fragile.” Brooke White continued the downer streak with a piano performance of “Every Breath You Take,” which was actually pretty good aside from an awkward false start.

Michael Johns woke up the audience with Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Confident and in his element, Michael showed nothing less than star power, and the judges agreed.

But the standout performance this week clearly goes to David Cook for his Chris Cornell-inspired twist on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” He wowed Simon — yet again — who called him “brave and amazing.” I think David Cook could very well be the last man standing this season.

Syesha Mercado sang “If I Were A Woman,” and the judges praised her, calling her the “dark horse.” Apparently America didn’t agree because Syesha landed next to Chikezie in the bottom three. Syesha’s problem is not her voice — she’s very talented — it’s just that she’s forgettable. And so are her song choices.

But if the theme of the night was poor song choice, David A. led the pack. Even Paula had never heard of “You’re the Voice,” although that doesn’t say much, really. Simon hit the nail on the head when he likened it to a theme park performance. This didn’t affect David’s advancement, though, much to the happiness of squealing teenage girls everywhere, no doubt.

The final stool in the bottom three was saved for Jason Castro, and admittedly, I think he deserved to be there this week. Those blue eyes can only get him so far. I’m just glad I’ll get to see them at least one more time. I’m sure the teenage girls are, too.

Agree or disagree? Post your comments on the blog. And if you’re a Taylor Hicks fan, please take it easy on me.