Miles eliminated from American Idol; Bowersox still going strong

3/25/2010

It was the end of the road for American Idol contestant Paige Miles. The 24-year-old entertainer from Houston was eliminated from the show Wednesday night, even as Ottawa County's Crystal Bowersox moved on, along with nine other performers.

During American Idol's Billboard's No. 1 hits theme, Ms. Miles sang "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins, a performance that had judges saying it was a low point for the season.

"Paige, somewhere along the line I think you stopped competing and you stopped listening to what we were saying," Kara DioGuardi said. "I have to say, and I'm sorry to say it, it was the worst vocal that I've ever heard from you and possibly of the season."

Even with the ability to save a performer from elimination, the show's judges declined to bring Ms. Miles back for another week.

"It was a roller coaster of a lifetime," she said. "I had a blast.''

It was an easy week for Ms. Bowersox, though, who performed the Janis Joplin classic "Me and Bobby McGee," that drew gushes from some of the judges.

"That's what is called being a star and a dope singer, right there," Randy Jackson said. "That's the way you do it. You come out here and slay it. You sing what's in your heart. People have been comparing you to Janis [Joplin] … I'm so happy now. This is what it's about. She's what it's about."

Two judges, Ellen DeGeneres and Ms. DioGuardi, wanted Ms. Bowersox to connect more with her fans as she performs.

"I feel like there's a little bit of something between you and us, the audience. I would love to see a little more," Ms. DeGeneres said. "Even when people are going crazy, you're kind of standing there and you're kind of stoic. I'm sure it's nerves or whatever and you're kind of shy. But a little more connection … take it in. These people love you. Take it in and respond."

Ms. Bowersox replied, "I've got big plans for next week, if I'm still around."

She also hinted that her next performance will be sans guitar, a first for her.

American Idol and Ms. Bowersox will be back at 8 p.m. Tuesday for a two-hour showcase with R&B soul as its theme.

Wednesday will bring the hourlong results.

Idol can be seen locally on WUPW-TV, Channel 36.