'Idol' viewers' votes send Magnus home

Crystal Bowersox survived, but judges said they didn't like her performance.

This was supposed to be the season for women on American Idol.

Now heading into the top five, there is only one female singer remaining in the competition, Crystal Bowersox, after Siobhan Magnus, a 20-year-old glass blower from Cape Cod, Mass., was eliminated Wednesday night.

Ms. Magnus made a mark for herself on American Idol with her powerful pipes and willingness to use them, which often drew a mix of praise and criticism from the show's four judges.

Her Tuesday performance of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine," though, was met with unanimous approval by the judges.

"I loved it," said Randy Jackson. "I loved the whole punk-country look … the big notes. I loved it."

Viewers disagreed.

After learning her fate on the show, Ms. Magnus was asked what kind of impact appearing on the show had on her and her sisters.

Crystal Bowersox survived, but judges said they didn't like her performance.

"I did my best and I hoped I showed them what we're all capable of," she said.

Also in the bottom three were 26-year-old Michael "Big Mike" Lynche and 27-year-old Casey James.

For fans of Ms. Bowersox, Wednesday night's results show brought a sigh of relief.

The Ottawa County resident's low-key, rootsy version of Shania Twain's "No One Needs to Know" was deemed to be the weakest of Ms. Bowersox's dozen or so American Idol performances by the judges.

"OK, shocker. We don't like Crystal this week. I think that's really the story," judge Simon Cowell said after her performance. "I thought it was limp. … This is the only week where I haven't actually really liked your performance, I'm afraid."

When asked if the 24-year-old Ms. Bowersox was in danger of being eliminated, judge Ellen DeGeneres said no.

"I don't think America's that fickle. You are always, always good," she said. "It just was not one of our favorite performances. It just was not as strong as all the rest. But no, you're not in trouble."

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest said more than 33 million votes were registered Tuesday night after the show.

Next Tuesday beginning at 8 p.m. the top five finalists will be performing the songs of Frank Sinatra with Harry Connick, Jr., as mentor. The hourlong results show will air beginning at 9 p.m. American Idol can be seen locally on WUPW-TV, Channel 36.

Contact Kirk Baird at:

kbaird@theblade.com

or 419-724-6734.