The sweet six: Voters gives Robinson the thumbs down

4/21/2005

The American Idol live audience erupted in loud "boos," clearly upset and disappointed as Anwar Robinson became the latest contestant voted off the hit Fox series last night.

Robinson, 25, of East Orange, N.J., performed "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire during Tuesday's show. The evening's theme was 1970s dance classics. Six contestants remain on the show.

While judge Paula Abdul said Robinson, famous for his long hair styled in locks, executed a "great performance," the opinionated judge Simon Cowell disagreed and said he did not think that "it was a winning performance."

Before Robinson's devastating departure, the pianist and songwriter, who hails Stevie Wonder as his personal American idol, joined Anthony Fedorov, 19, of Trevose, Pa., and Scott Savol, 28, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, as the bottom three vote-getters. Bo Bice, 29, of Helena, Ala., who performed "Vehicle" on Tuesday's show, was the only "safe" contestant of the night. Host Ryan Seacrest, who just received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, told the audience, "You're looking at a class act right here," shortly after giving Robinson the bad news. All three judges, the audience, and remaining contestants gave Robinson a standing ovation as he once again sang "September" as his good-bye performance.

Two finalists will battle it out live on May 24. The new American Idol will be crowned on May 25.