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'American Idol' Recap: And then there were ten

By M&C Smallscreen Mar 20, 2008, 3:13 GMT

03/06/2008 - Amanda Overmyer - © Tina Gill / PR Photos

The long hour of waiting to "know" had some twists, the person I thought was leaving did not, and the ten contestants now face off as the stakes get higher each week.

Host Ryan Seacrest announced the mentors for the season, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. He also notes a songwriting competition.

The group is assembled to sing a medley prior to the bloodletting.

Brooke White is in the Top 10. Then, Carly Smithson finds out she is in the bottom three. David Archuleta is also in the Top 10. Michael Johns tells Ryan he is worried, and he is safe in the Top 10.

David Cook is Top 10. Kristy Lee Cook is in the bottom three. Jason Castro and Ramiele Malubay are in the Top 10.

Kellie Pickler, contestant from Season 5, comes out to perform "Red High Heels." Ryan still titters over her "alleged bust enhancement."  Elliott Yamin and Fantasia are beamed in from Angola, talking up how "Idol Gives Back" money from last year was spent.

Syeshe Mercado finds out she is Top 10.  Chikezie and Amanda Overmyer are left. Chikezie is Top 10, and Amanda is in the bottom three. 

The bottom three of Amanda, Carly and Kristy gather on stage, and Carly Smithson is told she is safe. Very emotional. 

Kristy Lee Cook is told she is safe, and Amanda Overmyer is voted out.

Here is Amanda's last song (Back in the USSR) sung in the competition:

See you next week. Here is Amanda's bye-bye from the group: