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'American Idol' Recap: Elimination results, even eight left

By April MacIntyre Apr 3, 2008, 2:55 GMT

03/06/2008 - Ramiele Malubay - 2008 American Idol Top 12 Party - Arrivals - Astra West, Pacific Design Center - West Hollywood, CA, USA © Tina Gill / PR Photos

The bloodletting has happened on "American Idol," as the nine finalists have become an even tribe of eight.

Dolly Parton as a mentor and the mining of her songbook has been a wonderful opportunity for the long running reality franchise. 

The assembled group song the upbeat Dolly Parton penned theme to the eponymous film, "9 to 5."

Montage and B-roll aside, on to the results.

The previous night's champion Michael Johns comes out first, and Ryan tells him he's safe. No surprise there.

David Archuleta - who sang the Smoky Mountain song, is safe. Carly Smithson also finds out she is safe.

The part of the show that has viewers calling in with questions is entirely a waste of time.  More Dolly, less yik-yak from "fans.".

Fast forward through more advertisements trying to mask as music videos.

David Cook is called forward, and Ryan asks him about his heart health scare.  He says he is okay.  And he is safe.

Ramiele Malubay is next, first of the bottom three. Kristy Lee Cook is next, she is also in the bottom three.

Syesha Mercado, who had the stones to do Dolly's monster ballad, "I Will Always Love You" that diva Whitney Houston made her own is safe.

Brooke White and Jason Castro are left.

Jason is safe, and Brooke is in the bottom three.

Kristy, Ramiele and Brooke come to center stage for the big letdown.

We see another infomercial for "Idol Gives Back" then Dolly Parton is onstage to sing "Jesus and Gravity."

Judges are queried; who will it be?  

Randy guesses Ramiele, and Simon says it won't be Brooke.

Brooke is told she is safe.  Kristy is safe, and Ramiele is axed and sent packing back to Miramar, Florida.

See you next week.