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Pickler performs; Scott MacIntyre leaves 'Idol'

By April MacIntyre Apr 9, 2009, 14:41 GMT

04/05/2009 - Kellie Pickler -While waiting on stage with soulful crooner Anoop Desai, also voted in the bottom three, you could see Scott turn to tell Anoop, \'\'It\'s me\'\' before the show cut to commercial. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

It was tough to watch last night, as voters (and the judges) rejected Scott MacIntyre's bid for the "American Idol" prize.

Paula Abdul was visibly upset and teared up as she finished her thoughts in closing: "You are one classy gentleman".

MacIntyre's whole trajectory on Idol was punctuated by his smile, kindness and positive spirit that even got under crusty judge Simon Cowell's skin a bit. He was also sad to see him go, but ultimately dealt the lethal blow to Scott's dreams.

The visually impaired singer was clever, charming and unfailingly polite as he went from his audition to a metamorphosis as hip styled and groomed performer on stage.

The remaining Idol contestants, including frontrunner Adam Lambert, who turned in a moving rendition of "Mad World", also seemed distraught that their friend was leaving the show.

While waiting on stage with soulful crooner Anoop Desai, also voted in the bottom three, you could see Scott turn to tell Anoop, ''It's me'' before the show cut to commercial.

Fan sites and Idoll blogs are buzzing with criticism that the judges strung out Scott, prolonging his angst as they tortured him with Simon's remarks that "two of us want you to stay, two want you to go."

Better perhaps that Simon just said, 'it's a tough decision, but we have to let you go.'  The resulting back and forth was a visible stress on the kid's face. 

The show also featured Idol alum Kellie Pickler, singing "Best Days of Your Life."

Pickler looked terrific and belted out her song as she worked the stage in four inch heels.  Kellie had a cute moment with host Ryan Seacrest after her performance when she didn't pick up on her cue to leave the stage.

Flo-Rida with his tattoos and dancers performed too.