'American Idol' Axes First Finalist

A juicy backstory wasn't enough to keep David Hernandez on " American Idol ." The 24-year-old ex-stripper from Glendale, Ariz., was dismissed Wednesday, leaving 11 aspiring singers to vie for the "Idol" title ...

[Melissa Carter]

I was both surprised and disappointed that Michael was voted off last night and that there was at least 1 other that was not in the bottom three that in my opinion should have been as his performance I thought was terrible.

Plus I do not think it was very appropriate for Mr. Seacrest to make the statement he made last night saying that after last year's Idol Gives Back they did not vote anyone off from that week and then he turns right around after that and tells Michael "you're gone".. That was in very poor taste and I think this was a HUGE mistake and I no longer plan to watch this show after last night's fiasco.

[Doc Brown]

Sure you won't. It's addicting.

Can't be a bigger joke than Taylor Hicks. Is he still doing Ford commercials?

One thing Idol Gives Back shows is there are true artists, and then there is an American Idol contestant.

I didn't watch it until my daughter got hooked on it--the year after Carrie Underwood won it. I was shocked to learn she was a AI participant. She's really good--but the exception.

[Elaine]

I agree with Melissa Carter. I was VERY disappointed in letting Michael Johns go. He is the most talented and the best Idol. He truly will be missed. I do not plan to watch Idol anymore. I only would if Michael is brought back. Mr Seascrest shouldn't have said what he did if he was to go. By Idol!

[doc melissa carter brown]

william huang.
taylor hicks
shandia or whatever it's name is, lol
reuben studder

[allangreglarryfr ank]

napolean, don't be jealous, just because i been online all day chatting with babes.

[RaiderFaith]

Carrie Underwood? and she isn't even the best one to come off of AI. Kelly Clarkson is...Look how well Daughtry has done. I think your understanding of vocal talent and Idol draw is misguided. I agree Taylor Hicks is a Joke but he had idol power. People were drawn to him it just fizzled with time. He was more entertaining than he was talented. But to be an AI you have to be entertaining and be able to sing.
Johns leaving was wrong...but I would have been surprised if he won it.

Doc Brown wrote:

Sure you won't. It's addicting.
Can't be a bigger joke than Taylor Hicks. Is he still doing Ford commercials?
One thing Idol Gives Back shows is there are true artists, and then there is an American Idol contestant.
I didn't watch it until my daughter got hooked on it--the year after Carrie Underwood won it. I was shocked to learn she was a AI participant. She's really good--but the exception.

[David]

What in the world were people thinking, letting Michael Johns go. Also, Ryan Seacrest's comment was totally inappropriate. With Michael being out, it has taken the thrill out of this year's idol. My wife and I probably won't watch it that much now.

[Now Wait a Minute]

All 3 in the bottom will get booted- you can't toss 3 in one show.
Michael had no business being on- he was a pro with 2 bands, had made recordings. He was up against amateurs who were less arogant and had a better feel for staging.
The tatoo'ed Irish girl can't sing- she shouts and unless she takes voice lessons from a good coach and listens, she'll be without a voice in 3 years.
The black singer- don't remember her name- has been doing karaoke since day one. Having a nice voice who imitates others' styles doesn't make you a pro singer. And she has no concept of pacing her song with her unbearably long and ridiculously high notes.

Brooke has charisma but is triple A talent level (if this were baseball). she can make it in other areas of hollywood if she wants to push it- this is good exposure for her.
David Archuleta has tremendous upside because he is only 17, is so poised, knows his staging/blocking, will improve on his voice with proper coaching, has charisma and shows humility.
Kristy is being kept on by voters to torture her a little longer.
David Cook needs a grooming person and a sense of self-esteem.
I'm waiting for Castro to say, "Gee Mr. Kotter", because he looks like a young travolta who got castrated.

[Seacrest Out]

Michael was my favorite contestant, with the exception of David Cook. Look for David Cook and David Archuletta in the finale.

I don't know what people see in Jason Castro or Brooke White, to be honest, but they seem to be popular with the kids.

I will miss you Michael -- both for your voice and your good looks. Best of luck in the future. I hope someone gives him a recording contract.

[Jessica]

I'm really glad I missed last night's cut. I remember the last "shocker" cut of Daughtry last season. But, Daughtry still talks well of American Idol...so, let's hope the same is for Michael Johns. If he is that "nice of a guy" as Simon said, he probably will be out there pumping up AI.

Sorry to see you go, Michael Johns...so sorry to see you go.

[Doc Brown]

RaiderFaith wrote:

Carrie Underwood? and she isn't even the best one to come off of AI. Kelly Clarkson is...Look how well Daughtry has done. I think your understanding of vocal talent and Idol draw is misguided. I agree Taylor Hicks is a Joke but he had idol power. People were drawn to him it just fizzled with time. He was more entertaining than he was talented. But to be an AI you have to be entertaining and be able to sing.
Johns leaving was wrong...but I would have been surprised if he won it. <quoted text>

No problem with Daughtry at all, probably the only CD I'd consider buying. I'd disagree that Clarkson is decidedly better than Underwood, but she's good, too.

My problem is that 'Idol draw' does not necessarily equal vocal talent. And I wasn't even saying I didn't like Johns version of Dream On, I did, but the whole 'I'm not watching Idol anymore' tantrum is ridiculous.

Equates to the 'I'm not going to be a Cubs fan if they change the name of the ballpark.'

[Madeleine T]

I think people are tired of giving, expecially to Africa, this country has more charities and fund raisers and US money going to it than any country I know, how much are they supposed to get before it shows it is working or that the people are even getting it? The economy here is bleak, people don't have the money to throw away on iffy causes. Brad Pitt was there doffing his hat as if he has done something, what has he done? He donated 5,000,000. to New orleans houses yet no one has gotten one yet, he is waiting for donations so he can start setting them up, what? how much does a two bedroom house cost in a flood area?5 million won't do it? I think we are all tired of listening to this crap, its like people standing outside a supermarket asking for money, you feel guilty not giving when you are carrying an armload of groceries, thats over, we can'[t afford an armload of groceries ourselves, the US gravy train is over, I want to watch a show, not a charity event, especially one that has been doen to death, I think they got too much, the kids will never see it anyway. There are a lot of starving children right here.

[archie coates]

allangreglarryfrank wrote:

napolean, don't be jealous, just because i been online all day chatting with babes.

funny movie, watched it last night.