James Durbin next to leave 'American Idol'

James Durbin next to leave 'American Idol'

James Durbin was eliminated on Thursday's show after he received the fewest of America’s almost 72 million votes.

Rodney Ho's take: James Durbin (”Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ “) – This classic has been sung by 100 million karaoke singers. James did absolutely nothing new to it. Still, he had fun and ultimately, that’s what mattered in this case because it’s that good of a song.

Rodney Ho's take: 5. Haley (Ben E. King “I Who Have Nothing”) – Lady Gaga added some theatrics for her. And it worked. She brought out her best performance of the year with a convincing vocal. This is the first time I’ve ever really felt her convincingly.

Rodney Ho's take: 3. Scotty McCreery (Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the Earth Stopped Turning”) – Oddly, this rendition left me bored. I didn’t feel it.

Rodney Ho's take: 4. Lauren Alaina (Martina McBridge’s “Anyway”) – She was stunning in every way. She captured the grandeur of the song, with passion and grace. Round one: Lauren!

Rodney Ho's take: 6. Scotty (The Coasters “Young Blood”) – Gaga had him make love to his microphone. It also worked. He had fun, made goofy faces and got into the spirit of the song. It was pure entertainment.

Rodney Ho's take: 2. Haley Reinhart (Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song”) – An overwrought tune done in an overwrought way. This was a bad song pick for her and as usual, she growled way too much.

Rodney Ho's take: 7. Lauren (Elvis Presley “Trouble”) – Gaga convinced Lauren to embrace the character as “evil,” which was outside her comfort zone. Lauren embraced it, attacked it and hit a home run.

Rodney Ho's take: 8. James (The Searchers’ ‘Love Potion No. 9″) – He metallicized this song reasonably successfully. While not a perfect vocal (does he ever?), he milks it big time and it works more or less.

The Final 4: Haley Reinhart, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Lauren Alaina.

Pictured L-R: Haley Reinhart, Lady Gaga, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery.

1/19

Today's Gallery Headlines

Spring training Day 5 (Saturday)

PHOTOS: Day 5 of spring training for the Braves

Valentines for Veterans

Metro Atlanta students write valentines to veterans

GHSA Championship, Dance, Akins Ford Arena, Athens

PHOTOS: Georgia teams dance way to state championships

Spring Training Day 3 (Thursday)

PHOTOS: Day 3 of Spring Training for Braves