Jason Castro was voted off American Idol last night, but the laid back finalist left with a smile on his face.

Following an abysmal rendition of a Bob Marley classic on Tuesday night, Castro must have known his time was up. After being informed of the news by Ryan Seacrest, the dreadlocked crooner appeared to have fun with “I Shot the Sheriff,” the same song that led Simon Cowell to tell him to pack a suitcase this week.

In the end, Simon was right - but at least Jason enjoyed every second of his time on the show. We wish him the best.

Last night’s final four show on American Idol was more like a final three show, plus one.

Simon Cowell told David Archuleta that he “crushed the competition” with his rendition of “Stand By Me.” Take a look at the performance now and see if you agree:

Jason Castro, conversely, was told to pack his suitcase after his attempt at Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” Ouch.

We’ll find out tonight if this Cowell suggestions rings true or not when one of the final four is sent home.

Following her American Idol elimination this week, Brooke White spoke to reporters. She was candid, as always, commenting on the confidence issues that plagued her throughout the competition.

“I was very honest and open about that struggle I have and, to be honest again, it escalated at times during Idol and other times I felt like I had a better handle on it,” she said. “It was very much a roller-coaster ride.

“Tuesday I think I felt kinda a resurge of confidence that I hadn’t felt in a long time, a lot of joy, gratitude for being in that place, and I think that’s what gave me that boost. It felt great and even though I went home, it was wonderful to leave on that note.

“I know that Simon Cowell said it was a nightmare or whatever, but personally I think it was a great moment and I’ve such incredible support from fans, which also helps to kinda reassure you.”

Following a couple surprise eliminations - we still haven’t gotten over Michael Johns or Carly Smithon yet - American Idol viewers finally got it right last night.

We’ve been big Brooke White supporters all season, but it was time for this laid back singer to go. She forgot the lyrics last week, she wrote a few on her hand this week and she is simply overmatched vocally by the remaining finalists.

Best of luck in the future, Brooke.

Last night, the American Idol finalists sung two Neil Diamond songs each. After the first round of performances, they lined up on stage as the judges gave a quick critique of the opening renditions.

Paula Abdul initially criticized a lack of passion in the performance by Jason Castro… and then continued to bash the dreadlocked singer for his second song of the evening, WHICH HADN’T TAKEN PLACE YET!

As Randy, Ryan - and every American Idol producer, we’re sure - scrambled to cover for Abdul, she rambled something about reading her notes for David Cook’s audition by accident. But it was too late. The gaffe made it apparent that Paula actually reads notes based on the finalists’ rehearsals, not their actual performances.

Take a look and decide for yourself:

In reality, of course, American Idol will carry on for years despite Abdul’s flub last night. But will that insane judge be part of it in the future? Do you think she should be?

Let us know.

What’s the point in having weekly performance on American Idol if a contestant can forget the lyrics and remain on the show?

That’s the essential question posed by a recent article in The Los Angeles Times following this week’s surprise elimination of Carly Smithson. It reads:

“It’s hardly unusual, in the pop game, for image to trump musical talent – who can forget the scandal when plus-size Martha Wash was replaced by svelte models in the marketing campaigns for a string of 1990s dance club hits?

Tonight proved that we can no longer dream that American Idol rises above such gimmicks. At least Syesha Mercado survived, by a thread. But the loss of Carly not only robs this season of its best pure singer - it wipes unbridled passion and humanity from the stage…

Read the complete article now.

After Michael Johns was eliminated from American Idol a few weeks ago, we figured we couldn’t be surprised again by any results.

Consider us mistaken.

Carly Smithson was voted off the show last night, despite the fact that fellow finalist Brooke White flat out forgot the lyrics to her song the evening before. Smithson was joined in the bottom two by Syesha Mercado.

We’ve been huge fans of White all season, but come on. She deserved to go. You simply cannot make the sort of blunder she did on such a big stage.

Moreover, Smithson’s rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Tuesday night was lively and well done.

What do you think? Who deserved to go home this week on American Idol?

Only one American Idol contestant truly bombed on Andrew Lloyd Webber night - and even Brooke White recovered nicely after initially forgetting the lyrics on “You Must Love Me.”

But the performances that stood out the most last night didn’t belong to David Cook and David Archuleta for a change. We were most blown away by Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson.

Take a look at each right now, starting with Syesha:

And Carly:

Which American Idol performance was your favorite? Write in. Let us know. 

It took many weeks and many barbs from Simon Cowell, but Kristy Lee Cook was finally voted off American Idol last night.

Do you think viewers made the right choice in eliminating Cook at this point?

Joining Kristy Lee in the bottom three vote getters last night were Brooke White and Syesha Mercado. We’ll see how they perform next week, but these two finalists would appear to be next in line for elimination.

With his ailing brother looking on from the front row, David Cook turned Mariah Carey night into a personal celebration last night. Perhaps even a coronation.

After delivering an incredible version of “Always Be My Baby,” Cook soaked up the cheers, which included a rare standing ovation from Randy Jackson. As Ryan Seacrest then pointed out, the talented finalist had tears in his eyes - and who could blame him?

David’s brother, Adam, was in attendance for the first time all season. Adam is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer.

During a commercial break, David walked down to hug his brother in his seat. All three judges did the same.

“His brother came to town a few days ago, and he’s not in the best of shape and you can tell it’s affecting David and everything,” says dancer Lacey Schwimmer, of So You Think You Can Dance, who has stepped out with David recently. “But I think it’s a good thing that he’s here because it shows that his brother is still supporting him.”

Our thoughts, prayers - and congratulations on an amazing performance - go out to the Cook family.