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American Idol 7

'American Idol' cuts Amanda Overmyer, reveals Top 10 finalists

By Christopher Rocchio, 03/20/2008

Amanda Overmyer was revealed to be the second finalist eliminated from American Idol's seventh season during last night's live results show broadcast on Fox.

The 23-year-old from Mulberry, IN was ousted from Idol's seventh season based on home viewer votes cast immediately following Tuesday night's live performance episode broadcast that saw the Top 11 finalists perform songs from the John Lennon/Paul McCartney songbook.

"It's been a run," said Overmyer after her elimination. "I'm not going to go on the tour, but No. 11 out of all them people is more than I could have ever expected."

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Overmyer sang "Back in the USSR" during Tuesday night's performance episode. Idol judge Randy Jackson had felt there were a "couple of issues with it," including that it was "just a little pitchy in the beginning," but thought it was "good" overall.

While fellow judge Paula Abdul complimented Overmyer's "authentic" style, she also agreed with Jackson about the pitch being off and added Overmyer was ahead of the beat at times.

"Amanda it was what it was. It was predictable. It was a bit of a mess in parts," said Simon Cowell, not mincing words. "It's just the same thing week after week after week, and I think Paula -- to a point -- is right, I think you've got at least one week do... something which is a bit of a surprise. Otherwise, you are in danger of becoming actually a bit boring."

Prior to Overmyer's elimination, Carly Smithson, a 24-year-old from San Diego, CA, and Kristy Lee Cook, a 24-year-old from Selma, OR, were revealed to be the other members of this week's bottom three vote-getters.

When host Ryan Seacrest revealed Smithson -- who sang "Blackbird" on Tuesday night -- was the first member of this week's bottom three, it brought boos from the studio audience.

"America definitely got it wrong," said Abdul.

"Got it wrong man," agreed Jackson. "It was a tough song to sing. It wasn't the smartest choice. It was a tough song to sing. It didn't let you show your power. But she's one of the best singers in the whole thing, dawg."

Former Idol fifth-season finalist Kellie Pickler -- whom Seacrest commented has "grown in so many ways since leaving us" -- also performed her single "Red High Heels" during the results show broadcast.

In addition, Seacrest revealed Idol's seventh-season music mentors will be country star Dolly Parton; singer Mariah Carey; musical composer and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? creator Andrew Lloyd Webber; and singer Neil Diamond. He also announced the launch of the songwriting contest that will find the song that will serve as Idol's seventh-season winner's first single. Entries can be submitted until March 31 and addition details are available via Idol's website.

Idol's Top 10 seventh-season finalists -- Brooke White, David Archuleta, David Cook, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, Chikezie Eze, Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook -- will all take the stage and perform during next week's live 90-minute performance episode broadcast on Tuesday at 8PM ET/PT.

On Wednesday beginning at 9PM ET/PT, another finalist will be eliminated from the competition based on home viewer votes, revealing the season's Top 9 finalists.

(Photo credit Fox)

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