Top 7 to Top 5

Michael Jackson Week was a little disappointing overall, I thought. No one except Melanie Amaro stood out, and she just might (should) win this competition.

Astro (15), who probably did second best, did his thing. I guess America was tired of his rapping (he doesn't sing), and he left immediately. This time he took it like a man, which was good to see.

Drew (14), in the Bottom 3, didn't -- she was teary even before she knew she had to sing for her life. The night before she sang "Billie Jean" (a-la Chris Cornell / David Cook) and it backfired -- unlike the other energetic contestants, Simon Cowell had her sit alone on a chair the entire time. The song never kicked-in, and she never stood up. I was wondering WTF...

Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik, and Marcus Canty did okay, but no where near their best. Chris Rene is the worst singer in the competition (and not the best rapper even), but people love his story (recovering addict) so he was safe.

After Astro was eliminated, Drew and Marcus were the Bottom 2. While Marcus is quite lovable himself, he wasn't better than Drew. LA Reid and Simon of course voted for their own mentees, and both Nicole and Paula voted Drew out, enraging Simon. And much of America.

Last week Simon tied it up so America's vote would decide. Paula did not do that, and sent the already sobbing Drew into a near stage collapse. I'm not sure what Paula was thinking. In any event, at 14, I think Drew -- altho very talented -- is not ready for the pressures and letdowns of being a recording artist. Not yet, anyway.