Comedic Castro bows out with a smile

After delivering two performances that were universally panned on Tuesday night, Jason Castro finally took to the stage one last time and did so with one of the biggest grins America has ever seen from him. As soon as Ryan said "Syesha...you're in the Top 3," a wave of relief seemed to rush over him, and he joked with Ryan about being glad of the fact that he wouldn't have to learn three songs for next week.

The elimination was extremely obvious, and as soon as Ryan announced David Archuleta and David Cook were safe, it was no surprise who would be leaving. The interesting tidbit that Ryan let out was that less than one millions votes separated the four of them, which seemed a little strange, but if he says so...

The rest of the results show was alright. The Ford music video was a little uncomfortable, as all four of the finalists were shown wearing matador uniforms in pretending to bullfight with a Mustang (the car, not the horse), prompting Ryan to make a snide comment about their tight pants. As for the call-in segment, a Pittsburgh woman who sounded like she was pushing 50 asked David C. out on a date when the tour comes to her city on her birthday. He seemed uncomfortable (and who can blame him?), asking what she liked to do as a way to delay an answer, and Ryan had to cut her off due to time constraints, saying they'd make some arrangements and what could work out. Another creepy woman told Simon he should be the next James Bond, calling him "sexy and intriguing." Simon got another positive question when a woman asked why he hadn't been knighted by the queen yet, to which he said "your majesty, if you're watching, I'm available."

Another interesting observation was when Ryan brought all of the contestants out to ask them questions before he revealed each of their fates, some of the answers were kind of unexpected. David C. said his head was not clear, accounting for why he wad not up to par last night, and Syesha explained her emotional outburst last night, accrediting it to Paula's praise and the meaning behind her song choice. Jason said he thought his inexperience was catching up with him, which was the reason for his sub par performances last night. And then David A. said he felt really connected to the songs and was trying to have fun.

The guest performers were not bad, either. Maroon 5 sounded good with the exception of lead singer Adam Levine's overutilized falsetto, and following the performance of "If I Never See Your Face Again," Ryan teased him about it. Adam gave positive advice to the Top 4, addressing them as "young people" and telling them it will be tough work and in a few years they'll be jaded but they should keep on trying and enjoy the experience.

Bo Bice, on the other hand, performed his new single, "Witness," from his new independent release See the Light. Bo looked as if he had never even left the stage, as one could have mistakenly thought they were watching an episode from Season 4. He was a little over the top but that is what he'is known for. It was nice to see Ryan and Bo chat it up for a bit, and Bo was very articulate and gracious for Idol being so supportive of him.

The group performance of Steely Dan's "Reeling in the Years" was nothing to write home about. It was nice but kind of boring and was a more obvious filler piece than usual. A montage shown of the finalists traveling to Las Vegas to watch Cirque du Soleil's "Love" at the Mirage was a nice segment, as it showed the finalists meeting fans and kissing dolphins.

But it was Jason who indeed stole the show. Before he departed, Jason delivered many one-liners, prompting laughter from the studio audience, the judges, Ryan, and most likely those watching at home, too. When the Top 4 finalists were asked what the one obstacle they have had to overcome while being on the show was, Jason answered "the brain being dead." Before the results were read, he said he took Simon's advice and packed his bags. And he also told Ryan that last night someone told him he "shot the tambourine man," and chuckled to himself.

Although his personality will be missed, it was his turn to leave this week. As for what is in store next week when the Top 3 take on one song chosen by a judge, one song chosen by the producers and one song chosen by themselves, it will be interesting to see what happens. My predictions are Randy will chose David A.'s song, Paula will choose Syesha's song and Simon will choose David C.'s song, but it would not be a stretch if Paula and Simon switch, since Paula seems to always pick songs for male contestants.