AFTER being in the bottom three pretty much since the competition began, country canary Kristy Lee Cook was set home last night, the sixth contestant eliminated from “American Idol.”
Kristy, 24, who lives in Oregon and auditioned in Philadelphia, stood center stage with fellow contestants Syesha Mercado and Brooke White, who were also her roommates during the week.
After sending Syesha back to safety on the couches, host Ryan Seacrest asked judge Randy Jackson what he thought of the bottom two.
“It’s tough every week now,” he said.
Judge Paula Abdul agreed.
“You know, it’s now down to the point where every one of you is very, very special,” she said. “And one you has to go and its tough.”
But Simon Cowell showed little sympathy, telling Kristy, “Maybe your time is up this time, sweetheart.”
On Tuesday night, Cowell noted how difficult it was for a country singer like Kristy to perform Mariah Carey’s music.
Carey was this week’s guest mentor on “AI” and the contestants all had to perform one of her songs.
At the news she was going home this week, Kristy turned her back on the audience to hide her tears.
“Thank you America for voting for me,” she said after composing herself. “This is a very big dream and you made it come true. And I couldn’t have done it without the fans.”
In the larger scope of things, last night’s elimination show was far less controversial then last week, when Australian hunk Michael Johns, who was considered one of the top contenders, was sent packing.
Next week, the singers will have to perform songs by Broadway impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, according to reports.