Copyright 2008 Frank Micelotta / FOX
With the Irish rocker gone, only five finalists remain!
One night after the Final 6 tackled the show tunes of ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, the light died down on "Broadway" for CARLY SMITHSON, whom viewers sent packing on Wednesday evening's results show.
"I apologize for giving you a compliment last night -- kiss of death," SIMON COWELL jested with the tattooed singer, adding: "But let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high."
Other finalists to escape this week with their chins up were SYESHA MERCADO, who joined Carly in the Bottom 2, and BROOKE WHITE, whose face froze in shock upon learning that she wasn't in the Bottom 2 after fudging the opening words to "You Must Love Me" on Tuesday night.
The results show featured its share of lighter moments: President GEORGE W. BUSH and first lady LAURA BUSH delivered (by video) a message of thanks to all who helped raise money for charity through "Idol Gives Back"; songstress LEONA LEWIS serenaded the crowd with her hit "Bleeding Love"; and finalist JASON CASTRO was seen yawning throughout the results show, perhaps confident of his standing in the competition.