"American Idol" Boots Two Contestants

Phil Stacey And Chris Richardson Voted Off The Show, Leaving 4 Finalists

(AP)  With no one ousted at the end of last week's charity-focused show, "American Idol" gave the heave-ho to two contestants Wednesday night — Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson.

The viewer vote tally from last week was added to this week's, with more than 135 million phone and text-message ballots cast in all. Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Chris Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., drew the fewest votes. With their departure, the number of finalists is down to four. The winner will be chosen May 23.

Randy Jackson said on Tuesday's program that Stacey's take on Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory" was his "best performance ever." Stacey — a "good man," said host Ryan Seacrest — performed that song one last time on Wednesday, as LaKisha Jones and other finalists wiped away tears.

Richardson, a Justin Timberlake lookalike, hugged "best friend" and finalist Blake Lewis when Seacrest announced he was going home.

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Photos: "American Idol" Season 6

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"Thank you to everybody for keeping me in this long," said Richardson, before giving a farewell performance of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" — again, by Bon Jovi.

And the final four are Jones, Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle.

Wednesday's program also featured performances by Robin Thicke and Bon Jovi, the multiplatinum band whose shaggy-haired lead singer was this week's guest coach.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

[ssporleder]

They were good guys and good singers, but the chicks do seem to rule.

I am glad that the callers did not oust Jordin because of her ONE off night.

Lakisha really held herself in and her tone was amazing.

[shortyinmo]

bon jovi rocks-been loving hims since I was like 13. Brian sucked and so did Jordan dorr- my opinion and they should have been mad to hit the highway. At least chris could sing all the noted of the song right without being flat and dull

[ajaxrose1]

I was disappointed that Bon Jovi didn't rock the house last night, but when you think about it, it was kind of nice that he didn't show up the contestants by going full-on. The ballad they did from their new album was really good! I don't think it's any surprise that it will come down to the three remaining female singers. Blake has a gimmick, but the girls have the talent.

[jetlizhan]

i've loved bon jovi since they started out over 2 decades ago. jon bon jovi gets hotter and hotter the older he gets. yummy!

[lizardbate]

Thank god, Sanajay been gone!!!!!!!!