Texas Singer Axed From "Idol"
Michael Sarver is proof that "American Idol" apparently is not rigged.
The 27-year-old oil-rig worker from Jasper, Texas, made his last-ditch effort by belting out "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."
But it just wasn't slick enough for the judges to overrule the votes of viewers.
Judge Simon Cowell told the married father of two children: "Michael, you're going home. Sorry."
Nine contestants remain on the Fox network's popular singing competition.
Sarver and Megan Joy had a on stage this week. Judges slammed Sarver's cover of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg." Even sugary-sweet Paula Abdul chimed in, comparing the 27-year-old oil rig worker to an old-school Vegas lounge act.
Photos: "American Idol"
The week's star performance came from Adam Lambert showed who earned a standing ovation for his smooth performance of "The Tracks of My Tears."
Guest mentor Smokey Robinson, who originally performed the classic song with the Miracles, rose to his feet after watching the 26-year-old theater actor hit all the right notes during Wednesday's Motown-themed installment .
Lambert, who's from Los Angeles, ditched his rocker duds for a sleek silver suit and smoothed his black hair back into an Elvis-style pompadour.
Judge Simon Cowell said Lambert delivered the night's best performance and became a star in his eyes. Fellow judge Kara Dioguardi agreed, saying Lambert showed "true artistry."