American Idol: Top 10 becomes 9, another contender winds up

American Idol: Top 10 becomes 9, another contender winds up

"American Idol" said goodbye to another woman in the competition for the third week in a row, reducing the total number of competitors vying for the title in the FOX reality series to just nine.

Didi Benami, the sweet strawberry blonde, was the contestant who got the bad news. The chanteuse got the lowest number of votes on Tuesday night when she sang "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted," which the judges panned.

"That whole performance just kind of flat lined for me," judge Randy Jackson said last night.

"It was like swimming in jelly," Simon Cowell added. "You've completely and utterly lost your way."

While her Tuesday song left the singer emotional, the number she whipped out for the judges' save, Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon", showed Didi at her best - in tune and passionate, but it was too late.

"Didi, it's bad news sweetheart," Simon said. "We're not gonna save you... But I've got to tell you, it's a million times better than you did last night."

Instead of interviewing Didi, something that show host Ryan Seacrest did the night before -- an interview which ended awkwardly when he pushed too hard to find out who she was singing "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" for, Ryan just offered his own parting words following her elimination.

"You've worn your heart on your sleeve this entire season, you should be very, very proud," Ryan said.

The rest of "Idol's" bottom three was made up of Katie Stevens and Tim Urban.

Ryan spoke to the judges about Tim and his penchant for smiling each week, before Didi's elimination was revealed, despite mostly negative comments from the judges after his performances.

on Wednesday, Kara DioGuardi even suggested that, Tim didn't comprehend the comments that they've given him thus far.

"I don't think he even understands maybe what we're saying," she told Ryan before turning to Tim. "Do you get what we're saying?"

The ever chirpy chap, however, put on his trademark smile and just explained he's kept his grin up because he truly appreciates the "Idol" opportunity.

"I get what you're saying. The reason you guys see me smile is because every time I step on that stage I know... it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and so when I get done performing on this stage for millions of people, if I get done singing and I let myself get depressed about what I just did... then I'm gonna walk off that stage and for the rest of my life, go, 'Man...,'" Tim said as screams from the young ladies in the crowd drowned him out.

Kara, however, had heard enough.

"That's a good answer, I guess," she said.

Next week, "American Idol" returns with the Top 9 singing songs from the John Lennon and Paul McCartney songbook. With Macca in Los Angeles for two shows, concluding tonight at the Hollywood Bowl, many are no doubt wondering if he'll have time to stop in and fulfill "Idol's" longtime wish that he serve as a guest on the show.