Last night’s American Idol’s “Results Show” saw the departure of two promising contestants… Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson.

Although Phil had probably his strongest and most memorable performance last night with Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory”, it wasn’t enough to save him in the competition.  He may have lit up the stage with last night’s rendition but if you add all his previous performances in the equation, it does justify why he was sent packing.

Sorry, Phil… too little, too late.

Chris Richardson, though very talented, just doesn’t seem to deliver in the “uniqueness and originality” department.  No doubt he’s a great singer, what with the soulful slurring and everything else.  But, we can probably name a few other singers who can do exactly the same thing he does… maybe even better.

I can’t really say if the constant comparison of Chris’ looks and vocal stylizing to Justin Timberlake helped him more than it has done him in.  I mean, if you’re compared to someone who’s still very much active in the industry, then I guess that means you’re not actually delivering something new to the table.

Case in point… Last season’s winner, Taylor Hicks, although not as “commercial” as the other American Idol champions, brought something new… his vocals and antics kept him in the running all throughout the contest.  And even if he was compared to other singing greats, those icons have either long retired or aren’t living anymore.  He filled that void.

So, yeah… I think the results this week were reasonable.  I expect Jordin Sparks to take her final bow next week regardless of how strong a performance she’ll deliver during “boogie” night.

So far, it seems like my prediction is going to hold true… Melinda Doolittle and Blake Lewis will go “neck and neck” in the finals!

No pun intended, Melinda…!