'American Idol': 'One Voted Off' Recap

As dramatic as 'American Idol' tries to be, there was really no suspense in tonight's send off of the struggling Ashthon Jones.

Add to the lack of drama the fact that we were forced to sit through entire segments devoted to promoting 'Red Riding Hood,' (with Casey and James fighting over Gary Oldman at the premiere), P. Diddy Puffy Daddy Money's tour and as usual, Ford, and the whole hour becomes a tiresome affair.

Oddsmakers and fans alike had put Ashthon on the outs for a while now (she had 30-1 odds with one betting house, making her the least likely to win). Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez and Thia Megia were also kicked around as soon to be kicked off. But after tonight, Thia's second shot at a televised talent show continues.

First up, the trio of Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone and Karen Rodriguez came in to question, with Karen promptly taking the first slot in the bottom three. The New Yorker suggested "technical difficulties" and problems hearing herself may have hampered her performance. I'm not sure her sleepy Selena tribute would have benefited from any technical tweeks, but in all fairness, there have been notable problems with the sound mix, thus far. Nigel himself has vented about it on Twitter. But again, Karen's problem winning over America goes far beyond that.

Before finding out who would be joining Karen in the outcast's club, we had to endure an uncharacteristic acoustic performance from Adam Lambert. Props to Glambert for taking it down a notch, but the song was off, the screaming at the end ruined any tenderness the performance had and sent a dangerous message to cat-in-heat screecher James Durbin.

Next up, Lauren Alaina, Ashthon Jones and Haley Reinhart. It's clear Lauren doesn't handle criticism well. That's not to say she had a tantrum when the judges gave her less than stellar marks. In fact, when prodded by Seacrest, she herself, said the Shania Twain number was "bad" and started to tear up. I don't know if I agree but I do think Lauren needs to get a thicker skin if she's going to continue in the competition. Toughen up, kiddo!

Needless to say, Lauren had nothing to worry about. Ashthon and Haley on the other hand, rounded out the bottom three. To make matter's worse, the poor girls had to sit through Diddy Cash Money's performance, before learning their fate.

Ultimately, it was Ashthon who got the boot. And a half-assed last ditch effort at the same Diana Ross song that failed to impress anyone last night did her no good. Going for her second save in the competition probably took the wind right out her sails and though I'm not really a fan, I hope Ashthon goes on with her musical aspirations.

As for her two bottom three buddies, they shouldn't breathe easy, either. I'm fairly certain they'll both go next before the six boys are even touched. Any hope of making this a girl's year rides on Lauren and Pia.

And finally, the rather understated news from Seacrest that Casey Abrams is back in the hospital got 'Idol' fans on Twitter in a tizzy, all over again. As possibly the strongest performer in the pack, Casey's departure would put a serious wrinkle in the rest of the season, but the odds of a girl winning would improve slightly.

Here's hoping he pulls through, for his own sake. Never mind this 'American Idol' nonsense!

'American Idol returns next Wednesday at 8PM on Fox.