'American Idol' results night recap: Say goodbye to Siobhan

This week was an exercise in "how to be a cross-over artist." It really wasn't about a "country theme" as in years past. Shania Twain's career has been the very definition of cross-over appeal. Her songs are definitely pop but she made them fit into the country genre, while earning mainstream appeal.

The result for "American Idol" was one of the strongest performance shows we've seen all season. OK, so I'm apparently in the minority with that opinion, but I especially thought the four guys did great with their respective choices. R&B soul singer Michael Lynche did as well as in-his-wheelhouse-country-boy Aaron Kelly. Cross-over.

The four results show performances were from cross-over, mostly country artists who also have air play on the pop charts. First up was Idol frequent flyer Rascal Flatts. We've seen a lot of them since Carrie Underwood sang "God Bless the Broken Road" with them during Season 4.

Rascal Flatts is incredibly popular, both in the country genre and on the pop charts. I didn't think their performance was all that exciting, but it was fine.

However, I did enjoy their performance with Shakira. The Colombian pop star did a great version of her new song, "Gypsy," accompanied by Rascal Flatts. It was a new sound for Shakira, including some harmonica at the beginning and end. I liked it, something different and unexpected. Hmmm, sounds suspiciously like what the judges have been saying over and over to the contestants this year.

A pre-recorded performance by Sons of Sylvia was interesting. This band, formerly known as The Clark Brothers and the winners of The Next Great American Band, has really evolved in the last couple of years. Whereas they were once more gospel and very country sounding, their look and sound in this performance was definitely more of the pop-rock variety. The three brothers are still playing their strings, though, and they will be touring with Carrie Underwood, so they have not abandoned their roots completely.

The fourth performance, also prerecorded, was the hugely popular group Lady Antebellum singing their No. 1 hit "Need You Now." Everyone has heard the story that lead singer Hillary Scott tried out twice for "American Idol," but never made it past the first rounds to the judges. I've seen them perform this song on several awards shows - including the Grammys where Scott was enveloped in a malfunctioning curtain and did not drop a note - and it is always perfectly simple and beautiful. Easy to see why they are topping all the charts.

Forty-eight minutes into the show, we finally get to our bottom three. There was some early manipulation by Ryan to make us think Crystal Bowersox might not have been safe, but that was quickly dispensed with and we were left with: Siobhan Magnus, Casey James and Michael Lynche. Big Mike correctly noted that everyone sang well and there was no shame in being in the bottom three - and then was promptly sent back to safety. Without wasting much time on suspense, Ryan announced that Siobhan was going home. The quirkiest, most individual, least cross-over'ish competitor on hand, was done.

Then the most unusual ending so far this season. Last week Tim Urban wasn't allowed to sing a final song. This week, after her video montage was shown, Siobhan sang "Think" - and did a great job, just as she did the first time - singing all the way through, without credits running over her face on screen or cutting her off early. Then she hugged all of her family members, purposely ignoring Ryan's attempts to get her to the stage. THEN she hugged the judges, this time at Ryan's prompting, plus got some advice from Randy to just keep being original and go for it. THEN she was brought back to the stage. THEN the credits began to roll. Maybe one of these days the producers will finally get the timing right? Just wondering....

Up next week, Harry Connick, Jr. mentors the Top 5, with the songs of Frank Sinatra.