HOME    NEWS    SPECIAL REPORT    PHOTO    COMMENTARY    VOICE
NEWS > Life
"American Idol" cuts Stephanie Edwards, in a surprise
2007-03-21 07:43:22 Xinhua English

This photo supplied by Fox showslegendary British singer Lulu posing with some of the female finalists onFox's 'American Idol' television talent show that she coached earlier thisweek in Los Angeles. The contestants sang hit songs from the 1960s Britishpop invasion on the show Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Lulu and Peter Noone,who coached the male contestants, will perform on the 'Idol' results showWednesday night, March 21 on Fox. Lulu (L)is joined by MelindaDoolittle, LaKisha Jones, Stephanie Edwards, Jordin Sparks (L-R). (APPhoto) PhotoGallery>>> BEIJING, March 22(Xinhuanet) --Stephanie Edwards was the second finalist from the sixth season of Fox' American Idol to be eliminated from the reality competition series during Wednesday night's live results show.

The 19-year-old Savannah, GA native -- who sang at the Apollo Theater when she appeared on It's Showtime at the Apollo -- was sent packing after 30 million votes were cast based on Tuesday night's live performances.

In a surprise, Stephanie Edwards - one of this season's best singers - was voted off the top-rated talent contest on Wednesday, while weak and sometimes unwatchable performers Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato were allowed to stay.

The untimely departure of Edwards narrowed the number of "Idol" contestants to 10. The winner will be chosen in May.

Simon Cowell said on Tuesday's show that Edwards' rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" lacked the edginess and youthful energy that she brought to her previous performances.

Paula Abdul echoed that sentiment, telling Edwards she should have "more fun" onstage.

Dodging viewer elimination was Chris Richardson, who had the next-lowest vote tally.

Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., had impressed judges with his smooth take on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." Cowell called it his "best performance so far," while Abdul praised him as "charming and sexy."

Wednesday's show also featured performances by this week's guest coaches: Peter Noone, who fronted the 1960s British rock band Herman's Hermits, and singer-songwriter Lulu.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to dominate the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

(Agencies)

MORE NEWS
Cervantes Institute seeks expansion in Asia  
Spain's Royal Academy launches new Spanish grammar  
"The Prisoner": An Iraqi's journey into darkness  
Chinese literature buffs lambast pop culture in time for Children's Songs Day  
Sex line says callers just want to talk  
'Happy Boy' to replace 'Super Girl' this year  
Some 30 pieces of Van Gogh's works to be shown in New York  
Luc Besson: Promising land for movie lies in Asia  

SINA English is the English-language destination for news and information about China. Find general information on life, culture and travel in China through our news and special reports£¬or find business partners through our online Business Directory. For investment opportunities with SINA, please click the link "Investor" below.
| About SINA | Investor | Media Kit | Comments or Question? |
Copyright © 1996- SINA Corporation, All Rights Reserved