So did they or didn't they?

They didn't.

They had an extra week and used it to give every lady a break.

Nobody was eliminated.

That was the "surprise" twist Ryan Seacrest promised. The regulars here knew this was coming because we were aware of that spare week. And since the judges didn't use a save, they had to provide a "bye" week.

So much for being creative. We did learn that  Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb were in the bottom two while Angie Miller and Kree Harrison were the top two.

Next week's theme: then and now.

Jimmy Iovine's thoughts about Wednesday night:

Amber: "Amber did a great job with 'Power of Love.' An A-plus... Choice of 'MacArthur Park' is a whole different story. There was cake. There was rain. It was dark. I have no idea what this song is about. Neither did she. You can't interpret lyrics unless you understand lyrics. It seems the only people who understood the lyrics was the judges." (Randy's retort was too lame to reference.)

Kree: "We know Kree has to redeem herself... I agree with Keith. We want to feel her vulnerable. You won't do that with 'Whiter Shade of Pale.' That is ridiculous. You think yoe can win with a bad song with corny lyrics."

Candice: "She needs to protect that voice. I feel Candice and her song choices played it a little safe. Time to move forward, not back up."

Angie: "Angie won the night hands down. She had two great songs and two great performances. I prefer her on the piano. When she stands up, she seems a little too much in her head."

Other items:

- Milking the children's hospital visit. Hard not to get a lump in your throat as the kids sing "Just the Way You Are."

- The top 4 group sing of "Girl on Fire" makes you forget there were ever any guys in this competition. All on fire!

- I enjoyed that Ford Fiesta ad featuring four (count'em!) Ryan Seacrests. The secret is out: that's how he gets so much done! He has clones like that "Multiplicity" movie with Michael Keaton!  And yes, he decided to joke about how he has no Emmys by running onto the stage "late" and uttering: "Sorry I had to go next door to polish Tom Bergeron's Emmy. He has a couple. And Jeff Probst."

- Angie is the only one who was able to say five things we don't know about them in 20 seconds. Kree whiffed at two. The other two managed three.

- Stefano Langone is back again with "Yes to Love." I know it's a sign I have not given him a second thought in at least a year: I had to double check the spelling of his last name.  He wasn't half bad tonight. No reason to slag him. I will probably never need to write his name ever again.

- Candice practically faints when Drake stops by.

- Survived season 9 winner Lee DeWyze's return with that strange half-beard and receding hairline. Oh, and that imitation Mumford & Son song "Silver Lining" that isn't quite as good as Phillip Phillips' Mumford & Sons ripoff song "Home."  Somehow, he earned (or needed) six backup singers.