So who went home first? Curtis Finch Jr.

This was not a surprise. He was consensus by a wide margin by most anybody who has hearing.

He came across at times as arrogant on and off stage and genuinely felt fake during his performances. He had a good voice but used it in a way that didn't connect with most viewers or voters.

A seriously miffed Nicki Minaj was upset by his departure. She was a fan but based her opinion on his overall body of work. Even then, he just didn't cut it this week.

"Idol," in the wake of "X Factor" revealing all the rankings week after week, has for the first time decided to provide more data (though not as much ranking information.)

For instance, Ryan Seacrest told Devin Velez he had 25% of the vote in Puerto Rico. Real useful, eh? No. Janelle Arthur, in her home state of Tennessee, came in first with more than 30% of the votes there. Candice Glover won her home state of South Carolina vote with 42%. Candice was the first to be named in the top three (though he wouldn't say who was No. 1, 2 or 3)

Later, Kree finds out she's in the top three, too.

Angie received 17 percent of the vote in Florida but Lazaro beat you there. Angie is in the top three.

So the top three are all ladies. Glad the voters showed some intelligence on that front.

In fourth place: Lazaro Arbos. He looks stunned! The man has a fan base!

In fifth place: Amber Holcomb. Well earned. I thought she would rank even higher.

In sixth place: Janelle Arthur. I'm glad she beat out Paul Jolley! No surprise she's the lowest ranked girl but ahead of four guys.

In seventh place: Burnell Taylor.

In eighth place: Paul Jolley.

In ninth place: Devin Velez

Out: Curtis Finch Jr.

Mr. Affectation sang for the save ("I Believe I Can Fly") with as much gusto as he could muster but was not saved, even with Nicki's support. Indeed, he certainly doesn't deserve it despite Nicki's protestations about a lack of time to deliberate.

I got two of the bottom three correct. Devin fell in the bottom. I predicted Paul and Curtis correctly.

There's also a sing off to be on the tour between two who just missed the top 10 cut last week: Charlie Askew and Aubrey Cleland.

Charlie is surprisingly good with this "Sky Blue Diamond" song he wrote himself. Aubrey picks a boring Irene Cara song "Here On My Own." It's not bad but not terribly bracing.

I bet Charlie will win. (You can vote on americanidol.com)

Group sing: Owl City's "Shine Your Way." Wow, this is an icky sweet song, isn't it? Hostess could have survived if this song was a snack cake. Oh, it's a promo for an upcoming animated film called "The Croods." No wonder.

Bon Jovi "Because You Can": Their latest single is pleasant enough but more pop rock than rock rock.

Phillip Phillips "Gone, Gone Gone": This song proves Phillips will not be a one-hit wonder because I anticipate this will do just fine at least on the Hot AC charts. And he gets a framed quadruple platinum plaque from Randy Jackson for "Home."

Jimmy Iovine's critiques:

Curtis: "He can't stay in slow urban gospel or he won't even make the top 8."

Janelle: "I was completely sold. This girl isn't going anywhere."

Devin: "I see what Nicki likes in him but I didn't see it last night. I feel if he does that a few more times, this really will be his temporary home."

Angie: "Angie is a real talent. When she does own songs, it's magnificent. Doing 'I Surrender,' that Kelly Clarkson sang, it was very good but wasn't as good as the judges thought."

Paul: "He picked a pretty good song for himself. I don't understand this country thing. It's hitting me like pure pop. Some other guys did a better job."

Candice: "That's what music is supposed to feel like."

Lazaro: "He has the potential. He'll have to get down to work and take the criticism and handle it."

Kree: "This girl knows the material she can sing. It's a very difficult thing to do. She's in my top three."

Burnell: "He did a great job. He was by far the best guy last night 1,000 percent."

Amber: "In the overall charisma, star package, Amber, Amber, Amber. She's in my top three tonight."