American Idol: Judges Save Matt Giraud

I thought the "Judges Save" idea was a bit goofy when it was introduced. But it has added some entertainment value, even if it seems to negate the point of millions of people doing that voting thing.

The intense huddling as the judges deliberate also seemed a bit contrived.

It did not seem to me to be any great national tragedy that Matt Giraud was the one with the fewest votes and thus a ticket home.

The audience seemed to think it tragic though, chanting "SAVE HIM," like they were in the coliseum chanting for the Emperor to save a gladiator.

So, Matt sang for his life while Paula and Kara sang along, swaying to the music and looking as if they were witnessing a sad tragedy.

When the singing stopped the judges got in huddle and yell mode again, like you see in the picture. Then Simon delivered the news, telling Matt that he did not think his singing for his life attempt was as good as the night's before. That started up booing. And then, I forget the words used, but Simon let Matt know he'd been spared. Ryan then let us know that this drove Matt to tears and we were provided a closeup as proof, as the other survivors congratulated Matt in a celebratory fashion.

Simon then said something like, "I don't know what you are all so happy about because I have 2 bits of bad news for you. Number 1, next week two of you are going home and next week is Disco."

Two will probably deserve to go home next week after doing some BeeGees butchering.