IDOL WATCH: Top 5 Becomes 4!

Just three weeks from now the American public will have dubbed their new idol, who will be one of five personalities that we've come to know and love- a scarf-tail lovin' rocker; a young, country heartthrob; a sassy,  growling diva; a cutesy, southern powerhouse; and the guy who should play Effie in a gender-switched version of DREAMGIRLS. But who will it be?

Ryan quickly revealed that a season high 60 million votes were cast last night. No surprises there- pretty much every week sets a season record. A cheesy group performance kicked off the night's musical festivities, with the top 5 singing "Happy Together." I can't help but wonder how 'happy together' they really are though. Surely things are getting competitive back in the Idol house by now, right?

That was followed by a segment that featured the top five in 'Hell's Kitchen' with Gordon Ramsey picking the best American Idol chef. Time filler, anyone? Just in case you ever find yourself having breakfast with an Idol contestant in the near future, make sure it's Lauren or Jacob, because they apparently make the best omelets.

Lady Antebellum took the stage to sing their latest single, "Just a Kiss." JLo then followed up their performance with Pit Bull in "On the Floor." She was just as fierce as expected, breaking panes of glass to unleash her trapped dancers. The performance was great, but it was then followed by a teaser for her new video. I'm sorry, is this 'American Idol,' or 'Jennifer Lopez Live?'

Then Ryan pulled his classic 'two groups' move that he tries to get away with every season. In case you don't follow, let me explain. Ryan slowly separates the contestants into two even groups. This year is was James and Haley versus Lauren and Jacob. Then he challenges the fifth contestant (who happened to be Scotty) to pick the group that he/she thinks he belongs to. Everyone knows what the right answer is- he's supposed to refuse to pick sides, so as to not make enemies in the house and seem like a total jerk. But did Mr. McCreery get the message? Yes, thank god!

Unwilling to take the bait, Scotty refused to choose sides, forcing Ryan to push him towards the correct group- which happened to be Haley and James. That sounds about right. This left a sobbing Lauren and a fed up Jacob in this week's bottom two, and after a commercial break that seemed to last an eternity, Jacob was sent home. That seems about right too. So long Effie!

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday night for a recap on performances from the Top 4!  American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 5 sing last night? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini ,Jordin Sparks,Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX