IDOL WATCH: Top 7 Becomes 6!

From a Casey-on-JLo smooch to a shockingly awesome performance from Ms. Reinhart, last night's episode of American Idol was chock-full of welcomed surprises. Beginning with the unexpected performance from the already eliminated half of the top 13, the shockers just kept coming- perhaps the best of which being the sudden harsher-than-normal criticism from the judges! Finally some legit guidance for the voters that need it!

In other news, rumors have been circulating recently about changes in the Idol horizon regarding the way that eliminations go down. Executive producer Ken Warwick went on the record on the subject, commenting: "Maybe we'll change the voting system slightly next year. Maybe we'll limit the number of SMS votes or online votes, but it will remain the same this year." On moving towards a judge-centric elimination process more like Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, he added: "That's just one of the solutions or ideas on the table. There are a number. We won't be putting anything into practice - well, I'm pretty sure we won't - until next year."

Moving on... Lauren, Haley, Stefano and Jacob kicked off the evening's performances with Train's "Hey, Soul Sister." It was cute, but it proved once again that harmony isn't really their forte. That was followed up with the weekly Ford music video, and then Casey, Scotty, and James singing Coldplay's "Viva La Vida." It felt lots more authentic, blowing the first performance out of the water.

David Cook then took the stage to perform his new single "The Last Goodbye." Is it just me, or does he seem to have a lot more hair than he did the last time I saw him? Good for you, David! The song was both polished and professional, which is more than I can say for some of the previous alumni performances. Yes, I'm talking to you, Fantasia.

As the hour progressed, Ryan slowly revealed that Jacob, Stefano, and Haley took tonight's bottom three spots. Then Ryan awkwardly whispered that Haley was actually safe- leaving just the boys in the stools of doom. Justice! Katy Perry then sang her new hit "ET" (along with Kanye West) with a laser suit and dancing aliens that would rival the theatrics of even Gaga.

Stefano ended up with the least number of votes this week . FINALLY! He's had some nice moments on the Idol stage, but it's no secret that I've been ready for his departure for quite a while. And another one bites the dust.

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday night for a recap on performances from the Top 6! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 7 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