IDOL WATCH: The Double Elimination; 11 Becomes 9!

"No more saves, no more exceptions, and no one can escape the outcome of your over 55 million votes." Ryan Seacrest painted the perfect picture of tonight's episode right off the bat. With last week's dramatic Casey Abrams rescue, tonight became the first and only double elimination of the season.

I was a bit taken aback when Ryan announced that the evening would be kicked off with a duet of "I Told You So" from Lauren and Scotty. What? Where is my Elton John medley? Another song with an Idol past, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood sang the song with country legend Randy Travis on the American Idol stage six years ago. Quickly after they sang the last note, Ryan announced that they were safe. Two down nine to go!

Next up was Naima and Jacob who gave a very awkward performance of "Solid." It all seemed very forced - though that might not have been entirely their fault. After a summary the judges' comments, we learned that Naima earned one of this week's bottom two spots, while Jacob was safe. This is all A-Ok with me.

Fantasia Barrino broke up the tension with a performance of her new single: "Collard Greens and Corn Bread." I kid you not - that was the name of the song. The experience just made me feel like I was back in 2004, and to be frank, I just don't want to be back in 2004 if it means that I have to listen to more Fantasia.

Haley, Thia, and Pia rocked out to Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." Again the performance came off as awkward and forced. The vocal was decent, but I'll take Darren Criss over them any day. After the trio finished, Ryan revealed that Pia and Haley will live to see another week, and Thia took the second bottom three stool. Again, A-Ok.

Finishing off tonight's contestant performances was Paul, Stefano, James, and Casey. The newly formed ‘band' sang a forgettable medley that included some really rough harmonies. Casey, James and Stefano all learned that they were safe, leaving Paul to fill the final stool. I would have preferred Stefano, but Paul wasn't too big of a shock.

Jamie Foxx and Will.i.am took to the stage to sing the single "Hot Wings" from their new movie RIO, and they quickly made it very clear that they wanted to both party and samba, with ingenius lyrics that were limited to : "I wanna party, I wanna samba.". Perhaps if they would have done a mash-up with Fantasia, the resulting fried foods medley would have been easier on the ears.

In the end, Paul made it through to next week, and Naima and Thia had to pack their bags for home. No complaints from me! Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday night for a recap on performances from the top 10! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 11 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