American Idol shocker: Adam Lambert hits bottom three

You know it's an odd ejection night on American Idol when the person kicked off the show isn't the biggest news.

But Wednesday's installment made less impact for the singer ejected -- everyone but big dog judge Simon Cowell seemed to realize Matt Giraud offered the worst performance Tuesday -- than for the guy who landed next to him in the Bottom Three: longtime favorite Adam Lambert.

No one seemed more surprised than Lambert, who has basked in his status as the show's front-runner for many weeks now.

But, as any Idol geek can tell you, peaking too soon creates incredible pressure to top yourself each week; Kris Allen, a late-blooming contender, has snuck into the competition by slowly raising his game, free from the heightened expectations Lambert and fellow favorite Danny Gokey bring each time they step to the mike.

Of course, Lambert's stumble also conveniently opens up the competition just as the show gets to its most-watched stage.

And Cowell, the judge who is usually most tuned into the twists and turns of the contest, also seems the most confused, after insisting Giraud gave a "brilliant" performance Tuesday and predicting teen phenom Allison Iraheta would be in trouble (instead, she escaped the  bottom three).

As members of the Times' Team Idol can attest, I have been saying for weeks that the judges wasted their save on Giraud two weeks ago, instead of waiting for the moment when a leader like Lambert might slip.

This is good news for Idol, which struggled last year under the inevitability of two strong front-runners. With four performers left, the competition is more wide open than it has been all season, which only means more chatter over Idol in pop culture circles and more viewership.

Make no mistake: I'm still predicting a Lambert/Gokey finale. But only if those two keep bringing the noise as they have in previous weeks.

Regardless of how it ends for them, the next few weeks are going to be lots of fun for the rest of us.

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Comments

[Suraia]

Adam isn't gay!

[Micki Jay Taleon]

I need the address to vote for Adam as of 05/05/09. Missed the phone No. on TV...The man is dang good and my whole family wants him to win. So we need to figure out just how to vote before tomorrow...Sexuality has nothing to do with the mans voice and actions.

[Joanne]

Many people may have forgotten that this past week Alison and Danny celebrated a birthday. Perhaps as a birthday gift, Adam arranged so that they would appear to have more votes than he did. That's the only way I can see this happening, and Adam is the kind of guy who would make such a gesture for his friends. I honestly think that he is more out to satisfy his own artistic visions than to win this thing, anyway. If he really wanted to win more than all else, all he would've had to do was sing some romantic Sinatra song that would've gotten all of the older women to vote tons of times. The older women (Paula's age), who are the ones that are probably Adam's biggest fan base, are going to vote for songs that they recognize more than dramatic performances of songs they may not know. As for me, I love Adam and watch the show only because of him. If he gets voted off, I'll be sick. I hope he thinks more about the kinds of songs that will get him the most votes - he needs to consult his Mom since she is in the age group that will be swooning over a guy like Adam - rather than satisfy his own artistic temperment. That may be hard for a guy like Adam to do. Being an artsy type myself, I can relate. Good luck, Adam. You will always get my vote.

[Elaine]

Please stop being a homo phobia AI. It's time to get beyond all your prejudices and vote for the most talented candidate. It's 2009, idiot!

[kyle]

Ok
Adam sucks and should be voted off.
I dont know why all these people like adam...are they deaf.
that homo needs to go..
if he wins, this will probably be my last year of watchin american idol because obviously the people watchin have no tast b/c adam is still in there.
Hope he leaves soon

[laura]

Everyone--if you don't do ANOTHER THING on Tuesday night-- VOTE FOR ADAM!!!!

Vote again
and again
and again!!

Lets break the record for the most votes for an AI contestant EVER!!

[Suraia]

Ok that freakin retard that call Adam dead and voring needs to get their head out of their freakin butt. Seriously. You can't watch the other contestants and say that adam is boring. Adam is the whole package deal. He can sing and act and has really great stage presence. Like i said earlier in this page if Adam gets voted off i'm nit going to watch the show ever again. I think it is really going to hurt american idol if he doesn't. The show wont have credibility anymore if he doesn't. And for all of you that are bad mouthing Adam need to first of all learn what real talent is. I bet all of you that are talking crap about him probably think that you can sing (even though you can't and the only gig you can get is in your own shower) and are just jeaous of pure talent.

[filora]

there is 176,000 search on google about adam being in the bottom 3, and it is very shocing to see adam in the bottom 2!!!!! but i think it was just a game they are playing on all of us because they know it is adam at the end! at the beginning of top 12 or 13 everyone was rooting for adam to win this competion because of that i am thinking that adam Was Not in the bottom 3 neighter kris, what i was thinking was that allison and danny was in the bottom 3 with matt the producer only want more viewer to the show so that more people will watch it since it was a shocking night on wednesday

[Maylyn]

I think that Adam was in trouble this week because of all the people that felt sorry for Allison because of the unkind comments make by Simon, and voted for her to prove him wrong. Shut up Simon or you'll be the answer Adam doesn't win. Although I love Allison, Danny and Chris, the clear winner, the most talented entertainer is ADAM. Please vote, vote, and vote again and again for ADAM, the most talented IDOL they have had in 8 years. THANK YOU.

[Laureen]

okay. I love Adam Lambert and if he goes i probably won't watch it. people who think i'm acting crazy because i wont watch it if he gets of can suck it. because i watch it for him. he is by far the most talked about. and yes it was rigged i'd honestly bet my life on it. my uncle works with studios and editing and he said that as long as they send the correct person home its completely legit and if you actually watched idol and payed attention you'd see that they said Adam Danny Allison... NOT YOUR BOTTOM THREE. and they never told kris he wasn't in bottom two just that he was safe. so american idol tried to get us scared tried to make us think that adam would be not safe....goodone.

[.]

Arg common. I'm SOO PISSED I CAN"T VOTE FOR ADAM COZ I'M IN UK. Come on America vote for him :'(

[adam-lover]

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT EITHER :S
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK, IF IT WAS RIGGED OR NOT, BUT I SURE KNOW I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN :(

ADAM FANS IN AMERICA LATINA JOIN THIS GROUP! :)

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=76808532128&ref=ts

[wilson]

I am glad to see that there are tons of other die hard Adam fans out there. I feel sorry for Adam. I think he is being jerked around by Idol. The only answer is to vote, vote and vote again.

[hazel]

It's shocking enough that Adam is in the Bottom 3 - but Bottom 2? No way. To shake things up, make things more interesting the producers must have tampered with the tally.
Please vote for Adam. To be in the same position again is just too scary for Adam is the rightful contestant to win American Idol.

[Alex]

Adams good. Fine. Whatever. But all you freaks who claim to never watch again if he does win need to actually vote. This has happened before where a favorite goes home early because America gets comfertable and forgets to vote. It's not some twisted Idol game to mess with us. They are successful enough without risking there integrity. Y'all just need to actually vote, not depend on others to do it for you. I'm voting for my favorite every week. Not Adam. Really all of them left are good and will be stars with or with out the crown so grow up and enjoy the show. Because really that's all of is. A show.

[I_LUV_ADAM]

Adam has already won! Even if the jerks at Idol scam it so he loses on Idol...he will be a musician! I agree with most that it was a publicity stunt having him in the bottom 3, can we please get rid of Alison, I am so tired of that voice, she sounds like she gargled razor blades! And crooked face Kris needs to go too! The only two deserving of still being on that stage are Danny and Adam, I will be looking for Adam albums after Idol is over, he will be a star even if he doesn't come out of this on top so don't worry fans there is still hope!
ROCK ON ADAM! WE LOVE YOU!

[Helena Graever]

I definitely think it was rigged.I am SURE they messed with the results! It's so obvious. None of the other contestants come remotely close to Adam. Idol´s producers had to do something to create drama and make things appear unpredictable. Adam lambert is amazing and has the best talent ever to walk the stage of American Idol. If Adam goes home and doesn't win I would really question the integrity of the show and certainly I will never watch this show again. Seriously!!!

[adamforever]

hey guys, please vote for adam coz i can't i'm not from the states. I wish i'm there to vote for him. I really love him. He's the only reason why i'm watching american idol. I'm so upset that he get to the bottom three, he doesnt deserve to be there. So please all Adam fans vote for him!!!!!

[madeline]

i also thought that simon was in on something and this was a publicity stunt.he seemed to cool about the whole thing.i couldnt watch after he was in bottom three it really upset me like it was my adam was my kid.please vote for adam!

[madeline]

i only watch because of adam,i was worried when it was so easy to get through to vote for him , i voted so many times and i got through most of the time that was strange if adam is eliminated i will NEVER WATCH THIS SHOW AGAIN adam is clearly fantastic in everything total package everyone must vote for him and more then once vote for two hours straight. adam lambert is so talented and humble.

[cimi]

Adam's better than that first morning cup of coffee...better than the hot fudge on a sundae...better than a cold one on a hot summer day.. Let's face it. Adam is just BETTER. In fact he is a star. He is shining so bright everyone can see him. If AI don't want him, you better believe the world will!!

Adam, if you're reading this. The note you sang towards the end of Satisfaction. That's how I feel about you. ooooooooyeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhh. Went something like that.

I'd love you even if you weren't a performer. Stay grounded and I'll be prayin' for ya. :)

[Julia Rivers]

I was shocked and pissed last night that Adam was put on the spot then sent to the final 3. I'm sure AI is being bombarded with millions screaming that it's rigged. It may be that Adams fans have become complacent thinking that he already has enough votes. Apparently not!

I'll be calling in a lot more for the next 3 shows to get my Adam votes in. I picked up 100 'Vote Adam' buttons and a vote Adam T-shirt from http://www.online-tv-shows.net/vote-adam-lambert.php . The t-shirt gets people talking about it and the buttons are great for giving to friends to capture more votes. Spread the word to and get Adam some new fans and votes. Matt's fans will probably now vote for Kris or Danny, so Adam will need all the votes he can get.

Join the 'Vote Adam' campaign: http://www.online-tv-shows.net/vote-adam-lambert.php

[Tayy]

I think is was a publicity stunt...
To make the show more exciting, and get more ratings, wich means more money.
You know these slim ball money bag Producers.
But to put Adam through that and humiliate him like that.
That was really low.
I was seriously sick after watching that.
And after Adam is safe in the winners cirle, I am no longer watching AI next season, along with many other upset Adam fans.
I hope they're hapy.

[maria]

i am so sick of adam. danny will be the winner. he is number one.....

[natalie]

HEY..ALL YOU ADAM FANS IN AMERICAN....CAN YOU ALL EACH PUT IN A VOTE FOR ME FOR ADAM I LIVE IN NZ AND I REALLY WANT ADAM TO WIN WIN WIN...SO PLEASE SEND IN A VOTE FOR ADAM FOR ME THANKS ALL ADAM FANS. HE ROCKS

[Trace]

It's so unfair to Adam, while I think that's why he is a true SUPERSTAR. Adam works hard and makes every efforts he can to show his range, talent, vocal capability...., to entertain different age groups, different taste of the public. Since he is the one catches all the attention that he's also the one got the most criticism. People are easily picky on him as the target even by trivial stuff. The other contestants just repeat what they can do. If they could luckily make a minor change will easily get appraised highly from the judges and the viewers.

[Trace]

People like us, never watch AI, never vote before, but voted in this season 2 hrs non-stop every Tuesday night. It's a whole family's deal even our grand parents joined and I knew a lot of our friends' family did the same thing. I never believe Adam should have got the less votes than the other 4 and I never trusted AI.

[Kenny]

I just wanted to ask the people who comment on the way adam wears his hair or paints his nails.....how that takes away from his talent? How can you sit there and not hear what comes out of his mouth? This is the best singer Idol has ever had. If you can't hear that then you need to crawl back under or into whatever rock or cave you came from. He should win. Please don't take the voting for granted, everyone needs to "Vote" for thier favorite (Adam)

I like the other singers but Adam is the ONE......! Vote Vote Vote.

[missy]

It is all about ratings and it's a lie that adam was in the bottom three because it makes no sense. Adam is amazing. He is crazy talented. His vocal ability, and ability to perorm and his confidence is incredible. He can sing anything where Danny doesn't have much of a range and always has the same voice.

[DANNY GOKEY FAN]

its about time something happened to that sugar britches. How much screaming and high pitched owl noises can someone take. His nasty black finger-nails and hair! I hope he goes home. The only reason he is so popular is because he is different, gay, black fingernails, hair. NASTY!!!
GO DANNY GO!!!!!

[ricky b]

Adam is the only one with star quality. The rest are real amatures, Allison could have potential, Danny is like the guy with a buzz grabbing the mic at a party,Chris has no range. I've played in bands my whole life, if we needed a singer the only one i would consider is Adam Lambert.

[Michelle]

Well I think Adam has been winning by a landslide. So either AI wanted to mess with them/us to up the drama, or people just assume he is safe and are not voting.
I hated the way Adam was treated on stage, I almost couldn't watch.

ADAM THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU AGAIN! YOU ARE LOVED AND WE GOT YOUR BACK! WE ARE ALL COMING TOGETHER AND YOU WILL WIN THIS THING.

[Irene]

PPL in the US, PLS PLS PLS VOTE FOR ADAM, I am not in the States, I am from Malaysia, Adam has LOADS of fans here, we wish that we can VOTE!!!!!!!!
ADam is the best, tat is all i can say.

[artlife]

I pick adam. He takes risk for music, I love this guy.

[Doce12]

adam was in the bottom 2 because people assumed he was safe and voted for allison instead. people were splitting votes. it's not the time to split votes. it won't do adam any favor. vote for adam, no one else. plus...triple the effort. vote as much as u can. i've seen in one site, people have been voting for their idols 1000 or 2000 times for two hours straight. you should do that for adam. too bad for me, i can't vote.

[agitated027]

it's great for me because knowing that not so many people want adam made me realize that anyone could be idol.. it would be dead boring if adam wins.. it's like watching a movie where you already know the ending..

[agitated027]

hey guys.. why are you so head over heels on adam lambert.?? come on.!! your not the only people in america.!! of course not everyone loves him.. and perhaps some of his fans have switched sides because of his very repetitive and very linear way of performing.. come on who wants a show who only one guy rocks all the time?? i liked adam at first but i found his singing a little too much that i was fed up.. this is a good time for Idol because the top would be open for anyone of them.. adam won't be an exception to the elimination.. come on just so because he appears to have many fans does not mean that he has the most number of votes.!! you might not know how many want to see him fall..

[Dante]

It's about time Adam hit the bottom 2. How much of that screaming can a person take? His records will never sell. He may make it on Broadway but has no mass appeal to sell a lot of records. The public is finally catching on to this guy.

[River Otter]

I am a big Adam fan and would like to see him win the whole deal. But I also think judging on the "Rat Pack" performances alone, the winning lineup was close to correct. I would probably have placed Adam above Kris. Overall, no one can top the total package of performaces I've seen from Adam. I think he has a brilliant future ahead and I'm glad he's gotten the publicity break from AI. It'll help him succeed whether or not he wins AI (I'm still betting on him!).

[Nancy]

I'm in shock over last night's AI vote results. I'm still confused as to whether Adam was actually in the bottom two of votes or if he was just kept there cruelly for shock and awe... or to get us to tune in next week. Ryan's wording was rather ambiguous but he did clearly send Kris over to the right as "one of the top 4"... not top 5... top 4. I just don't believe it. Everything I have read on line indicates that he's the head on fan favorite. How does one go from the top to second to last like that? If AI is monkeying with the votes or Adam, who is clearly the best singer and performer, loses.... I won't watch the show again. I just can't believe that that many people would feel so confident Adam would get enough votes that they would just try to save their second and third picks and not at least give him more votes than 2 and 3 picks. Something is very fishy here if Adam had the second lowest vote count.

And I agree with Sher that Ryan was rather rude and dismissive to Adam.

[Beartoe]

Adam is head and shoulders better than the others - when he is under control and not screeching. Chris does not have the voice, and Danny is too predictable. Alison is a challenge with her vocal power but lacks the dramtic stage presence and control Adam exudes.

Adam needs to remember Mad World and Tracks of My Tears. Slow and controlled is what grabs America most strongly from him. Two best performances in Idol history in my book.

With this being rock week, Adam and Alison will be most advantaged. Slash is the mentor, and Adam can sing anything that Axl Rose can. I foresee a Guns 'n Roses selection, but Adam will then do what he has studiously avoided so far: sing a song previously sung by someone with a high voice and invite comparison.

What does it all mean? Adam, take the gloves off, be a rocker like you have shown you can be, do a hot arrangement. Leave no one in America thinking that you are anything but the best performer in Idol history. Then, if you are voted off, go make an album and join Daughtry as the success story America was too dumb to put into the finals.

[claire]

i knew as soon as i saw 2 phone numbers for each contestant that something was going to go wrong for Adam....
they should be changing anything from week to week....Adam will rebound this week, and we must have his back...everybody knows that no matter what you may think of him he is bar none the best artist and that is what this AI is about!!!!

[Andrea]

I agree that there is something foul here. They put Adam in the bottom three to keep the show exciting. I BET, that if it would be investigated, he'd have turned out with the most votes - NOT second last. UNBELIEVABLE! I alone voted 100x (ATT text), my husband 50x. Sad part is that Adam is confused now. I hope he catches himself again and doesn't lose what made him so very unique and SPECIAL.
Go Adam! YOU ARE THE VERY BEST!!!!!!!!

[trumpel]

I am still so mad and confused that Adam was in the bottom 3! I do not understand it! He is the reason I am watcjing the American Idol this season!
People, please wake up and vote for HIM! He is the most talanted idol right now...his voice is the most beautiful voice that have had on the show since 1st season. And each week he performs like never before! No was he should have been in the bottom 3! Wake up Amerika and vote for the ONLY WINNER ADAM LAMBERT!!!

[judee]

This is the first time I've ever watched American Idol, right from the auditions. I thought Adam was the best singer I'd ever heard. It's been the most important show to me each week. And the importance has been to see, 'what will Adam sing this week?' I look forward to his performance. I can't wait to see him. If he wins I would buy his cd. He is definately the best by a mile. I can't vote for him since I'm in Australia. Please all you Americans get behind this incredible voice!!! But like all the others have stated he is the total package. But what makes him even more special in my eyes, he is so humble. Each week he takes on board what the judges have said and he always thanks the band and people that have helped his performance. He puts his heart and soul into every song. Vote for ADAM please.

[tanya]

I was so PSYCHED when Adam hit bottom 3. He's so smug that he will win...just goes to show that not everyone is into screeching and yowling and big fake-o contrived over the top broadway glamqueen performances. I was personally shocked to see Kris in the bottom 3 because I think he really is the dark horse and he is so cute and nice and like the rest of him, has a great voice.

I hope either Allison or Adam go home next week!

[Lucy]

OMG, PLEASE PEOPLE OF THE U.S of A, VOTE FOR ADAM! I'm not American and I can't, if only I could, would spend the whole day voting for him (if that's possible)...PLEASE VOTE FOR ADAM LAMBERT, HE DESERVES TO WIN!

[Paula]

I too agree that the producers were monkeying around with the votes to create the atmosphere that happened last night. I am a 50 year Mom of two teens, one of whom got me watching the show last year. As someone who has grown up with music and seen many different styles and artists, I am completely blown away by Adam Lambert. He is truly an artist of high magnitude. I will learn how to text off my cell phone so that we can vote for him next week, it's that important to me. He is in a category by himself and truly deserves to win, as he is the best singer and entertainer, hands down, and looks great. When Taylor Hicks sang on last night's show, you could clearly see the difference in the talent in this years finalists, as opposed to the previous years.

[Sher]

I have to believe there is something fishy about the top 4. The ONLY way Adam was in bottom 2 is because people weren't voting because they thought he was SAFE...thank GOODNESS he didn't end up as Daughtry, because if that had happened a LOT of people would not have been watching for the rest of the season! Still think it was done so America would 'think' that this is still open for anyone to win. There's NEVER been a talent like Adam on the show. If for no other reason, I'd like to see him win so we can see OTHERS like him with some theatrical experience come and try to do the same in years to come! And by the way, the way Ryan treated him..NOT COOL. Adam has been NOTHING but a GENTLEMAN on that stage, and he deserved better! I can't wait to see what he does this week..and what the judges say. Would LOVE to see him do QUEEN!! GO ADAM! WE LOVE YOU!! AMERICA...WAKE UP...VOTE VOTE VOTE ADAM LAMBERT!!!

[j]

Diddo, adamlover! The others can sing, but i would not spend a dime to attend one of their concerts. Adam offers fun, excitement, yet, he can sing a ballad or slow a song down and rip your heart out ("Mad World"). He was a little over the top for the "mainstream" voting audience last night. Most people are just tuning in for finale. They haven't seen all that he can do. "Tears of a clown" would have sealed it for him if he had performed it last night. Adam just has to remember that he needs all votes. The entrance came off as a little cocky. Adam IS the total package. The teen girl has a big voice, but she doesn't bring any personality to the stage. Next week is Rock & Roll with SLASH from Guns 'n Roses as the Mentor. Need we say more? It's Adam's strongest territory. The others will come off very corny up against Adam!