The Top 13 results show of American Idol 8 began with a dire warning: only 11 would remain once the night was all said and done. More than 33 million votes were logged to bring us this first - and perhaps only - Top 13 elimination round.

Idol again referred to a “twist,” one of several times it’s been mentioned. Ryan Seacrest then brought up three very well-known Idol names: Michael Johns, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry. The latter two have already gone on to great post-Idol success, and Johns seems well on track to do the same. All three were favored contestants among judges and fans, and many feel that all three left the competition early (each during different seasons, of course). Seacrest spoke of the “uproar” that accompanied the departure of each one.

It was as this point the host introduced “the judges’ save,” which exempts a single contestant from elimination - but only once. Once a save is used, it cannot be used again…not for the whole season. When the save is used, it’ll work for a week. After the save, however, the next week will see two contestants eliminated.

Viewers were then treated to a video clip that offered up a virtual TV tour of the Idols mansion - the housing where the contestants live during their stint on the show. This facility includes an indoor pool and basketball court, bowling alley and tons of other amenities that will have them fighting harder than ever to stay on the show.

The Top 13 then sang a Jackson 5 medley that included some of the best tunes from that era - but, they seemed to have trouble performing together. I didn’t see a lot of harmonizing talent - everyone was too interested in their own individual performances. It did get a little bit better during the second half, but it’s not the sort of thing I’d want to watch twice.

“It will be dramatic,” Ryan Seacrest promised of the upcoming elimination night. This thrilling statement led into a lackluster montage of Tuesday night’s performance round, offering up a taste of the two-hour broadcast we all endured earlier in the week.

“Working is the word,” Sarver said of his Idol experience during the pre-results chat with Seacrest. He then said he enjoyed doing the Ford video the most. This, of course, led into a presentation of this very thing. Singing “We Will Rock You,” the Top 13 had their images projected on buildings for this music video. I just didn’t get it…or enjoy it. This is keeping with the deteriorating quality of the Ford videos over the past two seasons.

Michael Sarver was then asked to stand and hear his results first, and he was the first to hear good news - “Sarver, you’re safe,” Seacrest relieved one contestant’s worry.

Allison Iraheta was also declared safe from elimination. Jasmine Murray was the next to find her feet, and after a pause she was brought to the center of the stage. Matt Giraud then stood in place and quickly sat back down - he, too, is safe.

Kris Allen, favored with the ladies, was the next to be featured. “Stand right there,” Seacrest bid him, as Megan Corkrey was called to stand. Kris was told to sit down, which sent Megan to center stage with Jasmine Murray. Only one was safe, and it ended up being Megan Corkrey (who’s been a special pet for the judges since the moment she was first featured).

Jasmine Murray then had a chance to sing for her chance to win the judges’ heart - and their save. There were a few points where Murray was a little rough vocally, but overall this pretty girl has a very beautiful voice.

Seacrest asked Randy Jackson if he wanted to save Jasmine. “Sorry, baby, you’re headed home,” he sighed. No shock there - like they’d really blow their choice on the first elimination. And so, Jasmine’s good-bye clip played to the strains of Carrie Underwood’s new song about home. You can download this song on iTunes until the 16th, at which point it’ll be available through retailers.

Kanye West then performed “Heartless” on the big stage, sending the female audience members into a frenzy. He performed one part of the number while standing on the judges’ table and wore black gloves, perhaps in deference to the fact that it was Michael Jackson week.

Finally, it was time to return to results. Scott MacIntyre was the next to be featured - and the next to receive the good news that he’s dodged elimination…this time. Alexis Grace, who had her own special phone number, was then called to stand before she could sit in safety.

Danny Gokey, who received rave reviews the night before, is also safe for the round. Anoop Desai then stood and moved toward the front of the stage. Adam Lambert was called as Anoop waited for more, but Adam didn’t have to wait at all - he was pronounced safe and allowed to sit comfortably..

It was Jorge Núñez’s turn. “Stay right there,” Seacrest bid him as he called for Lil Rounds to come to her feet. Jorge was told to move forward, and Lil got to sit back down.

This left Anoop Desai and Jorge Núñez at the center of the stage, each with an uncertain fate. One would be sent home, one would stay. After a break, the Idol audience still didn’t get to find out their results.

It was time for Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, to perform on the stage that helped make her famous. “I feel like I’m going to get judged at the end of singing,” Clarkson quipped. She touted her new album and chatted up Seacrest, telling him he was the inspiration for the title song “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Always the professional performer, Kelly served up a crowd-pleaser and escaped without any harsh comments from judge Simon Cowell.

After another break, Anoop Desai and Jorge Núñez were again on stage. Seacrest then revealed that Anoop Desai was safe, which left only one possible outcome: Núñez was eliminated. He sang his song from the night before one last time, ostensibly to compete for the judges’ save. As Paula Abdul danced, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell put their heads together in a quick sidelines discussion that was conveniently captured by Idol’s live cameras.

Simon Cowell offered up two words when asked if Núñez was saved from his fate. “No, sorry.” And so, his exit clip began to roll for Idol viewers.

Thus ended the first elimination round of Idol’s Top 13. Now, 11 contestants remain…for one more week, at least.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)