American Idol’s Top 10 began the night as a group. First there was the big number: “Back to Where We Started From.” Then there was a huge iTunes endorsement. Later, the Ford video which showed laughing, smiling Idols on T-Shirts, CD covers and posters. But in Idol, there can be only one.

Chikezie was the first to be called on stage, and thus became the first into the bottom three. His slow performance Tuesday night all but guaranteed him a bottom seed going into the elimination round, and the look on Chikezie’s face said he expected as much. Brooke White and Carly Smithson quickly followed him, both sent to safety.

Next came the video, with Idols crooning Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me.” Actually, I think this one was the best yet. But elimination night is less about fun and more about fear.

David Archuleta, who I truly believe will sail easily into a number five slot at least, was the first to join Brooke and Carly on the cushioned chairs of safety. David Cook and Michael Johns followed him, with Syesha being sent toward the uncomfortable metal stools where Chikezie awaited his own fate. I was highly surprised to see Syesha make it again into the bottom three - I thought she was great Tuesday.

FOX then treated its viewers to yet another question-and-answer fan session. Chikezie was the first one to field. “Are you single?” A gushing female fan begged to know. “I’m currently very, very single,” Chikezie assured her. David Archuleta was asked why he chose to sing “You’re the Voice” on Tuesday, and he rambled on for a bit about how much he adores the tune. Next came a question for Simon Cowell - “Well, we’re outta time,” Ryan Seacrest cracked - a girl who wanted to know how to get Seacrest’s job. With a smile, Simon informed her, “the good news is, you don’t need a lot of talent. So, there’s a chance for everyone.” Maybe I was wrong about this whole question thing, after all. When Cowell’s talking, it’s always good TV.

A question for Brooke White followed, something about whom she’d like to sing a duet with. “John Mayer,” was her answer. Next came another Simon Cowell question, thank goodness. “Do you consider yourself the most attractive person on the show, and why?” The questioner wanted to know. “It’s not what I say, it’s what other people say,” Simon replied with a cheeky grin. Seriously, I’m beginning to see the makings of a whole new reality show with this question-and-answer segment. In my version, all the questions are for Simon, but there are still other people around so he can bounce random insults off of them.

Former Idol contestant Kimberley Locke appeared to sing “Fall,” looking better than ever. She offered a very professional, enjoyable performance. “You look phenomenal,” Paula Abdul told her, just before we were treated to several Idol Gives Back clips.

Ramiele was called on stage next, only to be sent to join the others with a guaranteed spot in next week’s show. This left Kristy Lee Cook and Jason Castro standing center stage, one looking more nervous than the other. I knew, before the show ever began, that Kristy was safe. She was, and Castro made it into the bottom three. This was something of a surprising little development, but chalk it up to the fact that Cowell’s fan base is stronger than Castro’s.

Ryan Seacrest asked Paula if she was bothered by the bottom three. “Someone has to go,” Abdul reminded everyone. Jason Castro then babbled for a bit about not being surprised, but the tension was lost when Seacrest quickly claimed he was not to be voted off - at least, not this week.

This left Syesha and Chikezie standing under the lights. Randy Jackson admitted he was a bit surprised to see Syesha there - so was I. “You were brilliant last night,” he told her. “I didn’t like the song,” Simon shot out. But in the end it was Syesha, not Chikezie, who secured just enough votes to keep her singing one more week.

Chikezie’s good-bye clip played and he sang his song without a hitch, even bending down to touch the crowd in the same gesture he was ridiculed for the day before. And the show marches on. One more will be cut next week, episodes which will also feature Dolly Parton (first mentor of the season). Who will stay, who will go? Eventually, only one will take the title of American Idol.