The American Idol contestants were all smiles as they performed the Dolly Parton hit “9 to 5,” but tensions seethed just below the surface as this group was quickly shuffled backstage to await their respective fates. The routine was peppy and poppy, with the singers gathering around the judges’ island to finish the number. Joy was short-lived, however, as attentions quickly turned to talk of elimination.

Idol very cleverly turns information which might take less than a minute to deliver (“hey, by the way, you just got kicked off the show”) into an hour-long spectacle replete with stage performances, video clips, and of course the endless cross-promotions. Elimination action is always very cleverly placed, little tidbits leading up to what is supposed to be a dramatic end. Were you shocked?

Michael Johns was first up and the first to head to safety, followed by David Archuleta and Carly Smithson. These three front-runners were never in any real danger this week, and it’s just as well they were dealt with very quickly. As other singers waited off stage, the new question-and-answer segment was featured. Is it me, or is this part of the show slowly getting a bit longer with each broadcast?

The first question was for Syesha - “what do you miss most about home life?” Syesha gave the very pat answer “friends and family,” of course, proving once again that questions not directed at Simon Cowell are an almost complete waste of time. David Cook was asked what other talent he would excel at if he could, and Cook abashedly said “I wish I was more organized.” Apparently, the rocker is a bit of a slob.

Randy Jackson became the focus of attention next. The caller stated that Jackson’s worked with everyone, it seems, in the music industry. But who hasn’t he worked with? “I’d love to do a song with whoever wins American Idol this year,” Jackson claimed. Gee, that won’t be too hard to hook up, Jackson. What an unimaginative response.

Michael Johns and David Cook shared the limelight for the next question, something about which song they’ll do on the Idol tour. “Islands in the Stream,” Johns joked, but then both said seriously that they’ve hardly thought about the future that far in advance. No kidding - one of them was still waiting to learn if he’d even be on the show once the evening was over.

Finally a Simon question was posed - “Why do you feel it’s necessary to apologize after giving a negative critique?” The questioner wanted to know. “Mary, I like you,” Cowell told her. “I’m crazy doing it. I will never, ever apologize again,” he proclaimed. This firm announcement was upset later in the evening, however, as Cowell apologized to Carly Smithson, Paula Abdul, the studio audience and seemingly the world at large.

The Clark Brothers, that trio who won The Next Great American Band, appeared next to perform “This Little Light of Mine.” Since I’m one of the fourteen people who religiously watched FOX’s summer flop, I’d actually heard them do this number like four times prior to the show. I didn’t think the performance was at all suited to Idol and it was almost manically done, leaving fans standing in front of the stage looking totally confused.

The Ford video this week featured Idols crying “It’s Tricky” and shooting hoops in the school yard. It was pretty cute but very short, and soon enough it was time to get back to the business at hand.

As I predicted, David Cook’s hospital stint was mentioned as soon as he took the stage. This kid is getting more press than Clinton, and that’s saying something. Saying the whole thing got a little blown out of proportion, Cook assured fans “I’m cool. I’m not goin’ anywhere.” And he won’t, not this week - Seacrest told him he was safe in the next breath.

Ramiele Malubay became the first in the bottom three, and she was sent to the uncomfortable chairs to wait while other Idols lounged on the plush couch. Kristy Lee Cook appeared with a wadded-up piece of paper for her bottom three stool, which Ryan sent her off to after only a few moments of hemming and hawing. Honestly, I was surprised to see her in the bottom three at all - I predicted she would sail through country week.

When asked about these two being in the bottom three, Paula said “I thought that Kristy Lee had a good night. I thought Ramiele had a good night,” displaying her usual diplomatic nature.

Next, Idol fans were treated to a little Where-Are-They-Now segment featuring those former Idols who have found the great city of Nashville to further their own musical dreams. Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey, and Bo Bice all currently live in the Nashville area, and all are still making music. The show will catch up with more contestants as the season progresses, so perhaps one of your faves will soon be featured.

Syesha, who blew me away with her big voice Tuesday night, was up next. She was quickly declared safe, leaving only Brooke White and Jason Castro to face possible elimination. This really could have gone either way, but it was Jason who was safe and Brooke who failed to secure enough votes to avoid the bottom three position.

This left Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay in the bottom three. Ryan Seacrest turned to the judges to gauge their opinions of these results.

“I think this is absolutely right,” Simon Cowell stated. “Did you think you were right?” Seacrest asked. “Yes,” Cowell answered. Did you expect any other reply?

Keeping the girls on pins and needles, the show then treated us to more Idol Gives Back footage. Again, this extravaganza will air April 9.

Dolly Parton performed one of her new songs next, “Jesus and Gravity.” A consummate performer and professional, Parton looked and sounded gorgeous. She owned the American Idol stage completely, keeping the audience entertained and engaged throughout - though I must admit I didn’t really jam to her groove. Her pure charisma could make even a so-so song something spectacular. The Idol contestants should take a page out of her book.

Ryan joked with Parton after her song, saying, “I think we should let Simon into Dollywood.”

Dolly laughingly said Simon could definitely come to her theme park, and even defended him. “Simon tells the truth,” she said, then cried out, “Simon, I think you’re cool.” Hey, me too.

But the smiles and laughter stopped when the show returned from commercial break. Looking appropriately grave, Seacrest asked Randy Jackson which girl would be sent home. “Ramiele,” Jackson answered. “It’s not gonna be Brooke,” Simon interjected.

And, he was right. Brooke was sent to safety, leaving Kristy Lee and Ramiele standing on the stage. At the risk of sounding mean, I was actually okay with any of the three of them going home. I would have been surprised if Brooke was eliminated, but I really can’t dig her scene so I wouldn’t have freaked out. Ramiele has a gorgeous voice, but her stage presence definitely hurt her throughout the competition. Kristy Lee is one of those rare contestants who was actually supposed to be early-elimination fodder but somehow dug her claws in and is managing to stick. We’ve seen this before. As Kristy and Ramiele stood on stage, it was all only too clear. Cook was not about to be sent home during country week.

Ramiele was eliminated, and immediately became very distraught. This is understandable. Kristy comforted her as the footage played, and soon enough the other female contestants gathered around her in a true show of sister support. It reads well on TV, but I’m gonna go ahead about point out the brass tacks of the situation - every single one of them but the winner will go home. Those other girls are screaming with joy, albeit inside, that they weren’t eliminated.

Ryan Seacrest kindly pep-talked Ramiele so she could pull it together to deliver her song. I’ve said plenty of waspish things about this guy’s wardrobe and snarky little comments, but I will say that he’s great with the contestants - very natural and big brotherly. Thusly, Malubay was able to pull it up and simply sing, this time with the confidence and presence she should have displayed Tuesday. Funny how that often happens. She definitely has the talent, the pipes, and the look (who doesn’t love adorable?), and she’s got a few years to work on her stage act a bit. You’ll do just fine, Ramiele. You’ll do just fine.