Phil Stacey Blog: Michael Sarver's classy farewell

Despite his song choice, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” Michael Sarver accepted his fate  in a very classy manner as the latest Idol cast off. The judges chose not to save the oil-rigger, and he will soon be reunited with his babies after a weeklong bicoastal media frenzy.

Now that the American Idols Live Tour roster has been set, this daddy is relieved he gets to go home to his family.  Trust me, I know from personal experience.   

In a shocking twist, one of the best of the week, soulful Matt Giraud, joined Michael Sarver in the bottom two, while the more deserving piano man Scott MacIntyre was immediately sent back to safety. I have no doubt that if Matt had been voted off, the judges would have given him the one pardon of the season.   

We had the most-ever votes cast for a Top 10 week, with over 36 million calling in. I don't know if I should applaud America, or ask you to go do your homework or read a book!

Tonight’s show was again jam-packed with celebrity appearances. Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone and season two winner Ruben Studdard all performed. We also had a medley from the Top 10. 

Whew — I’m surprised they could fit the results in the hour allotted.

Oh, wait, they didn’t — but who can blame them with legends in the house!

What do you all think?  Did you think Matt deserved to be in the bottom two?  Did America get it right by sending Michael home?

On a serious note: Most people don’t realize that "American Idol" is in the same studio building as "Dancing With the Stars," right next door. We share the entrance, back hallways and elevator with "Dancing" contestants, and we get to know them in passing. I saw on the news that a man was arrested after allegedly trying to jump the fence at a “Hollywood studio” to hurt Shawn Johnson of "Dancing With the Stars" this week. [Editor's note: Robert M. O'Ryan was charged today with stalking and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and a restraining order is in effect until at least April 14.] I publicly want to thank God and the security staff, which keeps everyone safe each week, in the studio and out and about.   

— Phil Stacey

Photo: Fox

Comments

[Holly]

Thanks for your blog. I think the results may have been tainted by the fact that Dish Network had technical difficulties (at least the Los Angeles area) and did not have any audio for about the third - twenty minutes of American Idol on Wednesday. Who knows how something like this may have affected the outcome? I don't think Matt should have been in the bottom two, but then again I didn't have the opportunity to hear him.

[Punkass]

Is it just me, or has every African American that has appeared on Idol this year made Obama an adjective? It makes it painful for me to watch when a talent contest becomes a love fest for political leaders.

[Jake]

Michael should have gone home next week. Scott deserved to go home this week or better yet not make it into the top 12. He can play piano, but lets be realistic he sounds terrible. America needs to get over the sympathy votes as bad as that sounds and start voting based on singing ability.

[Holly]

Thanks for your blog. I think the results may have been tainted by the fact that Dish Network had technical difficulties (at least the Los Angeles area) and did not have any audio for about the third - twenty minutes of American Idol on Wednesday. Who knows how something like this may have affected the outcome? I don't think Matt should have been in the bottom two, but then again I didn't have the opportunity to hear him.

[Sirfuller]

Matt needs to become more entertaining, more of a showman. While his singing is solid, I think he's very forgettable.

[Susan]

Michael is a class-act!!! My family adored him. I loved how he would reassuringly put his arm around other contestants. When it became apparent that he might be ousted tonight, I told my 10 year old son to sit down and watch how to fail with grace and dignity. I knew Michael would be true to the test! I was so PROUD of him! I am only sorry that he was voted off. We love his voice, style and personality. I CANNOT believe tht America voted him off and Megan will remain. She's lovely, but can't hold a candle to Michael's voice.

[Richard Griffith]

Well, after this week's performances, my family and I figured one of two were going home,
either Micheal, or Megan. Frankly, we were surprised that Megan WASN'T in the bottom
three. I guess looks buys you a lot. (Yeah, she's that pretty....)

I think, though, this will come down to a contest between three people..... Adam, Danny, and
Allison. Oh, and if Allison ever has the chance to do something from Kim Carnes, the first
two are in trouble. Allison has about the same vocal qualities that Kim has..... Imagine
Allison doing "Betty Davis Eyes"..... That would rock.

[Maria]

Good for his family but I'm sorry to see Michael go. Somehow I liked the guy - no drama, no b.s. just straight-up refreshing honesty. Not his best performance this week but I think he deserved one more shot at it. If he still didn't get it right next week, then he should go home then.

[Ori]

America got it right by sending home one of the bottom three(Michael, Scott and Megan) But with Matt, that was sad, he soooo did not deserve to be there, several others are below him in my opinion. So come one peeps, we have to vote :)

[Matt]

I'm no expert but i think Megan should have gone home 2 weeks ago. Between the 3 at the bottom this week i think Scott should have probably gone home. I don't want to sound like Simon but i think he's getting the sympathy vote. First and foremost i think Megan should have left before any of the three last night. To answer your question, No i don't think America got it right this week.

[Oblio_A]

---------------------------
Michael Sarver is not a bad singer, but he is not the best either, and he knows it.

Lil' or Adam are far more likely to take the crown, so I agree he was probably relieved to be...um...relieved. :)

[Melissa]

I was very glad to hear that the guy stalking Shawn Johnson was arrested. No matter how famous, a 17 year old girl should not have to deal with something like that. I'm sure she was terrified.

[Mandy]

We were sad to see Michael Sarver leave and yes, he did have a classy farewell. Even though we are not big Country fans, we loved the rock angle that he gave his songs. I hope that he dreams come true about singing, he really is good.

[Jackie]

I can't believe that Megan wasn't sent home last night!! It goes to prove that the winners are not selected by talent. People are voted in by looks, friends and family members. It is indeed a shame when someone has genuine talent, but is ousted because of votes. Why don't the 4 judges that give their opions select the winners? I don't always agree with them, but I think they would do a better job judging talent.

[Lenny]

Do you really think God looks over Dancing with the Stars and American Idol contestants, but not children in Pakistan? Sheesh.

[Cheryl]

I agree that Matt shouldn't have been in the bottom 3. That was clearly a mistake. I thought it would be Matt and Alexis as the final two. I also agree with Jake above. Scott or Megan should have gone this week. Scott is definitely getting sympathy votes. Alexis deserved his spot on the tour.

I agree that it's nice to get away from political commentary when you're watching a family entertainment show. We get so much of that elsewhere. I don't want to dislike an artist just because I disagree with their political views, but it happens when they have to open their mouths.

Has anyone else besides me noticed how bad the lip-syncing is during the group number? It was so painfully obvious this week. I think it's very sad. The contestants are really bad at it, and it's embarassing to watch.