IDOL WATCH: Top 8 Becomes 7!

After last week's shock elimination, it seemed that everyone on the AMERICAN IDOL stage was especially aware of how quickly things can change. One minute, a contestant seems easily on top, and the next, they're out of the competition. On that note, there seemed to be a bit more tension in the air than normal.

Still, the singers had to show their stuff one more time before the elimination took place, and Scotty and Lauren - paired up again as the show's resident country crooners - duetted to "American Honey".

The Ford Music Video had the contestants rising from the dead in total zombie fashion! They covered 'Animal' by Neon Trees, and while these music videos aren't usually their best material, this one was pretty well done. The show then took a retro turn, featuring a vintage-styled Haley singing a jazzy "Moaning" duet with Casey.

With those four already assembled on stage, Ryan gave his usual "dim the lights" cue, and one by one narrowed the group down until he announced that Haley was in the bottom three.

Keeping with the movie theme of yesterday and bringing some comic relief was director Rob Reiner (director of 'The Princess Bride', 'When Harry Met Sally', and more) who gave some joking advice to the Idols and seemed to enjoy meeting them. "I like being the oldest and the baldest person in the room," he quipped, "It's a good ego boost."

Before continuing with the results, it was time for a familiar AMERICAN IDOL face to take the stage; the first winner, Kelly Clarkson, took to the stage with country singer Jason Aldean. Her pipes are as good as ever, showing off handily why she's one of the show's highest-selling alumni.

Four of the boys - Jacob, Stefano, James, and Paul - perform 'The Sound of Silence' going into 'Mrs. Robinson'. Though they give it a good effort, they don't touch the surface of the originals.

Taking those four to center stage, Ryan continues to announce the results: Stefano and Paul join Haley in the bottom three.

Rihanna, making her way around sheets hung from the ceiling, sings her hit 'California King Bed'. She sounds perhaps better than expected - and has much more stage presence than a lot of the singers who take the IDOL stage - but vocally she just can't compete with Kelly and even some of the contestants.

Finally, it's time for the results and Ryan brings the bottom three forward. In the end, it's Haley and Stefano who return to the safety of the couch, and Paul who has to sing his last song: 'Maggie May', by Rod Stewart, as per the judges' request.

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday night for a recap on performances from the Top 7! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 8 sing last night? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini ,Jordin Sparks,Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

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