February 24, 2006
Indystar
Now there are 20.
"American Idol" booted four contestants Thursday night -- two men and two women -- in the show's first elimination round of the new season.
Television's top-rated show tallied viewers' votes and scratched off the bottom two of each sex -- Becky O'Donohue, Stevie Scott, Bobby Bennett and Patrick Hall.
Judge Paula Abdul's eyes brimmed with tears when O'Donohue, 25, got the cut after receiving the lowest number of votes. The New York native, who sang "Because the Night," made other news this week when Maxim released some sexy photos of her and her twin sister, Jessie, it had taken a couple of years ago.
Scott, a 19-year-old from Fair Oaks, Calif., drew criticism from judge Simon Cowell, who said her performance of "To Where You Are" was "forgettable."
Bennett, a 19-year-old Barry Manilow fanatic from Denver, endured criticism from Cowell as well for his theatrical rendition of "Copacabana."
"It was a nightmare that would have Barry Manilow screaming in horror," Simon said.
Cowell also scolded Hall, a 27-year-old from Gravette, Ariz., for his "average" rendition of "Come to My Window."
"It's a lesson learned," Cowell said. "You have to stand out in the crowd."
