‘IDOL’ CHATTER: What do you think of the season so far?

Syesha Mercado, Brooke White and, somewhat surprisingly in light of her recent comeback, Kristy Lee Cook were placed in the bottom three. Syesha, whose chances seemed to be vanishing (title of the Mariah Carey song she sang), and Brooke were quickly declared safe, and — long after most thought she’d be gone — Cook, 24, was eliminated.

The Australian-born singer was eliminated Thursday from Fox’s popular singing competition as the contest was narrowed down to the top seven finalists following Wednesday’s “Idol Gives Back” charity event.

The dismissal came as a surprise to many since Johns had never been in the show’s bottom three vote-getters and no contestants were evicted after last year’s special “Idol” fundraiser. The hunky rocker, judges and his competitors all seemed stunned by the eviction.

Johns, 29, sang Aerosmith’s “Dream On” during Tuesday’s inspirational-themed performance show. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson didn’t think the song choice suited Johns, although Paula Abdul thought the selection was perfect.

Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado, who’ve both previously been in the bottom three, were the other lowest vote-getters.

Before the elimination, host Ryan Seacrest told the audience that “Idol Gives Back” had garnered over $60 million thus far — and reminded viewers that donations were still being accepted. Last year, $76 million was raised for underprivileged children. “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe had earlier anticipated this year’s event would lure $100 million.

Ratings were significantly down for “Idol Gives Back,” which featured musical performances by Fergie and Miley Cyrus. Despite being the top-rated show Wednesday, 17.5 million viewers tuned into the second “Idol Give Back” special, down from last year when 26.9 million viewers watched, according to Nielsen Media Research.

“MySpace is extremely excited to be part of IDOL GIVES BACK for the second year in a row,” said Tom Anderson, President and Co-Founder of MySpace. “The MySpace community boasts over 110 million members worldwide who are actively engaged around music and promoting social awareness – making IDOL GIVES BACK an ideal partner. We are thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to create a community where we can drive awareness and raise funds for such an important cause.”

Through initiatives and sweepstakes, hosted exclusively on the IDOL GIVES BACK MySpace community, users are encouraged to make financial contributions and raise awareness for the IDOL GIVES BACK FOUNDATION. Find out more about IDOL GIVES BACK and the IDOL GIVES BACK FOUNDATION .

Download the widget and get official sweepstakes rules at MySpace!

Okay, so yeah, clearly my inner cynic walked through the living room a couple times during the 150-minute telecast — he said he needed to get to the kitchen and refill his water glass. But for the most part, tonight was about sitting back and appreciating some pretty terrific musical performances — and the fact that I’ve been born into a life where I’ve got the luxury of doing so. Heck, who didn’t get a perspective check during that package with Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha visiting a hospital in Angola, where that baby girl Maria was fighting a brave battle against brain swelling caused by malaria? The producers, of course, stacked the emotional deck by playing Sia’s ”Breathe Me” in the background, but I think I would’ve gotten choked up from the footage either way.

(Which reminds me: If you’d intended to make a donation and haven’t gotten around to it, you can end your procrastinating by clicking here. As someone who spent 99 cents to download Alexandrea Lushington’s semifinal performance of ”Spinning Wheel” off iTunes back in March, I figure I’ve got no excuse for failing to pony up myself.)

Oh, and speaking of ‘’show me the money!” plugs, I kind of enjoyed how Idol managed to appeal to pretty much every possible demographic with its pre-taped messages. You had George Lopez speaking in Spanish and appealing for the Latino dollar, Jimmie Johnson talking directly to the NASCAR crowd, and Kylie Minogue on the scene to ensure no gay wallet would be left unopened.

The musical guests, on the other hand, represented a slightly less diverse pack. In fact, if it weren’t for all the Idol Gives Back banners, you might’ve thought you’d stumbled across Fox’s Night of a Dozen Divas (and Snoop Dogg). (Someone get Jody Watley and Taylor Dayne on the line with Fox’s reality programming chief Mike Darnell! America needs this show!)

Anyhow, back to the event at hand, I have to admit: I went into the evening wondering if any of the big-name artists on the lineup might end up sounding a little, well, pitchy. I mean, come on, we’ve spent the last eight weeks dissecting every note, every song choice, every second of on-stage banter from the season 7 finalists. And starting next Tuesday, we’ll do it again for 12 more episodes. But, to go all Randy on you for a second, most of the performers did their thing, made it their own, worked it out. The highlights:

Emotionally charged and overflowing with brainy pop hooks, the debut single and title track, available now online, is an assured, infectious cut that recalls equal parts Ben Folds, Duncan Sheik and vintage Beatles.

Break The Silence will be in stores June 3rd.

“Smoky Mountain Memories”-Dolly Parton

David Cook

“Little Sparrow”-Dolly Parton

Jason Castro

“Travelin’ Thru” -Dolly Parton

Michael Johns

“It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” - Dolly Parton

Brooke White

“Jolene” - Dolly Parton

Carly Smithson

“Here You Come Again” - Dolly Parton

Kristy Lee Cook

“Coat Of Many Colors” - Dolly Parton

Ramiele Malubay

“Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” - Dolly Parton

Syesha Mercado

“I Will Always Love You” - Dolly Parton

Bucky is also excited to celebrate his second consecutive top 10 hit as “It’s Good To Be Us” jumps four spots to #9 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart. The song’s music video includes a cameo by freestyle motocross champion Cowboy Kenny Bartram, and is currently on CMT and GAC’s Top 20 countdown shows.

Bucky’s self-titled CD released in April 2007 and opened at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, with the biggest first week sales for any debut country artist that year. He wrapped 2007 as Country Aircheck’s #1 New Artist based on the strength of his top 5 first single “A Different World” and his current hit, “It’s Good To Be Us.” Bucky is currently on tour with Dierks Bentley on the singer’s “Throttle Wide Open” tour.

No. 1 (five weeks): “Rush, Rush” (1991)

No. 5: “Blowing Kisses in the Wind” (1991)

No. 11: “Forever Your Girl” (1989)

No. 17: “Will You Marry Me?” (1992)

No. 26: “The Promise of a New Day” (1991)

No. 29 (to date): “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” (2008) [Paula Abdul & Randy Jackson]

No. 39: “Straight Up” (1989)

No. 40: “My Love Is for Real” (1995)

No. 45: “Opposites Attract” (1990) [Paula Abdul with the Wild Pair]

“Dance” is Jackson’s first AC chart appearance as an artist

Looking for how to download the best performances from this week’s Top 10 on American Idol? Click on your favorite singer to download this week’s Idol performance on iTunes right now!

Click the singer’s picture to download their songs