American voters—135 million strong—sent two "American Idol" finalists home last night, leaving three women and one man in the running. Smooth-domed Phil Stacey and Justin Timberlake-esque hearthrob Chris Richardson got the boot, but neither seemed distraught: A spot in the top six is a fine career starter, as Chris Daughtry can attest.
Last week's charity special produced no eliminations, so two contestants had to go. Stacey, an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor, ended his run with a pumping fist and a hug for picky judge Simon Cowell. Richardson exited with a nice-boy smile. The madness continues next week with beatboxing Blake Lewis and a trio of unstoppable female singers. (More American Idol stories.)