After the shocker that was last week, this week's elimination on "American Idol" was pretty much a forgone conclusion.

Brooke White was sent home in a very tearful farewell. As some of you have pointed out, she does seem more fragile than most contestants (especially considering her age). So maybe it's best she gets a little break from the spotlight.

But then she's got the "Idol" tour and, after that, I'm sure she'll be out with a CD of Carole King/Carly SImon-esque stuff. And I might just check it out on iTunes. Who knows?

In the Bottom 2 with her was Syesha Mercado. And I'm frightened to think that means she'll go home next week and doofus Jason Castro (or "J-Cas" as Ryan annoyingly called him Wednesday night) will be third.

But anything could happen next week. We'll probably be treated to some more "updated" songs, as Ryan said it's Rock Hall of Fame week. Who knows what those parameters will be, but it should offer more variety for the Top 4 to choose from.

And as bummed as I am to see Brooke go, I'm glad Syesha is still in it. She's finally in the game lately, and I'd like to see what more she can give us.

We were also admonished by Ryan for spreading rumors about Paula on the Internets that "aren't true." And that they're family and they love each other. Great. That's heartwarming. Hugs and kisses everyone! But Paula's still loopy for whatever reason. And  it's entertaining and it will be talked about. End of story.

The usually irritating live phone call portion of the show was kind of fun this week, as Simon's first crush (a girl he kissed when he was 9) called in to talk to him. He turned beet red. And even though we all know she only got through because of her connection, it was still cute.

Oh, and Natasha Bedingfield and Neil Diamond performed (separately).  Natasha actually inspired what appeared to be genuine emotion from David Archuleta, though. (I saw it! Really, there was a glimmer in his eye!) When Ryan said David wanted Natasha to go to prom with him, David broke out in an actual smile (not one of those fakey, "smile 'cause Daddy said to smile" smiles). Maybe he's human after all ...

So what did you think? Were you sad to see Brooke go? Can you stand the thought of another week of Jason or David A.?