Did you really think I could let Michael Jackson tribute week go by without a "Beat It" reference on results night? C'mon, now.
The show opens with a musical and sartorial homage to the late King of Pop. The costume department did not hesitate to make every possible costume reference to Jackson possible, it seems.
We quickly learn the top three from last night were Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro and Rachel Crow. Rachel must have the Disney contingent firmly in pocket, because hers was one of the weaker performances; if Melanie continues to show confidence and range, she will be tough to beat.
This week is a double elimination, so which two contestants are we saying goodbye to?
Josh Krajcik, the only over-30 contestant left on Team Nicole, was also safe, leaving Drew, Astro and Marcus Canty in the bottom three. I have to be honest here, that seems about right. Astro is sent home but does not collapse in tears or launch into a rhyme-filled tirade about rigged voting. He just thanked his fans and made a graceful exit.
That left Drew and Marcus to battle it out with a final song. Drew was visibly upset, and shed some tears. I would cry, too, if my "mentor" let me sing the same version of every song each week. Let's face it -- Drew is talented, but it was all kind of starting to sound the same.
At voting time L.A. said he was "torn," which is funny since he has never really been a Drew fan, and Marcus is on his team -- L.A. obviously voted to keep Marcus. Simon voted to keep Drew, whom he seems to have a real affection for, and he took all of the blame for deciding to give her a chair-bound version of "Billie Jean" the night before. Paula and Nicole ultimately decided Marcus needed to stay, so Drew was sent packing. She took it well, and I hope she works on broadening her repertoire a little because she has a beautiful voice.
The next episode of The X Factor will air next Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT on Fox. Watch excerpts from last night's show online.