Michael Sarver

This week’s special Thursday edition of American Idol ruled out Top Ten finalist Michael Sarver’s hopes of making it to the next level. When final results were announced on Thursday night, the 27-year-old oil rig worker found himself eliminated from Season 8.

A record of more than 36 million votes came in on Motown night. Michael Sarver, listed in the bottom three with Matt Giraud and Scott McIntyre for 2 consecutive weeks, was the one with the lowest number of viewers’ votes. He went on stage with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”-a last attempt to keep himself in the show. But his begging failed to persuade the judges to save him. Though they took more time to make a decision, Simon Cowell finally said “Michael, you’re going home. Sorry.” He did not use his veto to give Sarver a green signal.

Criticisms from all four judges were harsh for Sarver. Paula said “Oh boy…it felt Las Vegas loungy to me…you weren’t reaching the notes…I’m sorry.” Kara DioGuardi tagged him “not an artist”. Cowell  added “I couldn’t wait for it to end…you have no chance of winning this competition with that vocal…it isn’t good enough.” From the stage, Sarver told his family “I’m coming home baby.”

Sarver’s farewell was, however, good news for the other two contestants who had also landed in bottom three with him. Being included in the Top 10, Sarver will be touring with the rest after Season 8 ends. Last night, the American Idol stage not not only occupied by the contestants and host Ryan Seacrest. It was a star studded night with performances by Smokey Robinson, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder and former American Idol star Ruben Studdard.