‘American Idol’ Recap: Malaya Watson Goes Home

Wednesday (April 8) evening, the American Idol contestants took a journey back in time to sing songs from the 1980s. Sam Woolf previously received a one-time-only reprieve from the judges who decidedly unanimously to keep him in the competition and use their single save. However, that also meant that someone definitely had to go home on results night, as there is no longer a safety net. And if you’ve been reading my recaps, you’ll know I’m not a happy camper.

As a reminder of the theme for the week, the three judges are introduced with giant #ThrowbackThursday-style photos of them in the ’80s. When they emerge onto the stage, it’s clear how far they’ve come, style- and grooming-wise. Jennifer Lopez is, of course, a vision in a figure-hugging white dress with her single braid. It causes quite a stir in the audience.

Ryan Seacrest makes a point to bring back up the picture of a young Keith Urban in super tight jeans in Australia. It’s adorable. Harry Connick Jr. is all dressed up in a suit. They’re ready for some results!

We return from commercial break for an in-program Ford Fiesta commercial. The kids play an unconvincing round of “Would you rather?” before playing with instruments.

Dexter Roberts, Caleb Johnson, C.J. Harris and Jessica Meuse are ushered to the stage to hear the first of the results of America’s votes. Caleb is the initial one to make his way to the lounger. Next, is Jessica Meuse, who smiles big on her way to join Caleb. Then Ryan announces that Dexter is the last of the group to be safe, as C.J. is in the bottom two.

Sam Woolf, Malaya Watson, Alex Preston and Jena Irene remain. After a reminder montage of what went down in the performances the night before, Alex is the first to hear that he’s still in the competition. Jena then learns that she, too, is sticking around another week. My heart breaks when I see that Malaya, in her adorable Dr. Huxtable sweater, is the one who joins C.J. in the bottom two.

After the lights dim for a final time, we find out that it’s Malaya going home. Dammit. She does a good job keeping it together as she is forced to watch her goodbye montage on screen. Awww. My favorite band nerd eventually starts crying underneath her coke bottle glasses. When they turn out her light, it’s almost too much for me.

With tears still on her cheeks, she sings, “I Am Changing” one final time. God, Jennifer gives gorgeous sad face as she watches Malaya belt out her swan song. Screw you, America! The judges give her a standing ovation and her fellow finalists crowd around her in a group hug. I wave sadly at the TV from my couch.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.