‘American Idol’ Recap: Farewell To C.J. Harris

Lisa Timmons | April 25, 2014 5:30 am

Thursday night can only mean on thing, American Idol viewers: voting results. This, in turn, means that someone has to go home, leaving the grand total of remaining finalists at five. Wednesday evening, the contestants sang two songs, one country and the other rock and roll. And even though he’s a country boy at heart, it’s just not C.J. Harris’ week, as we learn that he’s the finalist sent packing.

The judges enter the stage and, as she does every night, Jennifer Lopez, is a vision in a sparkly gold dress. Fellow panelists Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. are both decked out in suits. Based on the garish pin stripes and pocket square, I can only assume Harry won’t have time to change into his costume to star in a production of Guys And Dolls immediately following the show.

The kids chat about Wednesday night’s performances over a dinner prepared by Caleb Johnson’s mom, who delivers Caleb a birthday cake. It’s about as natural as you can imagine it would be if your every move were being filmed while you ate and pretended to casually squirt ketchup onto you plate.

Former judge and current mentor Randy Jackson weighs in on Caleb Johnson, Sam Woolf and C.J. Harris. He thinks Caleb killed it, Sam did pretty solid and C.J. needs to start picking better songs — that is, if he manages to stick around. Sam is the first to hear that he’s in the clear. After that, Caleb, unsurprisingly, also finds out he’s safe. C.J. takes a seat in the stool for the bottom two.

Jena Irene, Alex Preston and Jessica Meuse are the next three to hear their decision. In Randy’s opinion, Jessica and Alex could be in danger. First to see her face is Jena, who beams and slaps high fives to fans on her way to the lounge. Both Jessica and Alex look terrified as they await the results. After deliberation, it’s Alex’s face on the screen and Jessica joins C.J. in the bottom two.

With the unfortunate pair on the stage, host Ryan Seacrest bids the lights to dim. It’s no surprise to most of us that it’s C.J. who finds that he is heading home. But first, Ryan tortures him briefly with a montage chronicling their journey on American Idol, which ends tonight. It’s beyond depressing. His light turns out, next to the smiling portrait of Jena and he steps onto center stage to sing his farewell song, “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Band.

JLo is stunning as she looks completely stricken at the news of his departure. I swear, no one does distraught quite like her. His fellow contestants scoop him up in a group hug before C.J. graciously tells them goodbye.

Farewell, sweet C.J.!

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