When it comes to the singers on American Idol, everyone is an armchair judge. Though even the most avid fans will admit that sometimes Simon Cowell is a little cruel and unusual with contestants, he is also usually right in what he says. Last week’s elimination round saw the end to long-legged Haley Scarnato, whom Simon said during the first weeks of competition was “forgettable.” During her last few weeks on the show, it wasn’t Hayley’s voice that got notice from judges and fans alike – it was what she had going on (or off) below the waist. Fans weren’t the only ones noticing how skimpy Hayley’s outfits became – even Simon Cowell said it was a good idea for her to show off those legs. Hayley spoke about Simon’s comments and her own wardrobe choices to Ryan Seacrest during his radio show: “It’s just a costume, I would never wear that out on the street or anything…If my dad can handle it and my fiancé can handle it, then I’m not overstepping anything.” But it is interesting to note that Hayley, whether intentionally or otherwise, took the advice of the trio who host TVGuide Channel’s Idol Chat. On the air, hosts stated that Hayley’s got great legs – “she should show them off.” The very next week, Hayley was doing just that. Could be a coincidence. What’s not coincidental was Hayley’s elimination, which occurred after her rendition of “Turn the Beat Around” last week. Her departure has led to all sorts of conjecture on which Idol will be the next to get the boot. 

Phil Stacy, who was conspicuously not named as one of Cowell’s favorite contestants during a recent interview, has consistently been in the bottom three during voting rounds – though each time, he’s been led back to safety as other singers were shown their way to the door. Last week, Phil sang “Maria Maria” to lackluster praise from the judges, failing to “emotionally connect,” according to criticism. How will Stacy do with this week’s performance, where he will be mentored by past Idol winner Carrie Underwood’s favorite singer Martina McBride? It’s country week…and anything could happen on American Idol tonight.

Hayley Scarnato fans can see her on TV Guide Channel’s Idol Tonight, which comes on before American Idol and throughout the week. She’ll be doing an exclusive interview and discuss her elmination and future plans. With each week, another contestant’s dreams must be shattered. After all, they have to eliminate all of them but one.

The only contestant who seems to do no wrong on Idol is fan favorite Sanjaya Malakar. Most critics have been harsh when it comes to Sanjaya’s vocals, but the personality and showmanship he displays seem to be improving week to week. Even Cowell had little ill will toward Sanjaya after his sultry crooning of “Besame Mucho” during last week’s Latin night. Will Sanjaya’s fanjayas enjoy his genre singing for another week? At this point, Sanjaya could do little more with his stage time than stand smiling at the fans – he will still get enough votes to send him sailing through to another week. Early predictions are in, and Sanjaya is at the top of everyone’s list of possible winners.

Sorry, Haley. Legs are nice and everything…but it must be the hair that really wins hearts.