Thursday’s elimination round saw the end of four more American Idol 9 contestants, as we march ever-closer to the Top 12.

Ryan Seacrest spent a few moments, as usual, talking to the judges before the results were read. “There were certain contestants I heard back that we gave some compliments to. One in particular that was so bad, I had to turn the TV off,” Simon Cowell actually admitted he might have been wrong during Wednesday’s performance round.

The Top 20 performed “I Got a Feelin’” for our enjoyment to get the show good and started. It was another low-key, soft number from the group, and it was just as bad as last week’s group sing.

Finally, it was time to reveal some results. Tim Urban was addressed first, which is almost always a positive sign. Urban was granted a stay of safety, and Seacrest moved on to Todrick Hall. Todrick was asked to remain standing as the host spoke to Michael Lynche, who was pronounced safe. Casey James was the next to hear from Ryan Seacrest, and the next to be sent to safety. This left John Park, who stood next to Todrick Hall, and the die was cast - one would be sent home.

John Park failed to receive enough of the votes, thus ending his Idol career. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” he told Ryan in his closing comments. The band struck up Park’s number, “Gravity,” and he sang it out to bid America good-bye. Not a surprising elimination on results night.

Lee DeWyze was the next to hear from Ryan Seacrest and the first in his row to be sent to safety. Aaron Kelly was also given the go-ahead to sit. Alex Lambert, too, was pronounced safe, and I guess we’ll get stuck with the mullet for a while longer yet. Jermaine Sellers and Andrew Garcia were left standing. The pair moved to center stage to hear the news.

Andrew Garcia was pronounced safe, again not surprisingly, and Sellers was left standing on the stage alone. He may know God, but he evidently doesn’t have the fans to keep him around on Idol. “In God, there is no failure,” Jermaine told the audience. He launched into his final song, and the results show was progressing nicely.

Time for some filler. Danny Gokey, season 8’s third-place contender, appeared on stage to sing “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,” his new single. Gokey’s performance (and the song) was completely cookie-cutter. Apparently, Danny Gokey chose the country music genre when he met Randy Travis on season 8’s grand finale. Want to see him on tour? He offered up a personal plug during the results show - listen to it to hear how you can get the dates.

Idol’s Top 10 girls then filled the stage. Ryan Seacrest spoke to Lilly Scott first. Since her performance was so wonderful, it was no surprise that she was allowed to sit in safety. Paige Miles, who’s easy to forget, spoke next with the host. Miles also got to sit…but I’m pretty sure her time will come. Katie Stevens was also pronounced safe for another week. Didi Benami and Michelle Delamor remained. Michelle’s interesting performance was an attention-getter, while Benami was a bit of a mess for the second week in a row.

Kara DioGuardi saw trouble ahead for Delamor, and her prediction proved true. Thus, Michelle Delamor because the third contestant of the night to be eliminated. This is unfortunate. “It’s okay. I’m going to keep going,” Michelle promised before she sang her song again. I loved Michelle’s arrangement and performance for the second time in a row.

Katelyn Epperly was the next to hear from Ryan, and the next to be declared safe. Crystal Bowersox got tons of press this week, and that usually translates into votes. Naturally, Crystal was allowed to sit. Siobhan Magnus tore up her performance the night before, becoming an easy pick for votes. She, too, was declared safe. Lacey Brown and Haeley Vaughn were left standing.

“It’s very obvious who’s going to go home tonight,” Simon Cowell remarked as he stared the two down.

Haeley Vaughn was then dismissed from the show, and Vote For the Worst got their first failure of the season. The good-bye clip for all four then rolled, giving us one last chance to say good-bye to Haeley Vaughn, John Park, Jermaine Sellers and Michelle Delamor. Haeley closed the show with her performance (which was, again, quite bad). The Top 16 will sing for our votes next week. In the meantime, check out all our other American Idol 9 posts.