Before I begin, I have to admit I’m not a fan of American Idol’s elimination nights.  Not only does the show drag out what could be done in two minutes (I really don’t need to see all the musical performances), I always feel extremely irritated by the incessant commercial breaks.

But, wow.  Thursday’s edition really had my head-shaking...and not in a good way.  I purposely came into the episode late because I wanted skip past the filler with my DVR.  Unfortunately, the strange pacing had me convinced I had fast-forwarded through something important.  Not only did the show lack any tension, it was sadly anti-climatic.  Watch the moment Garrett Haley was delivered his piece of bad news.  (Keep in mind - he was the first and only male called up at the time.)

Awkward Moment #1 was later followed up by a random elimination for the women.  After Kristy Lee Cook was told she was being spared the ax, Ryan Seacrest pointed to an unsuspecting Amy Davis (Well - she did probably know she was going home) and informed her she was getting the boot.

I realize the aging show is always looking for new ways to keep us on our toes - but I wouldn’t consider tonight’s events to be at all interesting.  The whole thing was just simply weird.

(And for the record, the other two contestants sent home Thursday were Colton Berry and Joanne Borgella.)