American Idol is at a fever pitch. A record number of people voted after last night's Gloria Estefan-themed performances. Far more than last year's finale called in. Last night, 28 million people made it clear who should stay and who should go. While the man with nine lives got four million votes last night, the Oh Very Young John Stevens is a finalist no more. Perhaps he should be renamed the new "Cat" Stevens.

"For three of the youngest contestants, age seemed to be a thing of the past," said host, Ryan Seacrest.

Before the results were announced, the top six contestants sang and danced to a medley of Gloria Estefan's songs including Party Time. Diana DeGarmo, La Toya London, Jasmine Trias, Fantasia Barrino, John Stevens and George Huff each had a solo moment in the spotlight. The choreography was upbeat. The songs foretold who stood out and who did not.

After their group performance two separate groups were formed. Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo and La Toya London were placed in Group A. John Stevens, Jasmine Trias and George Huff were left seated on the couch. Of course, after last week's surprise, we would not have been shocked to hear that the three women standing we're in The Bottom Three. After the break, however, John, Jasmine and George were standing next to Seacrest who made it clear that they, in fact, had received the fewest votes last night.

Randy made it clear that it was definitely the "right" Bottum Three. Paula added that it's down to the wire, that it is important to "bring it" and that everyone needs to be outdoing themselves from the week before. Simon said in a condescending tone, "I think Paula put it so beautifully."

Ryan asked George Huff to step back in order to make room for Jasmine to return to the couches. The camera panned to George who looked like his name had just been called as the one who was "safe." In fact, George was safe, but only after seeing Jasmine return to the couch and after hearing Seacrest tell us that John Stevens would be going home.

John admitted he is "somewhat" relieved. When Seacrest asked him what he would miss the most, Stevens said, "them" pointing to the five remaining finalists.

John Stevens' Salute In His Own Words

My grandparents started me on this journey. And I could never dream this is where I'd be at this time in my life.

In Pasadena, I thought basically I didn't belong. Lately, I've discovered that I did belong here.

Cowell added: You have something distinct about you which I think is a good thing. For me, you're different.

Stevens went on...

I've been trying to bringing something new every week. I've been trying to mold my style.

The past few weeks have been very intense. Results shows have been very emotional, almost to the point that you can't handle it anymore.

I think every day you get through here is a good day. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world.

After the tribute, Ryan added, "John Stevens! A true talent. A true class act."

We concur! As much as we agree with America, we share Diana and Jasmine's tears.

So let's do the math. Twenty-eight million votes. Six contestants. If John received four million, then the other twenty-four million votes -- if they were evenly spread among the remaining five finalists -- would have resulted in each contestant getting 4.8 million votes. Clearly, this suggests how well loved John Stevens is, not only by his fellow contestants, but by millions of Americans.

Whatever you end up doing, John Stevens, you have many more lives ahead of you.

There is no doubt that you will be successful in whatever you do. With the support of your parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and four million fans, all those bullets thrown at you over the past couple of weeks, you took them like a man and you made America proud.

We look forward to hearing your rendition of You Are Everything on the American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics CD.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King

Other American Idol Stories Published by RuggedElegantLiving.com:

04/27/04, American Idol III Sings Gloria Estefan's Latin Pop Music: La Toya London Turns Up The Heat

04/20/04, "American Idol III Sings Barry Manilow Hits Customized for Each Finalist by the Legend, Himself"

04/20/04, "American Idol III Contestants Perform The Music of Barry Manilow"

04/15/04, "American Idol III's Jon Peter Lewis Gets The Death Penalty After Singing 'Jailhouse Rock'"

04/14/04, "American Idol III Finalists Sing Movie-Themed Songs with Quentin Tarantino As Guest Judge"

04/08/04, "American Idol III Three Sings Elton John Classics; Camile Velasco Sings 'Goodbye..."

03/18/04, "American Idol III Top Twelve Finalists Narrow to Eleven"

03/17/04, "American Idol Offers Two Hours of Soul Singing As The Competition Heats Up"

02/11/04, "American Idol's Barrino, DeGarmo, Hudson, Lynche, Metzger, Thomas, Walcott, Webber (and Ryan Seacrest as Will Hung)"

02/05/04, "One American Family's Favorite Contestants from "American Idol III's" Top Thirty-Two"