In a word: WOW!

There shouldn't have been much doubt before, but now we can certainly say for sure: this competition is Adam Lambert's to lose.

The singer blew away judges and viewers last night with his acoustic rendition of "Tracks of My Tears." Simon called it the best of the night, and that almost feels like an understatement.

Other performances that caught our attention - in a good way - were Allison Iraheta with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" and Matt Giraud with "Let's Get It On."

But this night was all about Adam Lambert. Don't you agree?

Need we even ask: Who was your favorite performer last night?

Tuesday's country night generated more than 31 million votes from viewers, and the surprising results were announced on American Idol Wednesday.

We thought she would be safe, but Alexis Grace instead landed in the back of the pack after delivering a weakish rendition of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

Because of the newly instituted Judges' Save rule - and because the judges have liked her so much - Alexis Grace was permitted to sing an encore.

But it wasn't enough. As they did a week ago, the judges declined to oust her from elimination. Instead it was time for a farewell performance ...

NOT SAVING GRACE: The judges declined to, but she had a good run.

The other singers with Alexis in the bottom three were Michael Sarver and Allison Iraheta. The judges told Sarver in no uncertain terms that he would not have been asked to perform an encore had he finished last. Ouch!

In any case, the Idols Live touring roster this summer is now complete, with 10 finalists remaining heading into next week's third finals episode.

Do you think Alexis Grace deserved to go, or did Michael? Who of these standouts is your favorite now that the field is at 10?

The second week of the American Idol finals featured some surprises, bombs and some steady performances by those we've come to expect them from.

The biggest comeback of the week? Anoop Desai, who bounced back strong with Willie Nelson's “Always on My Mind.” Megan Joy Corkrey's cover of “Walking After Midnight” was also an improvement over a week ago.

Most likely on the block? Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver. Those two guys laid serious eggs up there, but you never know how America will vote.

It was really hard to differentiate between the top few performances (and the judges are probably glad they don't have to), but here are our unofficial top 11 rankings from last night, from top to bottom:

1. Matt Giraud
2. Kris Allen (pictured)
3. Anoop Desai
4. Adam Lambert
5. Danny Gokey
6. Allison Iraheta
7. Alexis Grace
8. Lil Rounds
9. Megan Joy Corkrey
10. Michael Sarver
11. Scott MacIntyre

A new twist to the American Idol elimination system was not enough to save Jasmine Murrary or Jorge Nunez.

The contestants were voted off the show last night, even after performing their Michael Jackson renditions for the second consecutive evening. Allow us to explain:

Early in the show, Ryan Seacrest announced the "judges' save." Under the new rule, the panel will have the power to save one contestant from being eliminated each week, until the top five finalists are selected.

If the judges unanimously agree, no singers will be eliminated that night, and then a pair will be sent packing the following week.

Unfortunately, this change only served to double the pain for Murray and Nunez. Already aware that they were at the bottom of the viewers' vote, the twist forced them to sing once again... and then be told by the judges that they were still eliminated. Ouch.

American Idol eliminated two hopefuls last night. Did it make the right choices?

Might American Idol have already found its top two singers? Is there even a reason to continue with the competition?

Okay, we might be exaggerating a big. But, hey, we're not alone!

Paula Abdul pretty much crowned Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey the final two last night, after each performed a rousing rendition of a Michael Jackson favorite.

• First, Gokey received a standing ovation for his performance of "PYT." Simon mocked the dance moves, but said the vocals were brilliant. Abdul said: "I think you're on your way to the finals."
• Lambert, meanwhile, truly brought the house down. He was confident in his over-the-top performance of "Black and White," causing Kara to say he hit notes she didn't think existed, while Cowell admitted he was in a league of his own.

Who else stood out? Only Lil Rounds, really.

Other previous favorites - such as Jorge Nunez and Anoop Desai - failed to impress. We fear that at least one of them gets sent home tonight. What do you think?

Neither Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey nor Lil Rounds are going home tonight. Who was your favorite?

It wasn't at the level of this season's controversial finale on The Bachelor.

But American Idol threw a twist at fans this week, as the series named 13 finalists for the first time in the show's history. 

On last night's Wild Card round, the judges - not the viewers - decided that a trio of new finalists simply weren't enough. As a result, Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai have advanced to the finals.

Anoop Desai and Jasmine Murray are two new American Idol finalists. How far do you think they'll advance?

They join the following, previously-announced season eight finalists:

• Alexis Grace
• Michael Sarver
• Danny Gokey
• Lil Rounds
• Jorge Nunez
• Scott MacIntyre
• Allison Iraheta
• Adam Lambert
• Kris Allen

We're still irate over the fact that Tatiana del Toro was named to this season's Wild Card round, but we'll get to that in a moment.

First, let's celebrate the fact that America got it right. We agree with all three finalists voted through to the next round:

1. Lil Rounds
2. Scott MacIntyre
3. Jorge Nuñez

Lil Rounds and Jorge Nunez are American Idol finalists. Congrats!

Following this announcement, Ryan Seacrest explained to viewers that the judges had selected eight singers that they believed deserved a second chance to audition for the finals. 

The inclusion of del Toro is nothing short of infuriating. The show is clearly hoping for yet another emotional breakdown from the contestant, as it aims for ratings and drama, as opposed to actual singing talent. For shame.

Here's the list of Wild Card contestants scheduled to perform tonight: 

• Von Smith
• Anoop Desai
• Jesse Langseth
• Jasmine Murray
• Matt Giraud
• Ricky Braddy
• Megan Joy Corkrey
• Tatiana del Toro

Last night's third round of semifinal auditions was highlighted by a number of impressive performance.

None was more powerful, however, than Lil Rounds' rendition of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You." Simon Cowell said it was the best audition of the season so far... and we agree!

Take a look and judge for yourself:

To recap the rest of the night:

• Von Smith sang  “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gay and was compared to Clay Aiken. By Simon, no less!

• The judges told Taylor Vaifanua she has little personality, but a great voice on “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

• The panel agreed: Alex Wagner-Trugman's “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” was fun to watch, not enjoyable to listen to.

• Bad song choice, Arianna Afsar. The judges didn't approve of “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba.

• Ju’Not Joyner showed impressive range on “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts. But he's overmatched by fellow competitors.

• Kristen McNamara may have chosen a boring song - “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman - but everyone agreed she had major vocal chops.

• Nate Marshall had fun, his admitted goal with his performance, singing “I Would Do Anything for Love” by Meatloaf. But fun won't be enough to get him through to the finals.

• Felicia Barton is a definite sleeper. We loved her rendition of “No One” by Alicia Keys.

• How can you not root for Scott MacIntyre? The legally blind singer oozed emotion during “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby.

• Kendall Beard came through for the show's country fans. Solid performance of “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride.

• Jorge Nunez sang “Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me” by Elton John... and was reduced to tears after universal approval from the judges.

Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen are officially American Idol finalists. Congrats to the trio!

Here are excerpts of interviews each singer gave this week to TV Guide:

Adam Lambert on...

... his first musical theater role: "It was a production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I was 10 years old, and I played Linus. It was downtown San Diego, and it was pretty wild!"

... fear of country music: "Range-wise, there isn't anything I'd be scared to attempt. But as for styles, country week would be a stretch for me."

Allison Iraheta on...

... American Idol aspirations: "I've been wanting to audition since [age] 9! I had my face against the TV screen, wishing I was on the show."

... Simon's critiques: "He doesn't know me. He says I'm boring, but honestly I'm not. I'll just chill a little bit more because the nerves got to me a little [this week]."

Kris Allen on...

... a theme he'd embrace: "Doing The Beatles would be so amazing. I feel like you can do a lot with their songs. That would be the coolest thing ever."

... tackling Michael Jackson: "I decided on ["Man in the Mirror"] a while back, so it was a little scary. But I was really confident in what I was dong. I was just happy I didn't get any compared to him."

Six down, six to go.

Three more finalists were named on American Idol last night, as Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen received the most viewer votes.

Who is your favorite new finalist?

They join the first trio of singers to move on to the show's round of 12: Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver.

Next Tuesday, a dozen more semifinalists will compete for three spots in the competition's final round.

After they have been chosen, the judges will pick the last three finalists after a special wild card round.