Last night we got to say good bye to another “American Idol” hopeful. The show was packed with a performance by Brad Paisley followed by the announcement of the final three, and then another performance by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul acted like 5th graders in love. That pretty much sums it up. Blah.

Last night was painful to watch. In more ways than one. The final three included Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta and Michael Sarver. Alexis, who was wearing a pair of boots I’d cut a bitch for, was the first to be named in the final 3. Then Seacrest had Allison and Michael stand up. He asked the judges who they thought would be going home. Ryan announced Allison was part of the bottom trio. A relieved Michael sat down only to be told to stand back up and got sit with Allison and Alexis. Ouch.

Carrie Underwood then performed with Randy Travis. She did pretty well and Randy just didn’t seem to fit by her side in the duet. The fact that their performance was pre-tapped probably didn’t help. (Kanye West’s performance was also pre-tapped along with the upcoming April 1st David Cook appearance. He will be singing “Come Back to Me” complete with a 12 piece band featuring a strings section.) Then Allison was told she was safe.

Finally Seacrest gave Alexis the boot. But not before Simon cruelly told the final two that they were considering saving one of them. After it was announced Michael was safe a hopeful Grace looked pleadingly at the judges who then made her sing for her supper. While she sang she was begging with her eyes and focused on the judges huddled together talking the entire time.

Simon squashed any hope by telling her she failed to nab the veto from them. OUCH. That was pretty cruel even for America Idol.