Kristy Lee Cook Rides Off Into the Sunset

Weeks back, when Kristy Lee Cook was announced as one of this season's 12 finalists on American Idol, crusty judge Simon Cowell scowled that she'd be lucky to make it into the top 10. And at the time she said that she'd be delighted to make it even that far.

Well, she did — and then some — enduring Simon's nasty comments week after week to make it to the top seven finalists. Unfortunately for this Oregonian, her streak of good luck ran out Wednesday night as she became the latest casualty of this Idol season.

Once again joining Kristy in the bottom three this week was fellow blondie Brooke White. Both singers had been dealt a difficult hand with the week's Mariah Carey-themed show, a style not exactly befitting either singer's particular niche.

Despite getting the ouster this week, and some harsh words from Simon during the broadcast, Kristy seemed to take it in stride as she performed her final song on Idol over the closing credits. A defiant Kristy began her performance practically on Simon's lap before moving out into the crowd, which included Idol's season one runner-up Justin Guarini, Borat star Ken Davitian and David Cook's ailing brother Adam, who had flown in earlier in the week to see his sibling wow the judges.

But once the song was finished, the sobbing began and the remaining six finalists gathered around Kristy on stage for a tear-filled group hug. The judges even got in on the action — even Simon had a long talk with Kristy before embracing her. The ornery Brit also took a few moments to offer some encouraging words to a distraught Brooke while she hugged Paula Abdul and Carly Smithson rubbed her arm.

The night also proved to be emotional for former Idol contestant Elliott Yamin, who performed his track "Free." Just over two weeks ago, his mother Claudette had passed away. "This is the first time I've taken to the stage without her in the audience, but I know she's watching," Elliott told Ryan Seacrest after his performance.