'American Idol': Diddy Dirty Money, Ruben Studdard and the Kraken unleashed

"American Idol" packed its results show with lots of entertainment beyond just Usher, who also acted as mentor to the contestants this week.

Unsurprisingly, it was Diddy Dirty Money who delivered the most over-the-top performance, complete with violins, a staircase, dry ice effects, strobe lights and his signature white clothes.

Part '90s throwback, part aerobicized routine, "Hello Good Morning" was all attitude. It kept us entertained, but was it good?
See for yourself: Rewinding to the top of the hour, we were treated to "American Idol" winner Ruuuuuuuben Studdard's return with a strong and assured performance of his "Don't Make 'Em Like You No More."
Healthier and happier, he did a creditable job, doing the "Idol" name proud.
Oh, and as a bonus, right before his performance was the hilarious "Clash of the Titans" meets "American Idol" trailer mashup. Simon Cowell is to be feared! American Idol season 9 lost another hopeful Wednesday as the vote results were revealed and Didi Benami drew the short stick. In addition to the requisite elimination action, the AI results show featured a performance
by season 2 Idol Ruben Studdard, the world premiere of Diddy-Dirty Money's Hello, Good Morning, and naturally, more catfighting between Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell.
American Idol season 2 winner Ruben Studdard opened the AI results show with a rendition of Don't Make 'Em Like U No More. The big man may often play second fiddle to seasonmate Clay Aiken, but he owned the stage Wednesday, singing with passion, movement, and a big smile. It's not really my kind of music (I'm in my living room and not an elevator, after all), but you have to appreciate that kind of enthusiasm.
Next came more cheesy corn in the form of the week's Ford music video. This week's installment was set to the tune of Kung Fu Fighting and featured some of the Idol hopefuls decked out in Kung Fu wear and throwing kicks. It was weird. Then, just to drag out the elimination show a little, Seacrest began the process of grilling the top 10, asking them (and Andrew Garcia's mama) random, chit chatty questions. Oh, and he pimped The Clash of the Titans, too. Gratuitous, but I guess they pay the bills with that kind of stuff.
The American Idol results show finally, finally, finally got to what we were waiting for about 18 minutes in: Actual results. Lee DeWyze was the first contestant to be named to the top 9, followed by Casey James and Aaron Kelly. Siobhan Magnus and Katie Stevens were next to stand; Siobhan was proclaimed safe and dissolved into tears, while Katie was relegated to the bottom three. Simon must've made some sort of comment about Katie's position near the bottom of the pack because Ryan flew toward him and told him (paraphrased, of course) to stop being a jerk, which impelled a defensive set of remarks from the Briton. It was awkward, as open hostility on national TV is always awkward. But I got over it.