`Idol' Eliminates 4 More Contestants

NEW YORK — Four more aspiring singers failed to convince viewers that they have what it takes to win the star-making talent contest "American Idol." The voting public cut loose Alaina Whitaker, Jason Yeager, Robbie Carrico and Alexandrea Lushington, trimming the number of contestants to 16 Thursday night. Whitaker, a 16-year-old from Tulsa, Okla., let out a sob after she heard the result. "Sorry, this is so embarrassing," she told host Ryan Seacrest, who consoled her with a hug. The other "Idol" female contestants gathered on stage to lend moral support to Whitaker as she gave a final performance of "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Several contestants wiped away tears. "You are a gifted, bright young talent. ... This is the start of an amazing career from you," said judge Paula Abdul, who gave Whitaker a standing ovation. Simon Cowell wasn't surprised by Yeager's exit. "Your problem _ quite simply _ is that you don't stand out in the crowd at the moment," the cranky ... (link)