They had a nicely shot video of the Top 24 during their photo sessions.  They looked very good.  Then the Top 24 also had their group number of more 60s songs.  The guys looked all dapper in their 60s style suits and hairstyles.  The girls looked quite different in their 60s hair and dresses. 

The first one was so sudden.  Ryan called Garrett Haley to stage as if he wanted to interview him.  But then Garrett was just told pointblank that HE was out.  Just like that.  This was predictable.

For the second elimination, Ryan called Kristy Lee Cook, and told her she was safe.  Then revealed that the first girl to be eliminated was Amy Davis.  Again, no surprise here.  She really had the most wretched performance that night.

For the intermission, it was the world premiere of Paula Abdul's comeback song "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow", produced by Randy Jackson.  Nice and snappy song.  Very good, energetic and windblown video. However, it was obvious that Paula had already lost some of her signature dance moves, to age perhaps (?).

For the next girl to be elimnated, Ryan called Amanda Overmyer and Joanne Borgella.  With this combination, it was a no-brainer that it would be Joanne who will be out.

In the last round with the boys,  Chikezie and Colton Berry were called.  Wow, Luke and Jason live another day!  Good for them.  Maybe being the only African-American guy in the Top 24 worked in Chikezie's favor, as Colton was declared out.  I must admit this elimination of this self-declared Ellen Degeneres look-alike, along with Simon's sharp words of advice for him (to look for a good job and because he will not make it as a singer) was the big surprise of the night for me.