Danny Gokey Visits American Idol Season 9

The second elimination show of American Idol season 9 aired Thursday night on FOX. AI season 8's third place finisher Danny Gokey returned to perform his single My Best Days are Ahead of Me, and of course, four contestants - two guys and two girls -- received their walking papers, leaving just 16 hopefuls left to compete for the coveted title of American Idol.

AI's second elimination show kicked off with the top 20 contestants' rendition of the Black Eyed Peas hit I Gotta Feelin'. How it 'felt' was a little too High School Musical, a lot too Glee and way too campy, but that's the way it goes. At least the top 20 had another chance to practice their performance skills.

The first round of week two American Idol elimination action saw Tim Urban saved right off the bat, while Todrick Hall was left standing. Michael Lynche, who excelled on Tuesday night, was told to have a seat on the couch. Casey James was also proclaimed safe, leaving John Park standing with Todrick Hall staring down the barrel of elimination. Ultimately, John got the boot.

The big highlight of John's American Idol season 9 experience was "Shania Twain" and meeting his fellow season 9 cast mates. His Gravity sing off was soulful and heartfelt, and it was heartbreaking to see his family watching from the sidelines. John Park absolutely went out on a high note.

The second elimination of the AI season 9 second results show followed shortly thereafter. Lee Dewyze, Simon's favorite among the guys and one of the season's top prospects, was the first of the bunch Ryan Seacrest proclaimed safe. Aaron Kelly and Alex Lambert quickly followed suit, leaving Andrew Garcia and Jermaine Sellers in danger. Andrew and Jermaine left standing. After the requisite dramatic pause, Jermaine Sellers was eliminated. During his exit interview, Jermaine the church singer stuck to his roots, claiming his firm belief that "in God there is no failure... I leave here happy". He went out with a jazzy version of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On that impressed more than it distressed.