American Idol threw us all for a loop last night. Melinda Doolittle, the most consistently good performer of the season, was sent packing. The diminutive diva won’t make the finale. She was favored by many to win.

I was personally shocked. I had always envisioned a finale with Melinda in it. I thought Jordin or Blake would’ve gone home. I just never thought it would be Miss Doolittle. However, that could be part of the reason why she went home.

Maybe Melinda’s fans got complacent and didn’t vote for her. Maybe they just figured she’d make it sort of like the Democrats thought Gore would win in 2000. This happened to Tamyra Gray in the first season and perhaps Jennifer Hudson in the third.

It could be her personality. She’s sweet and all and humble, but America doesn’t like that kind of person, or more accurately, doesn’t like good people the way they adore the bad or controversial types like Sanjaya Malakar. Could people have decided they’d had enough of the Disney-princess-Melinda? Did they believe she was too good to be true?

You can’t say it’s because Melinda wasn’t good enough. She’s technically one of the best singers American Idol has ever had. She’s also one of the best technical singers I’ve ever heard. She’s absolutely amazing vocally.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Melinda fits into a niche in the current music industry. She might be too good. There’s not a lot of room for an Aretha-Franklin-type of lady these days, one who can blow but who isn’t the hottest video vixen on the block. Melinda’s ouster from American Idol is a testament to the sad state of the music industry and its consumers (us) who prefer eye candy to true vocal prowess.

I’m kinda disgusted with all of us. What’s your take on it?

Melinda’s rendition of “Nut Bush City Limits.” She's brilliant. Enjoy it one more time (or more):