FOX

Despite elimination Wednesday night, by making the top 10 Chris Sligh of Greenville, S.C., will be invited back for the annual summer "Idol" concert tour.

Chris Sligh, 28, of Greenville, S.C., the wise-cracking son of missionaries, was cut from "American Idol" Wednesday.

"I think it's bye-bye curly," judge Simon Cowell said when asked who he thought was going home before the announcement. He was right.

"I'm going to miss you," Sligh said after his fate was announced.

On Tuesday night, he sang "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" from the Police, but judges thought his rhythm was off. "A train wreck for me," said Randy Jackson. "A mess," said Cowell.

Despite the elimination, by making the top 10, Sligh will be invited back for the annual summer "Idol" concert tour.

Also in the bottom three after 30 million votes were cast:

• Phil Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., who sang the `80s hit "Every Breath You Take," by the Police. "Good performance," said Abdul. "This may surprise you, Phil, but I think that was very good," said Cowell. "Only time I've felt in the last few weeks you're taking this seriously."

• Haley Scarnato, 24, of San Antonio, sang Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." "Didn't grab me," said Jackson. "Aim to be more contemporary," said Abdul. "Sweet but forgettable," said Cowell.

This week's theme was songs that inspired vocalist Gwen Stefani, who coached the finalists.

Among those making the cut another week was the show's odd-man in, Sanjaya Malakar, 17, of Federal Way, Wash.

Malakar appeared Tuesday night in a fluffed up mohawkish hairdo, which -- when he stood in profile -- stood on his head like a great question mark. He sang "Bathwater," an obscure number by No Doubt.

"I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room tonight," said Cowell. And acknowledging the teenager's weak performances, but continued success with fans, Cowell added: "I don't think it matters any more what we say actually ... If people like you, good luck."

Also moving on to next week:

• Lakisha Jones, 27, of Flint, Mich., who sang Donna Summers' "Last Dance" and was praised by Cowell as "30 years younger" after what he said last week was a too-mature version.

• Gina Glocksen, 22, a dental assistant from Naperville, Ill., who sang of the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." Jackson: "One of your best performances ever." Abdul: "You're improving each week."

• Melinda Doolittle, 29, of Brentwood, Tenn., who tried "Heaven Knows," another Donna Summer hit and continued to get positive reviews. "You're so joyful when you sing," said Abdul. "Outstanding," said Cowell, adding, "hate the outfit."

• Blake Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash., who sang Cure's "Love Song." Jackson wondered about his song choice but Abdul praised him for taking risks. Cowell said he was in the Chris Daughtry zone, doing his own thing like last year's finalist from North Carolina. "For sure, you are the front-running guy."

• Jordin Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., who sang No Doubt's "Hey Baby." Cowell called her "the most improved contestant in the last few weeks," but called the song "copy-catish."

• Chris Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., who sang another No Doubt song, "Don't Speak." Jackson said his R&B twist on the song was good. "Wasn't crazy about the vocal," said Cowell. "I think you struggled in the middle."

Sligh spent 10 years with his family in Germany. He attended Bob Jones University and has traveled and performed with a band.