Fan Fare

Simon Cowell finally saw the light. America’s next Idol is NOT to be Bikini Girl Katrina Darell.

But did she have to take hippy blonde Rose Flack down with her? And why did it take so long for Cowell (and the “American Idol” producers) to give Bikini Girl her marching orders?

After a lot of whining and even more camera time, 20 year-old model Katrina Darrell, was booted from the show after getting through the first two rounds despite competition from more talented singers.  Bikini girl’s early bedtime and morning stay-in-bed tactics to avoid rehearsals sabotaged her chances of advancing. Her antics also spelled the end for fellow group member Rose’s chances of moving forward.

Simon doesn’t usually suffer fools gladly, so one can only assume that “Idol” producers thought it would boost (male?) viewer interest by keeping Katrina around for a while longer – even if she had swapped her bikini for a dress.  The same might be said of highly strung, maniacal giggler Tatiana Del Toro, who somehow got saved, while David Osmond got kicked off.

On Wednesday night, we got an overdose of  histrionics and drama queens rather than a good look at how some of the hastily-assembled groups managed to turn in such brilliant performances (“White Chocolate” and “Rainbow Coalition”) while others stumbled.

 What happened to the producers promises that they would focus more on talented singers this year, and less on the no-hopers?

Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox