Jason Castro had every dread locked into place tonight - even after being eliminated on "American Idol."

His thoughts? "Three songs next week? I don't know what I would have done!"

So, that leaves "Idol" viewers with their Top 3: David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado. This, after close to 51 million votes were cast after Tuesday night's competition, the highest this season.

This week's Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame selections - a virtual vault of the best music ever performed - didn't impress the three judges. Simon Cowell said tonight that he "was surprised at the disastrous song choices."

But the Final 4 contestants didn't have much time to worry about Simon's musings. They received a private 737 plane ride to Las Vegas as guests of honor at a Cirque du Soleil performance of the Beatles' sold-out "Love."

They got gussied up (David C. got his first manicure), and Jason was ambushed by girls and a dolphin in the hotel pool.

Tonight, viewers also were treated to performances by Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice and one of my favorite groups, Maroon 5, set to launch a worldwide tour.

* Worst moment of the night? The Final 4 Ford video featuring Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and the contestants in uber-tight matador pants. UGH!

* Best moment of the night? Before the elimination, Jason was asked his thoughts on Tuesday's performances:

"Somebody told me yesterday that I shot the tambourine man. I screwed up."

This in reference to his two song choices: Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" and Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man."

Next weeK? Three songs, like Jason said. And trips to the Top 3's hometowns.

Check back here at 21Q Thursday for a Q&A with Jason.

(And, if I'm in a particularly sporty mood, I'll offer a fashion assessment of our fair city's mayoral candidates. This, after tonight's televised debate. You won't want to miss this.)