Well, they judges both said that Dale's and Stephen's were really awful to eat. It seemed like Tiffani's and Fabio's were at least edible, just not very good.

The Sing-Off: Liese, all four remaining groups wound up moving to the finale in a totally staged surprise! announcement.

First they did icons/superstars -- Streetcorner Symphony did the Beatles and Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town did Otis Redding. The Backbeats did Gaga, and Committed did Usher.

Then each group was given a song chosen by the judges, which worked really well. Committed did Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," Streetcorner did Credence's "Down on the Corner," Talk of the Town did "House of the Rising Sun," which was really great, and the Backbeats (I thought) completely mangled "Landslide."

Top Chef: I'm with Nora. While I was surprised that Dale went home this early and on a challenge that should have been great for him, I didn't get the feeling it was undeserved, and I never thought Stephen would last long.

Thank you, Amy!

Top Chef: Me, too. That was a *strange* dish Dale created, and I think even Stephen knew he wasn't long for the competition.

I have to say, though, much as I love Fabio, last night's dish really did *look* awful.

TC - yes the eliminations last night made sense. I think that Dale didn't quite "get" what it was that the chef at Townhouse was doing - so he went with the whimsical without realizing the concept behind it.

Yes, Stephen did seem to realize that he is out of practice in the kitchen.

the Backbeats (I thought) completely mangled "Landslide."

I know! When the judges raved about it, I thought they were crazy. I used all of my 10 votes for Street Corner Symphony, who whiffed a bit on the Beatles but totally nailed CCR. I loved the way they slipped in their group name into the song!

and the Backbeats (I thought) completely mangled "Landslide."

Thank you! I really thought this performance was the worst of the night.

I really love both Streetcorner Symphony and Committed. I'd be happy if either of those two groups won. This show needs to be longer than three weeks.

I used all of my 10 votes for Street Corner Symphony, who whiffed a bit on the Beatles but totally nailed CCR. I loved the way they slipped in their group name into the song!

Kathy is me, only I voted online as well...so 20!

Slipping in the group name was cute...and already done by Nota last year.

Much as I love Committed, and I really do, Street Corner Symphony strikes me as more versatile and stronger 'entertainers.' Truth though? Committed has more raw talent.

I must confess to being bummed that OtR was booted. They bombed the Elton medley but I'm not sure anyone could have done that justice.

I wanted SO much to download their Kyrie, but was blocked by having to download the entire night. That blows.

That Mr. Mister song is an important part of my history. The band played at the opening event of the Great Peace March...ahem, 25 years ago. I'm not sure how "Kyrie" related to nuclear disarmament but then again, Melissa Manchester serenaded us with "Midnight Blue", so there you go.

I know most people agree that Jerry Lawson is being carried by the judges for sentimental reasons. But, I have to say, rolling them into the finale was pretty patronizing. I really don't get what the producers meant to get out of that.

(oops, showing my bias about how none of these competitions are free of some sort of rigging...but there you go.)

Regardless, I have loved this season a LOT.

Why must the Bravo site continue to suck so much?

I listened to Dale's exit interview which was nice but non-controversial and everytime I tried to get to the extended judges' table flash crashed. Annoying.