American Idol viewers axe Chris Sligh
29th March 2007, 17:03 WST

Chris Sligh, the curly-haired jokester who once claimed he was "bringing chubby back," said goodbye to American Idol, becoming the latest singer bounced from the reality TV show in viewer voting.

The sacking of Sligh, 28,winnowed the number of Idol wannabes to nine. The winner will be chosen in May.

"I think it's bye-bye, curly," predicted Simon Cowell, one of the judges, before the results were announced.

Cowell said on Tuesday's program that Sligh's rendition of the Police classic Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic was a "mess."

Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey had the next-lowest vote tallies in the phone balloting, which drew more than 30 million calls and text messages.

Wednesday's elimination show also featured a get-up-and-dance performance by Gwen Stefani and rapper Akon, who performed Stefani's hit single The Sweet Escape.

In its sixth season, American Idol continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.