You could tell by the look on Simon Cowell’s face at the end of Wednesday night’s “American Idol” results show that he was disappointed in America’s decision to send Alexis Grace home.

So why didn’t Cowell and the other judges use their save to correct America’s mistake? Because they knew they might need it for a future mistake down the line. And there was no further evidence of that than the sight of Allison Iraheta in the bottom three.

Iraheta in no way deserved to be in the bottom three after rocking Patty Loveless’ “Blame It On Your Heart.” But yet, there she was, most likely due to singing so early on Tuesday’s show, allowing her performance to be forgotten. But if there was something else at work here — like America falling out of love with her — the judges may have to step in and save her.

And let’s face it. If Adam Lambert makes too many more polarizing song choices like he did with his take on “Ring of Fire,” he might need saved as well (for the record, you can put me on the loved it side of the “Fire” argument).

Last week’s mentor Randy Travis said he thought this was the best group the show has had in a while, and I’m starting to agree with him. There should be no better proof of that than this week’s performances, since the contestants are being blessed with the perfect theme — Motown. After all, Motown not only includes Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations, it also includes Lionel Richie, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men. 

I would love to hear Danny Gokey do “(I Know I’m) Losing You” by The Temptations, but I can almost hear him warming up “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men right now. And as much as I’d love to hear Lambert rock out The Temptations classic “Ball of Confusion,” I think it’s time for him to show a softer side with something like “I Wish It Would Rain” (Can you tell I’m a Temptations fan?). But why do I get the feeling he’s already working on Edwin Starr’s “War” or some other dramatic number?

This week should give plenty of opportunities for each contestant to shine. However, if I see anyone struggling, it’s Meagan Joy, who I believe received the sympathy vote last week because of her bout with the flu. I also believe, now that Scott MacIntyre has made the Idols tour, that America will soon decide there are more talented singers in the competition who need to stay more than he does. 

I promised you last week that things were going to get interesting, and boy, have they ever. As Ryan Seacrest perfectly summed it up last week, “We have got ourselves a competition, friends. It is on.” 

Just remember that it’s on Wednesday and Thursday this week because of President Obama’s prime-time press conference on Tuesday.

Angela Henderson is a diehard “American Idol” fan who chronicles the show, contestants, judges and much more in her “Idol Chit-Chat” blog on www.herald-dispatch.com.

Courtesy of Ray Mickshaw/FOX

The top 10 "American Idol" contests will perform on Wednesday, March 25. The next elimination show will be Thursday, March 26.

Purchase this photo