The rocker girl exits in ‘Idol’ heartbreaker

The “American Idol” season was sailing along so smoothly. The field was inexorably winnowing itself as the natural cycle of early promise followed by disappointment, flameout and dismissal drove the lesser candidates from the field. They fell first by thousands, then by the dozens, then four by four, finally one by one -- not necessarily in expected order, but America’s wisdom proved to be 90% on the money as Darwinian selection played itself out.

Until this week.

Gina Glocksen is gone.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Pundits and predictors were unanimous across the Internet in foretelling curtains for Phil Stacey or Haley Scarnato. And for the remaining contestants, each now so close to the ultimate prize -- this sudden unforeseen blow brings the cruel taste of death undeniably home.

Key moments from elimination night, live from the Idoldome:

Preshow: Subdued crowd. Said to be “light on signage” by a stagehand. The strangest of all in-studio guests thus far -- film producer Harvey Weinstein -- takes a front-row seat next to the judges. Bill, the warm-up guy, gets Sanjaya Malakar’s dad and Jordin Sparks’ mom in a little competition on how to act excited for the camera.

Cold open: The Nine line up on stage. Ryan Seacrest intones, “Even Tony Bennett can’t help them now.”

A commercial break: The bottom three join the others on the couch for a few moments. Everyone swarms to hug them, but extra love is given to Glocksen, who seems totally freaked out to find herself in this company. The flock around her is clinging as though she has just learned a loved one has died. The Idol’s makeup chieftain touches up tear streaks. It should be noted that, unlike last week when there seemed to be a wall between Malakar and the rest, this week, after his “at least he tried” performance, whatever was between him and the others is mostly gone.

Michael Buble Glocksen and Scarnato cling together like terrified kittens, completely unaware of the song. What can be going through their mind: the poor song choices, the pitchy spots, the botched repartee with the judges?

The verdict: Scarnato looks as though she’s about to crack up. Stacey is sent back to the couch. Simon Cowell tells Glocksen and Scarnato “I’m not surprised.” Glocksen flinches like she’s been kicked in the stomach, the agony of this moment on full display. The verdict is read. The remaining eight are shocked, putting their hands to their faces. As Scarnato and Glocksen hug, their mikes catch Glocksen’s wrenching sob and a chill shakes the audience. Scarnato joins the others. Does it bother her to think the shock and grief over Glocksen’s demise means they all thought -- hoped? -- it would be her instead?

Goodbye song: Many tears on stage and in the audience as Glocksen pulls it together, rises to the occasion to sing “Smile,” a most eerily appropriate goodbye song. Always one of the most infectious spirits of the group, her smile breaks through and lights up the screen one last time.

Glocksen’s “Idol” journey ended too soon, but as she reminded us, she’ll be back for the tour. America’s wisdom may ultimately be infallible, but Wednesday night, the results were hard to take.

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