This is how I'd break it out, personally. But, there are a lot of country music fans and only 1 person on the show for them to throw their votes behind. I can see him advancing akin to Bristol Palin on that other show.
Also, my wife really dislikes the piano girl. She didn't like her choice of song (didn't find it believable her singing the word "homey") and thinks she did a terrible job because of it. Hopefully not too many more feel the same way, because I thought that performance was exceptional.
I'm also in the group who hasn't watched an episode of American Idol, but am completely drawn into this show.