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It's back to Hoosier state for 'Idol' Overmyer

Last update: March 19, 2008 - 9:50 PM

Amanda Overmyer's version of "Back in the U.S.S.R." didn't get her an invitation to come back to "American Idol."

The 23-year-old Indiana woman, who banked her chances on channeling Janis Joplin in the competition, was voted off the country's top show Wednesday night, missing an opportunity to go on a nationwide "Idol" tour. The remaining 10 contestants are guaranteed spots on the concert, which will travel across the nation after the season ends.

Overmyer was joined in the bottom by Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook, who many predicted would be the one to go after two widely panned weeks of Beatles covers.

The rest of the hour was dedicated to self-promotion and self-congratulations, including a visit by former contestant Kellie Pickler, who performed "Red High Heels" while making a rather lame attempt to flirt with both Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.

The show also featured a behind-the-scenes look at a Ford commercial, starring "Idol" wannabes, and a plug for the April 9 "Idol Gives Back" charity concert, featuring Billy Crystal and Dane Cook. NEAL JUSTIN