Bodog Beat

Jordin Sparks was not eliminated from American Idol on Wednesday – and neither was anyone else. (Photo courtesy of AmericanIdol.com)

Ok, it was a charity edition and the stories of the children living in deplorable conditions was moving and we're glad Fox brought attention to the plight of the poor, but, man, American Idol is so middle of the road.

Even when it promotes a two-hour special not to be missed, it kicks off with (Old as Dirt) Earth, (Tired) Wind and (Barely Flickering) Fire doing a medley of songs written before the Idol contestants were born. The comedy on "Idol Gives Back" was less edgy than Sanjaya's hair and the music was bland. The exceptions were Josh Groban singing with a choir of African kids and the night's final song, "American Prayer", written by Bono and Dave Stewart and performed by the six remaining Idol competitors. Although melancholic, like the rest of the songs on the night, "American Prayer" is classic Bono with texture, provocative lyrics and a finish fit for singers who can crescendo.

More than 70 million voted this week, but those the show decided not to eliminate anyone on charity week. Next week, two people will go home.

The American Idol odds for Jordin Sparks have her as the 1/1 favorite and Melinda is the second choice at 5/6. Sparks was the last contestant to be told that she was safe on Wednesday, sparking a few moments of drama before Ryan Seacrest revealed that no one was going home. Visit the Bodog Sportsbook to place your votes, in the form of bets.

NewsCorp, Fox's parent company, gave $5 million to aid the fight against poverty and more than $30 million was raised by the end of Wednesday through donations by the public.