Craig Berman (MSNBC contributor)

Martina McBride guest-mentored on “American Idol,” which left everyone feeling a little bit country. But even after the seven remaining singers performed on Tuesday, it was hard to tell for sure who would be singing the blues during the results show.

Just as he was beginning to assert himself as a decent singer, Sanjaya Malakar regressed with a ragged rendition of “Something to Talk About.” If Simon is right and this is a singing competition, he’ll be the next to go.

But it’s impossible to predict that Sanjaya will actually be voted off, since he’s defied the odds to last as long as he has. And if he stays, the competition is at a stage where literally anyone (except Melinda Doolittle) could be sent home without it being too great of a shock.

Phil Stacey has been in the bottom three almost every week, but came through with one of his best performances in weeks. Chris Richardson struggled early, but may have redeemed himself at the end. LaKisha Jones picked a bad week for a bland performance, while Jordin Sparks starred, but sang early in the show. Doolittle and Blake Lewis have the best chances of resting easy.

The massacre at Virginia Tech obviously weighed heavily on the minds of both viewers and show participants. Ryan Seacrest began the show acknowledging the tragedy and offering thoughts and prayers, while Simon Cowell closed his commentary by saying how it was on everyone’s mind. And Chris Richardson, from Chesapeake, Va., gave a shoutout to his neighbors, telling them to stay strong.