Lacey Brown: Middle risky for 'Idol' contestants

[March 23, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- "American Idol" contestant Lacey Brown says her last performance fell in the middle of the pack and that's why she was sent home.

The 24-year-old from Amarillo, Texas, was voted off the Fox show last week after singing a lackluster rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday." She says her performance landed her in the middle of the group, which she classifies as a risky place for a contestant.

Brown says a contestant needs to stand out with an amazing performance or be the underdog to get votes from viewers.

The judges also decided not to use on Brown their save tactic, a one-time decision to keep a contestant from going home.

"American Idol" is in its ninth season. This week Miley Cyrus will be a guest mentor as the remaining 11 contestants perform Billboard No. 1 hits.

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On the Net:

American Idol: http://www.americanidol.com/

[Associated Press; By ALICIA RANCILIO]

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