So now we finally get to learn who goes home. After many a pregnant pause. And it's Alyson who gets the boot. She seems okay with it, in that "okay" way that translates to "dead inside and needing years of intensive therapy." Oh, but then she cries a little. Oh, and then she cries kind of a lot. John tells Alyson that the whole panel thinks she's a great singer, and that she should keep pushing forward and figure out what her "combination" is. She has a great future ahead of her if she gets tough and gets focused, he says. Alyson bids us adieu, to enthusiastic applause from her mom.

Laura & Sophie provide the coda to the evening with "Because of You." Braces has some seriously rank high harmony moments. Jeffrey tells them that they have the least to lose in this game. They're hanging by a thread, and need to find a way to get to the next level. Keep it tight and keep it together, he says, or face doom. Maybe wearing non-matching clothes might be a key to their success? Just a thought.

And with that, there are eight! And next week, two people are going home! Oh, thank heaven. And one will be gone within the first five minutes. Thank heaven again! Oh, and WAIT. The entire Cyrus family, I guess, minus Miley who is too busy earning all the money to keep the mom in jewel encrusted tank tops, is standing by Billy Ray as he wraps things up. This includes Billy Ray's punk son, who I think is wearing a wig to cover his face. He is the singularly most uncomfortable person I've ever seen on this show, and that's saying a lot. I would read his tell-all, particularly if it came out in leaflet form.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July, everyone! And play some Merle!

Talk about Nashville Star in our forums. And if you want to know what else is happening on TV, check out our daily Going Through Channels column.