Backstage Pass

Star's rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" on Tuesday's show came as a surprise: The Dix Hills singer appeared shrouded in a black hood (complete with a fake Mohawk on top), then tore it away to reveal a black stripe across his eyes á la "Blade Runner."

His performance polarized the judges. Navarro seemed genuinely excited: "The entrance, and the reveal? That was unbelievable! I think Ryan Star has just shown us he is a contender." Supernova drummer Tommy Lee expressed some doubts, but Navarro cut him off: "Dude, that was the ---- and you know it!"

But by Wednesday, Star had been voted into the lower ranks. Supernova bassist Jason Newsted suggested a reason: Star's performances have ranged from smoldering (Live's "I Alone") to intense (R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion") to theatrical ("Paint it Black").

"Do you think people are getting confused?" Newsted asked. "I know I am." Still, Star saved himself with a dramatic version of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence."

Gioia's song-choice on Tuesday was Tracy Bonham's "Mother Mother," and she delivered it in a hard-driving, snarling style. Lee called it "the best performance I think you've done," but it earned her a third trip to the bottom three.

For the first time, Lee -- the show's designated hatchet man, nicknamed "The Tommyhawk" -- dismissed two contestants at once. New Hampshire's Josh Logan also got the axe.

That leaves eight rockers still in the game. Lukas Rossi remains the clear favorite, trailed by Dilana and a slightly flagging Toby Rand.

Next week, Supernova tour dates will be revealed.