Those who stand next to Seacrest receive more face time, therefore allowing the fans to catch a glimpse of the contestant once more before they vote. Sometimes it's just enough for a viewer to see them and think, "Oh, yeah! I liked how Syesha sang. I think I'll vote for her tonight."

The contestants were also placed in certain positions on the "results couch" Wednesday night. When I was on the show, we had to practice taking our place on the couch during dress rehearsal, making sure we sat by certain people.

Notice how it always comes down to two or three people, usually someone who did fairly well and someone who didn't. They do this for shock value. Which one will go?

There is a time when performing last is best. The contestant who closes the show basically has a guaranteed spot next week. Going last on Tuesday night means you had the strongest performance — you stole the show.

I couldn't have been happier for Michael Johns this week. He definitely earned his "last-place" standing.

"You keep bringing it up a notch each week!" Jackson said, gushing.

I was never given the coveted last-place position. In fact, I was usually mixed in the middle somewhere. That was fine with me. I usually wanted to hurry up and complete my performance. I was so nervous.

The producers know the size of each contestant's fan base from the weekly vote totals. They know who to put the contestants before and after. One day, Ken Warrick, one of the producers, came to me and said, "You do all right with the East Coast, but when the mountains kick in, your numbers soar."

With someone as popular as 17-year-old David Archuleta of Murray, I'm sure they could place him anywhere. His popularity is nationwide.

And his humility is unfeigned. Before this week's eliminations, Archuleta expressed concern that he might be going home.

Here's the funny part. He was serious!

Archuleta is, obviously, still on the show. With someone as talented and popular as he is, the producers will make sure he stays for quite awhile.

Utah recording artist and actress Carmen Rasmusen-Herbert came in sixth place during the second season of "American Idol." She wrote about her experiences in her book, "Staying in Tune." Her first full album is "Nothin' Like the Summer," featuring the single of the same name.

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