Week 1 Elimination Recap

Matt Hoffer Goes Home

Three may be the "magic number" but for the Rockers proving themselves tonight, it felt more like a curse.

After last night's show, fifteen Rockers waited -- some nervous, some confident, some surely uncertain about their future fronting a band they've come from all over the world to audition for. Awaiting the votes of America and of Supernova cannot be easy for any of them, especially in their first elimination episode. No one wants to hear the words "you're the first to go."

But before that bit of unpleasantness, Tommy, Gilby, Jason and Dave got a feel for where the Rockers were.

How's living together at the mansion going? How did they consider last night's performances? How did they feel about their song choices? Putting Lukas on the spot, Dave asked who he thought should go. Lukas singled out Chris, Dana and Jenny. Dana responded that she'd just appreciate some constructive criticism.

"Can you help me get the steak knife out of my heart?" she asks.

Dilana lifted the mood with an encore performance of "Lithium," the song that made her one of Supernova's favorites.

And then, the news.

Brooke announced what seemed to be the bottom three --Magni, Phil and Chris. But there was more to it. In fact, they were only the bottom three after the first few minutes of voting. As the voting progressed throughout the evening, other Rockers fell in and out of the fire. As a result, Zayra, Matt and Ryan were called next. The anticipation was tense.

Chris, whose different take on "Roxanne" for performance night elicited scathing criticism, was called up to the stage. Gilby asked him after all the previous night's criticism, what song he would choose to change everyone's opinion. Chris answered with The Doors' "LA Woman" the song that launched him into rock and roll. Grooving on the Jim Morrison classic, Chris (who'll probably never listen to "Roxanne" ever again) appeared more comfortable and in his element.

Next up was Phil who defended last night's song with "I didn't think I sucked." Tommy assured Phil that once again, "we like you. It's a performance issue for us; the way you're leading the band." With that, Phil sang one of his favorite tunes, "Stars" by Switchfoot.

The surprise call was Matt, the Rocker everyone loved. Their one criticism was song choice and they hoped he'd bring something more rocking to the table. In an odd move, Matt chose "Planet Earth" by Duran Duran, something even he at the moment claimed didn't sound like a good choice. He hoped his grittier version would win over Supernova.

Sadly, it did not. After assessing Chris and Phil's performances, Jason said, "Matt we don't know why you're up here. You killed it last night but tonight? Duran Duran? We questioned your song choice." Tommy, looking pained, remarks "I don't judge people. This is really uncomfortable for me...you're the first to go."

Matt was stunned. "I wish I could show you the heavier riffs," he says. Though clearly shaken, Matt handled the news with class, announcing to the band: "I appreciate you guys for putting me on the show...everybody deserves to be here."

Matt, first to pack for home and the first surprise upset of the season, proved no one was safe in this competition. Jason reminded the multi-talented singer/songwriter that things happen for a reason and when "one door closes, a thousand doors open." The remaining Rockers are, for sure, reflecting on those words; hoping that one door is for them.