So close, but yet so far! The Top 8 became the Top 6 tonight as another two talents were sent packing. Was it who you thought? Did your favorite get through? Let's run it down...

The first to go home early in the show for having the lowest number of votes was Paige Thomas. Huge boos ran through the audience big time! "I'm excited because now I get to go home and really do some work and show everyone I've got bigger things to do and better things," said Paige in parting. This leaves Demi Lovato with just one act left: CeCe Frey.

Josh Krajcik took the stage next to perform his first single, "One Thing She'll Never Know," from The Josh Krajcik EP, which is out today. Krajcik Magic is back!

Next up, five lucky acts went straight on through to the Top 6 next week and they were: Fifth Harmony, CeCe Frey, Emblem3, Carly Rose Sonenclar, and Tate Stevens. That left Diamond White and Vino Alan in the bottom two to sing for survival.

"If I'm being honest, I'm not surprised about Vino," said Simon Cowell. "But I am surprised about Diamond." Backstage, Khloe Kardashian Odom chatted with the two. Diamond was positive, saying, "I'm just gonna give it all I got and keep my smile on my face." When Khloe asked Vino if he was mad at L.A. Reid for changing his song last minute, the Over 25 replied, "No, not at all," and added that he planned to put his heart and soul out there.

While the two acts sweated it out backstage, Alicia Keys took the stage for an exciting rendition of her current hit "Girl on Fire" with amazing synchronized male dancers and Taiko drums. Loved the flirty little stroke Alicia gave Mario Lopez's ear!

Okay, fun aside, time for two acts to sing for survival! "This is a girl with a huge and amazing and special voice," said Britney in introducing Diamond's performance of Beyonce's "I Was Here." What can we say? She nailed it!

Vino was up next and L.A. seemed to have much confidence in his act, introducing him as "a guy who's always been an underdog and he'll know how to handle this better than anybody." True that! Vino poured his heart and soul into Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble."

Now, the tough part: The judges' decisions! Drum roll please...L.A. was "deeply deeply" shocked that he had to choose between the two, but, of course, chose to keep his own act and send Diamond home. Same for Britney, who sent Vino home to stand by her little lady. Demi didn't want to send either of them home, but ultimately chose Vino. Simon had a tough time choosing, but sent home Vino, and out Vino went!

"I'm real shocked at this, though," said Vino, who also said he didn't feel America really got to see all he has to offer. "I'm really proud of Vino," said L.A. in parting.

The real fun part comes next: The Top 6 rankings!! And, here they are...

Top 6 Rank Order:

6. Diamond White
5. CeCe Frey
4. Fifth Harmony
3. Emblem3
2. Tate Stevens
1. Carly Rose Sonenclar, who claims the top spot for two weeks in a row!

Up next week: The Top 6 will perform songs YOU chose via the Pepsi Challenge on WED DEC 5 at 8/7c on FOX. Find out on THU DEC 6 who goes home, and who is one step closer to the $5 million prize!