'American Idol' Recap: Wild Night, Indeed
On a night full of surprises, 13 singers chosen to advance to the finals
By Carla Patton
As the Top 10 -- based on viewer votes -- is revealed, we'll see how much of an effect the introduction of online voting will have. Is anyone else hoping for an upset, just for the excitement of it all?
Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Photos: See the top 24 singers
Oh, wow. We're already into the reminiscing montages … and to "Moonlight Sonata," nonetheless! Let's get to the results, instead of pretending like anyone who hasn't watched up to this point will tune in just for a results show. Isn't this season all about being real? I don't think anyone ever said that, not even Randy.
More: "American Idol" on BuddyTV | Bing: More about "American Idol" Season 10
Jennifer Lopez is dressed like Poison Ivy, or some other plant-based super villain this night.
Ryan tells us that 40 million votes came in, like we care about math. Judging by Thursday night's looks, the stylists haven't arrived yet. But someone did tell James Durbin his Mohawk was too flat. Rachel Zevita is, again, dressed like a witch. Is her specter tormenting you?
Randy tells us that once the Top 10 are revealed, the judges will decide who of the remaining 14 will sing for a Wild Card spot. Jennifer confirms that they are just making this show up as they go. Ryan promises us "drama like you've never seen before." I don't know, Ryan -- I watch "The Real Housewives" and this season of "Survivor."
A package recapping Tuesday night's performances reminds us that Clint and James screamed at us, and that this could be the best season of "American Idol" yet. Jovany was there. Jordan wasn't great. And Brett wasn't either, but he shook his hair. Paul has a unique style, and Robbie, Tim, Stefano, and Scotty were somewhere in the middle. Jacob hit it out of the park, and Casey sent us off dreaming of sexy, musical Seth Rogen.
They all still like each other like this isn't a competition. Another montage! What is Scotty wearing! A camouflage visor and a hockey jersey? I am forever distracted and have no choice but to ignore the rest of this clip package. Ryan makes a comment, and Scotty has no excuse for his ensemble.
Results Time!
Scotty and Robbie head to center stage. If one is safe and the other going home, I think Scotty will stay. America voted and ... Scotty McCreery is in the Top 10. Robbie Rosen is not. Predictably, the audience boos.
Clint, Jordan and Jovany move to the center stage next. I think none of them are moving through. Clint is crying, fogging up his tiny glasses with hot tears. Jordan is full of regrets, and Jovany seems ambivalent. Clint Jun Gamboa and Jordan Dorsey are not in the Top 10, and Clint looks like he just can't believe it. Jovany Barreto is not in the Top 10, either. "Take it to the stools," Ryan tells them. Indeed.
Next up, the ladies are getting some results. On Wednesday night, there were a lot of ballads, with some performances more memorable than others. Like that sentence, this montage is basically meaningless and without consequence. The package did note, however, that Ta-Tynisa, Rachel and Julie faltered. I also liked the footage of Julie Zorrilla crying, underscored by Pia Toscano's performance, making it look like Pia was sending Julie into hysterics.
I have nothing to say about that second clip package. We can just pretend it never happened, as we gaze longingly at a framed photo of Scotty in that camouflage visor.
Make way for more obvious results! Pia and Lauren A. make their way to center stage. Jennifer stares at Pia knowingly, but also very creepily. Look out, Pia, Plant-Lo can be very cunning.
Lauren Alaina is in the Top 10, and so is Pia Toscano. Pia didn't even look very surprised.
Dim the lights again, Kieran! Ta-Tynisa and Julie are next to hear their results (and probably to be sent home). Julie acknowledges that a lot of people were rooting for her, or at least expecting more. If only she had her guitar! Oh, well. There's always the Wild Card show.
Ta-Tynisa Wilson is out ("Ta Ta, Ta-Tynisa!" says my husband, Captain Obvious Joke). Julie Zorrilla is also out. By the way, my husband has been waiting to say that joke using Ta-Tynisa's name since he discovered her yesterday. Men, you know?
Kendra, Ashthon, and Karen join Ryan "Peaches" Seacrest next. Kendra felt great about her performance, Ashthon seems to know she may not have been memorable enough and Karen didn't get asked a question. Ashthon Jones is not in the Top 10. To the stools! Jennifer and Randy have some sort of significant exchange. Kendra Chantelle is out, and Karen Rodriguez is in the Top 10. We saw some booty when Karen sat down, for all the menfolk out there.
More dimming of the lights. Seacrest beckons to Tim, Casey and Jacob. Jacob Lusk is in the Top 10. Yes! I love when he's happy about stuff. Ryan tells them that one of them is in the Top 10 and one is not. Well, duh. Casey Abrams is in the Top 10, and Tim Halperin is not. No upsets here tonight. This result does not allow any audience members to boo, though, so that's good.
Thia, Lauren T. and Naima are next to face the 'Crest (there are only so many ways I can say the same thing). Thia is already crying. One of them is in the Top 10 (only one?!). Naima Adedapo is not in the Top 10, and this is a travesty of Lilly Scott proportions. Seacrest almost seemed moved by it. Thia Megia is in the Top 10, and Lauren Turner is not. I object! Lauren Turner is awesome.
Look out, Paul, Brett's a hugger! Even though Kieron dimmed the lights, or kept them dim, Paul's smile is like looking directly into the sun. When I close my eyes, I can still see it. Paul McDonald is in the Top 10 and will glisten another day. Brett Loewenstern is out. Song choice, man.
Haley and Rachel come forward for that final spot in the Top 5 Girls. It's definitely going to be Haley, based on style alone. I'm not a Haley fan at all, because she sings with all the colors of the wind and seemed sort of bratty when reacting to negative feedback. But Haley Reinhart is in the Top 10. Rachel Zevita is out.
Stefano and James are up next. How many slots are left? James Durbin and his tail are in the Top 10, while Stefano Langone is not. So no big upsets in the Top 10, unless you count the omission of Lauren Turner.
Apparently the Wild Card performances are tonight? They really are just making this up as they go, aren't they? And I doubted "Idol's" two-hour power! I don't even have time to digest all the results that just happened. Randy says he never goes against the public (He's showing fear! Never show them you're scared, Randy!) So, that's a pretty good Top 10. Thanks, Randy.
Six performers will be singing again for those two Wild Card spots. Three boys and three girls (ugh). The first choice is Ashthon Jones!
Wild Card Performances
I'm a fan of Ashthon Jones, so I'm delighted to hear her sing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from "Dreamgirls." It's not technically by Jennifer Hudson, but she's probably too young to know that. She's the girl who had never heard a Beatles song, need I remind you. The performance was far better than "Love All Over Me," but she sort of pooped out at the end a little. This is far too intense a night for these kids.
As the judges choose Stefano Langone to go next, I actually said, "So many ups and downs!" out loud. Stefano is singing "Need You Now," but not the Lady Antebellum one. I'm not familiar with the song, but Stefano's talent is undeniable. I really like his vocal quality, and this song showed it off better than Bruno Mars. Stefano left it all on stage, per Randy's request. Jennifer is too nervous for everyone to make sense.
Ryan Seacrest was spot on when he said this night would hold drama like we've never seen before. This Wild-Card pressure cooker is a really tasty little bit of television. The judges elect Kendra Chantelle to sing next.
She's singing "Georgia on My Mind," and showing us a new aspect of her voice with that lower register. I like this performance much better than "Impossible." It was pretty insane.
Why is everyone doing so much better this time, like they were just phoning it in until now? Anyway, to my surprise, the judges chose Jovany Barreto to sing next. He's hoping the Spanglish angle will work for him as well as it worked for Karen Rodriguez. He's a good singer and did better than his previous performance, but I'm bored by him. I was hoping to see performances from Brett and Tim, and this one felt a little wasted.
The next spot goes to Naima Adedapo, and I am incredibly upset about Lauren Turner not even getting a second chance. Seriously, what is that about? "Let's just do it," Naima says, and slips into "For All We Know." There are a lot of girls in the Top 10, and Naima sings like a woman, you know? She'd better make it. Randy looked moved for a second, before he caught himself on the monitor and tried to go back to a blank stare. Naima was moved, too, holding it together just long enough to finish the song.
The final Wild Card spot goes to Robbie Rosen. Then the world went, "What?!" Brett gets a final hug from the judges, and I'm pretty upset to see him go the way of Lauren Turner. "So much for an interesting Top 12!," I say like Maxine.
Robbie Rosen sings some Elton John, but I'm just over it. I guess I'm just hoping Stefano will get a spot, if they're going to stick with gender parity. Annoying. "This is the toughest night ever," Randy tells Ryan. These Wild Card picks, given the talent pool, make me wonder who they might have let slide by in earlier rounds.
The judges tell Ryan, after the break, that they are not ready. Well, Jennifer and Randy aren't ready. Steven might not know what's going on.
We'll have to watch Jennifer's music video for "On the Floor" first. This is truly the toughest night ever. I forgot to even watch the viewers' choice ending. They must have planned it this way all along, because Ryan cuts away to a break again just as the judges announce they've made their choices.
The judges have chosen Ashthon Jones (Really? She didn't believe it either), Stefano Langone, and (we have a Top 13) Naima Adedapo. What a crazy night!
Are you stressed out from this show? Can you believe the events that just transpired? Anyone you're sad to see go? Who do you think will be gone the first week?
What did you think of Thursday night's episode? "American Idol" message board
"American Idol" airs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
I'm so glad Jordan and Clint didn't make it. Both of them had HUGE egos and acted poorly during Hollywood week so they got what they deserved.
I'm sorry Brett didn't make it. He was entertaining and would've provided us with this season's Sanjaya.
Kendra should've won out over Naima and Ashthon. Boo to the judges!
Casey Abrams ( a screamer) is in the Top 10, and Tim Halperin is not--sad sad. Naima Adedapo is not very good. The people spoke on that. I just think Steven liked her . He liked her from the outset. Randy was not given too much to say. I didn't care much for Ashthon; obviously the people didn't either. They spoke on that, also.
As time goes on we shall see what transpires. I think Pia is the very best of the ladies. Jason has a good chance among the guys, but he is a screamer too--a gospel type singer. If the people like that, well, then, he will be chosen. By the way, I did not notice that the audience booed when Rosen was not chosen. He was never that good. The judges are OK, but Steven and JLo seem to like everybody; Randy tells it like it is.
I wonder if anyone from AI reads these posts. If they do maybe, they'll see they made a huge mistake saving Ashton and will try to find a way to mysteriously bring
Lauren Turner back into the fold. Now that would really make things interesting. But no, when Ashton gets booted next week, they'll scratch their heads and wonder what went wrong. Maybe they could change the voting system-instead of voting for who stays, you vote for who goes.
It's American Idol, not American Singer. Although they say it's a singing competition first, the truth is that the judges and producers also want someone they believe will sell records and become an IDOL. Which means beyond singing there are other things that are also important...General good looks, personality, charisma, a unique style.
It's been 10 seasons. Out of the 90 or so contestants who had a legitimate shot at stardom...there are now only about 5 of those contestants who I would consider to have elevated themselves to true american idol status. Right? Most have dwindled into obscurity...or become B stars at best. Which ones of this years crop have all of the intangibles?
All of you people praising Lauren, Seriously? You really think she has what it takes to be a superstar? I don't think so. Ashthon probably doesn't have what it takes either. OK voice, but not unique at all. I also think the judges picked Naima based on her personality and style over her vocal chops. But it doesn't suprise me at all that the judges picked who they picked.
Of all of the top 24, Kendra is the only one I think deserves to be in there more than some others. I can't believe her last two performances weren't enough to get her into the top 13. Her vocal range, tone and melodic taste were phenominal. Her only "flaw" was that she didn't have the over-the- top personality like some of the others. She's probably too normal as a person. Unfortunately for her.
First off, the wild card choices usually go first, because they're the WEAKEST LINKS!
SIDESHOW BOB aka Naima Adedapo, could have had a killer performance if she had done the Barbra Streisand version from 1994. It flows, better than the mess she delivered last night.
Ashthon Jones (Really? She didn't believe it either) ROTFLMAO! You nailed it! I have to say if I hear one of these AI's contestants sing "And I'm Tell You I'm Not Going' AGAIN, just that they chose that song to sing, is enough of a NO VOTE for me. So she it out. She needs to find A NOTE and stick with it! Another WEAKEST LINK!
Stefano Langone's version of Smokie Norful's "Need You Now" was the BEST VOCALLY and VISUALLY, then any of the 6 that sang for their SUPPER! He is will stay for a couple of reasons, as long as he delivers that kind of performance each week, he is easy on the eyes, he can HOLD A NOTE and sing with a conviction and emotion you feel. That is a hard thing to do. He will be around for a few weeks! HE IS NOT THE WEAKEST LINK!
The OTHER TOP 10 - CONSISTENT! NO BIG SURPRISES! I think this season has a real tight race going for it, like that of Season 7 and 8. Glad that we are back to THREE JUDGES, JUDGES that know MUSIC and can differentiate between KARAOKE and TALENT!
Until next week CARLA! LOVE YOUR COMMENTARY! Keep it up - and keep it fresh! You are too funny - LOVE YA! Don't tell HUBBY! Heart!
I believe Brett should have gotten a Wild Card... He can sing, is very entertaining and is just ADORABLE! ;) I also agree that the judges went for a more politically correct top 13 (again... why???) Should have kept it at 12...
I also agree Lauren should have made it... WAY too much underestimated talent this year! (But we all know that the people who get voted off go farther then the actual winners)
I enjoy this years panel of judges and I think Steven is very funny, but he and JLo are a little to nice. Randy is ok, i guess.
Honestly, the only thing i really even watched the show for is Steven and Brett... all I'm saying is Idol better keep JLo and Steven, because ratings actually went up with them on it.
I think its sad that Kendra was voted out with her obvoius stand out performance on the wild card girls group. The two girls that made it were the worst of the 6 wild cards. Although they are good, they were not the best and it seems that the only reason Naima and Ashton made it was for Racial reasons. There were no African American girls in so lets just dash the dreams of the Caucasian girl to get a better profile on stage. Jacob who is African American is amazing and deserves it, so it is not with a racist heart I say this but as someone who heard their performances. Ashton couldn't believe she won because she didn't win and knew it. This is sad for my favorite singer of all time (Steven) to succumb to this tragedy. J Lo, Steven and Dawg you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Amazing talent this season on Idol!
Excellent Judges too!
Sad to see Jordan, Julie, Kendra and Robbie Rosen go, I think we needed to hear more from them, they could have been really impressive.
BUT I don't think anyone else could have been eliminated, they are all just too good.
Jacob Lusk and Casey Adams are exceptional.
Hopefully the music choices will be different from the typical list in the past.
There were many times this last week where I missed Simon's ability to bring everyone back to reality regarding the contestants performances. Randy did it a few times, but missed a few other opportunities. Stephen and Jennifer love pretty much every performance and don't give enough constructive criticism. Sometimes its too much of a lovefest for me considering they are judges in a competition. I wish somebody would better fill Simon's much needed critical (and entertaining) role!
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