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'American Idol' Recap: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

One day after revealing her style makeover, Erika Van Pelt gets the hook

By MSN TV Mar 22, 2012 7:12PM
'American Idol'/FOX 

By Carla Patton

BuddyTV

 

Billy Joel week was certainly the most underwhelming theme week thus far on "American Idol" Season 11! Granted, there were a few standout performances (and a few stood out for the wrong reasons), but most of the contestants seemed to fall right in the middle of the pack. And the middle isn't the best place to be, because it means you weren't memorable.

 

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 10 singers

 

A few things to look forward to: a performance from Season 10's Haley Reinhart and a performance from Lana Del Rey. Both are sure to be entertaining in their own right. Haley is showing the contestants what can happen for them, even if they don't win -- as long as they agree to play by the rules. Lana Del Rey will show the contestants what happens when singing meets laboratory science.

 

More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more


My big questions are about Elise and Erika. Will Erika's haircut make her finally stand out?  Or did Tommy Hilfiger just make her look like (as one of you pointed out) a banker? Will Elise be in the bottom three again or is America warming to her? I thought she was fantastic in a week that clearly belonged to people who know who they want to be as artists. That's gotta count for something, right? But she and Phillip Phillips, I suspect, don't really need this competition. They don't seem like "American Idol" winning material, you know? They can make it without winning. I could easily see it coming down to Jessica Sanchez and Colton Dixon in the final two. But we still have a long way to go, and this night's hour of programming takes us one step closer.

 

Yes! The group number is back! They're singing "For the Longest Time," which I'm sure will be absolute crap. I live for it. Elise, bless her heart, is making an effort to smile and flirt a little more. She is playing Nigel's reindeer games. I enjoyed Skylar Laine singing to Casey Abrams in the audience but was distracted by the fellow directly in front of them. His stiff snapping was as awkward as the group number itself.

 

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Keep snapping, Jeremy. Snap like nobody's watching.

The individual performances are good vocally, but the interaction between all of them is tired and disconnected. It ranks a solid C. I would love to hear Jimmy Iovine's thoughts.

Next in Thursday night's buffet of awkward: It's the Ford music video! The kids are playing hide-and-seek in the mansion we all know they're not staying in this season. Ah ha! They were hiding in a Ford Eclipse! Those jokesters. I think we found Erika's old hair, too.

 

Ryan tells us there's only room for nine in the "Idol" mansion. Will Hollie, Skylar and Elise secure beds in it? Canopy beds, probably. Jimmy says this was Hollie's worst night in the competition so far, but he thinks she'll stay. Jimmy says Skylar is consistent but this wasn't her best performance. She may be stalling out, and it's too soon for that. Jimmy was concerned about "Vienna" as a song choice, but he says Elise is transformed. He got "goosies -- whatever goosies are!" So crusty, that Jimmy Iovine.

Hollie is moving into the mansion, as is Skylar. Ryan brings Elise forward to reveal that, for the first time, she is not in the bottom 3! They are all safe. Yay!

 

Lana Del Rey performs next, singing "Video Games." I guess you could call it singing. It's more of a whispery moan? I wish she would fake us out like Heejun did this week and just break into a performance of "You Make My Dreams" by Hall and Oates. Instead, she made the last part sound like she was underwater somehow.

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"I guess I'm performing on a stage now. It's whatever."
 

Evidently, it's Steven Tyler's birthday this weekend, so Ryan brought out the Top 10 to sing "Happy Birthday" to Joe Perry's electric guitar playing. Steven and Joe Perry hugged, and their scarf tails intertwined in an unspeakable bond.

Deandre, Joshua and Jessica get their results next, and Jimmy says Deandre was "jumping around too much." Joshua didn't score very well in Jimmy's book this week, and he, too, will have to grow to win this thing. Jimmy gives Jessica "A's across the board" but seemed a bit bored by the whole process. Ryan tells Jessica that Billy Joel himself said he enjoyed her rendition. And so did America. Jessica is safe. Joshua is safe, and Deandre is in the bottom 3. Good job, voters. I approve.


Next, Haley Reinhart performs "Free," her "hot, new" single. You can get it on iTunes, but not for free. She starts out in a giant cage. Whoever is caging all these young singers (Haley, Miley Cyrus, etc.) just needs to stop. It's sick and wrong, and the bars aren't close enough together to keep them in there.

FreeHaley.jpg
Haley knows why the caged bird sings.

The cage lifts, and Haley escapes by walking forward. She did a good job. I liked parts of the song, and I really liked her dress and wind machine. That Angelina Jolie-at-the-Oscars,​ high-leg slit is in this season, then?
 
Erika, Heejun, Phillip and Colton are next to the stage for results. It will undoubtedly be Erika and Heejun in the bottom, right? Phillip and Colton were great. Billy Joel emailed Jimmy Iovine to say that Colton did a great job, and Jimmy agrees. I'm pleased to hear that Jimmy still checks his Netscape Navigator every once in a while -- when he's not promoting data phones he has no idea how to use. Just joshing you, Jimmy. Jimmy Iovine thinks Phillip should take Tommy Hilfiger's styling advice but said nothing about the performance. Jimmy loved Erika's decision to cut her hair and thinks Erika will be at the top of the batch. Jimmy agreed with Steven that Heejun "disrespected the entire process" and called the performance a D. Ouch! We love you, Heejun. And we love that you are disrespecting this preposterous process. That one's for Jermaine Jones!

Colton is safe. Erika is in the bottom 3, and ran back to Elise to get some maracas ("I'm bringing the party with me!"). Phillip is safe, and Heejun is in the bottom 3. This is not a surprising bottom 3. "Anyone who goes home tonight is a loss," Jennifer says -- a telling sign that they won't use the save tonight.

Ryan reveals that Deandre is safe, so I was wrong. Heejun is safe, and Erika is probably going home. And not home to the mansion. Well, good. I want more of Heejun's antics to keep things interesting. The judges aren't even talking. Randy is just shaking his head, and Steven is enjoying one last Erika performance. Heejun and Deandre are shown crying as Erika performs the crap out of "I Believe in You and Me." Poor Erika. She's just way too good, consistent and professional for this competition. They couldn't have given her one of the pimp spots ever? She always got the raw end of the deal.

The judges reveal that, no, they will not be using the save. Erika is going home with a new haircut. Thanks a lot, Tommy Hilfiger.

What did you think of Thursday night's results? Did America get it right? 

"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

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94Comments
The Real Slim K
Mar 23, 2012 1:29PM
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I just tried to post on this very subject (some blow-hards demanding that the voting should be changed because America screwed up (by not 'sending home' the blowhards' least favorite).  Unfortunately, it was one of those idiotic sites which doesn't allow participation in free speech unless you have a facebook account.  But what I tried to post there applies here as well.  Why such misunderstanding of the voting process?  One votes for their favorite, not their least favorite.  I once compared this to the presidential election: Fox News hates Obama, but he won anyway because most people don't (hate him, that is).  This common complaint is really incredibly obliviously selfish and ignorant, not to mention counter-productive.  How many people hated Sinatra? the Beatles? Elvis? Prince?  One vote for best is the only fair way.  Doofuses.
Jealan
Mar 23, 2012 1:21PM
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Please,  give me a break  Heejun still there.  He is terrible and arrogant.  Get rid of him.  Who is voting.  By the way, should you be able to vote 50 times online.  I don't think so.  I think everyone should get 1 vote.  that would be the democrat way.
available
Mar 23, 2012 1:07PM
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Did Erika's hair look better before?
TEXAS13
Mar 23, 2012 1:05PM
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America did NOT get it right...HeeJun should have gone home or even Hollie. I understand why the judges didn't use their save, America would have just voted her off agin
tonant
Mar 23, 2012 12:59PM
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I just cannot believe that they did not save her considering Heejun STUNK THE BOMB on the song he did. They should of used their save. I cannot seeing anyone else who is really worth it to use the SAVE on. I'M DONE WATCHING IDOL.  No wonder the VOICE has better ratings.
ferrantekat
Mar 23, 2012 12:57PM
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Heejun and Deandre should have gone home before Erika, I think that she just didnt have the"look" they are searching for...I am hoping for the lil blonde from England to be the winner... The show really sucks this year, Not sure if its because the other singing show are so much better or what..
barbinfla
Mar 23, 2012 12:56PM
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I like Jimmy and the guest mentor inclusion in the show, but now Tommy Hilfiger!?  (He is so yesterday anyway and has even sold his company.  They should steal Michael Kors from Heidi Klum or have someone else who is more current.)  But, there's enough "judging" and critiquing  already on the show and I cannot help but think of Simon when these young girls come out dressed in gowns or super sophisticated clothes for people much older than themselves.  He would have plenty to say!  The men seem to be able to stay true to themselves. The video farewell to Erica was very telling - going from her blonde haircolor to pitch black aged her 15 years.  Meanwhile, though a very good singer, I don't believe she would have been in the top three (after all, she was even a wild card).  I presume that's how the judges look at it.    
voteasifyourlifedependedonit
Mar 23, 2012 12:53PM
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heejun is this year's sanjaya. he sucks and that is putting it mildly. i knew from the beginning he would never make it with his voice. his voice is mediocre at best and his accent shows vividly thru. I am convinced after this week, there is the sanjaya conspiracy to keep him in the competition just purely to harass american idol producers and to mock the show. you could see the look of disgust on the judges faces. hell, even heejun was mad that he beat erika, he knows he sucks. he was doing this for fun. he is a very funny guy and he might have luck being a comedian. but singing definitely isn't his forte. this is THE  bad part about letting cranks vote. they sure it up for a beautiful singer, erika. i think she will still get recorded, tho. she has already made her mark.
fsm500k
Mar 23, 2012 12:40PM
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I can't believe everyone (including the judges) thinks Phillip Phillips is so original, but he's really just a complete carbon copy of Dave Matthews... Is there anyone over the age of 30 on here who can back me up?  He sounds like Dave, dresses like Dave, makes psycho faces when he sings like Dave, and even does Dave's moves when he sings.  He's a good singer, but that just makes him a really good imitator.

WhyDoIKeepWatching
Mar 23, 2012 12:40PM
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Have just one thing to say "Billy Joel??" really, no wonder all of them sounded terrible, let's see these kids do something within the last 10 years...Go Jessica!
charmaine
Mar 23, 2012 12:38PM
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The ones that should go home will not go as for Phillip he is good but he sings like he is out of breath and its scary, but since he had surgery he will stay. It all about the children.
kikkimac
Mar 23, 2012 12:36PM
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Erika may not have been the best of the Top 10, but there is no way she should have gone home before that twit Heejun.  I thought her version of "New York State of Mind" was one of the best numbers on Wednesday night.  Heejun's voice isn't that great and his attitude is worse.  It's ridiculous that girls with great voices get sent home instead of boys with bad ones.  Maybe they need to handle the vote like Dancing With the Stars where the public's votes are combined with votes from the judges.  Bad move!
charmaine
Mar 23, 2012 12:33PM
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Jessica, Colton, Hollie and Erika can sing but Erika is gone and they knew she could sing. As for Deandre he is falling bad and he's not good anymore he is still there because of the hair. The judges aren't good this year all Jennifer says she want to squeeze the breath out of the contestant or they give her goosebumps please JLo they are too young for you, maybe not. Randy needs to stop dressing and matching with JLo and pay attention to the show. As for Steven he is so funny but he looks high or sleepy one or the other and he just say everything is "beautiful". They make the show boring as for Ryan he is the best as a host.
PastaGuy2000
Mar 23, 2012 12:31PM
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Now think about it ... If the American voters can't choose a competent president, how can they pick an American Idol??
charmaine
Mar 23, 2012 12:26PM
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Wow! I bet Erika didn't see that coming she change her whole identity and they let her go and the judges wouldn't save her at all. She can sing and she sung with compassion and you have Heejun which is great as a comic runs around stage and he is save. American if you look at the auditions you will notice anyone that was over 20 something were either not pick or once they got through they were let go. They want only young kids on this show look at the contestant they are no older than 20. As usual the show is the way the producer want I have to say if Simon was still there Heejun would have been gone. But now since JLo twin Randy is in charge he decide and he is not always right. Its like Steven judging on his own and JLo and Randy are together.
jollyjoyce x
Mar 23, 2012 12:15PM
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I really use to enjoy the show, but this year is really boring. No one is really that great and stands out. It's too bad it was a good show. Maybe they will get better as they go but they have a long way to go. The two hour show is way too long also, you can watch the results show see a little on how they did, listen to the comments and see who is voted off, why sit and watch for two hours. If they were really great and put on a show maybe I would watch but now getting to a point that I don't care if I see the show or not. Sorry wish it was the other way around.

 

ampledud
Mar 23, 2012 11:45AM
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I personally think the judges are ruining the show. The one that's been there the longest, need lessons to increase his vocabulary. I think the judges set the tone for the show. They totally make a mockery of the show and themselves.

One day they say make the song your own. Then when they do they get criticized for being disrespectful. I vote to replace all  the judges and get some real stars to judge, like The Voice.

JeterIsUgly
Mar 23, 2012 11:36AM
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It is about time that Erika go home. 

 

Thinking Really, how many times does America's vote have to show that she is NOT star material before she was sent packing?!?  She is truly bottom three material and has a really deep manly voice.  Her Tommy Hilfiger drag queen makeover was equally as bad as her voice.  I do agree with some previous posters that she is totally not to blame for this makeover gone wrong and she really got the short end of the stick here.  However, back to her elimination: I'm so glad the judges didn't save her AGAIN!  This sloppy girl was a joke right from the start.

 

For all the Heejun haters, at least he is entertaining and that is something that Erika will never have.  He is not the best singer in the competition, but not the worst either.  You need to be at least somewhat entertaining to be a star.  Notice, the boring performers are being chipped away one by one: Jeremy, Shannon and now Erika.  Sorry Jeremy, you had a sweet voice, but needed some extra energy and spark behind you.

 

As far as Elise, not a bad performance this week, but definitely not worthy of a standing ovation from the judges.  I have a feeling that the judges discussed prior to her performance that regardless of how she did they were going to stand  (to make people think that she did better than she really did) to sway America's vote to make sure that she didn't end up in the bottom three again.  She is just not likable.  Notice, last night there was no positive comment on her performance from Billy Joel.  He only complimented Jessica and Colton.

Virginia (easttexashillbilly)
Mar 23, 2012 11:35AM
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i completely agree with "artin tampa" - heejun is an embarrassment, a smart-**** and i never could figure out why the judges picked him in the first place.  heejun - go home!
Bflybon
Mar 23, 2012 11:27AM
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It should come down to the two best voices in the competition - Jessica and Colton! Very talented! I think it is time for a girl to win this competition! Heejun or Phillip Phillips should have gone home, though! Phillip is boring already and crucified the Billy Joel song he tried to sing! Heejun, come on now! Can't anyone hear him? I hope Erica goes back to her blonde hair, not a fan of the black! She does have a good voice, but knew she wouldn't last long anyway, no matter what color her hair is. Let's vote for the singing, but every year it is the same thing, young fans voting will not necessarily pick the right one! But I still watch it every year in spite of the way it is done!
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Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.

Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.

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