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'American Idol' Recap: Safe!

Judges save Jessica Sanchez from elimination in shocking results show

By MSN TV Apr 12, 2012 7:18PM
'American Idol'/FOX

By Carla Patton

BuddyTV

 

On Wednesday night, at the end of a string of mixed performances, Jennifer Lopez admitted that viewers are probably just voting for their favorites at this point. Does that mean there's little a contestant can do to fall out of favor with their fans? Will Jessica Sanchez's fans forgive her for wearing that terrible white bodysuit thing during her trio performance? Or does it just mean that underdogs need to give them a reason to vote? Also, as a side note, I simply don't agree with Jimmy's comparison of Colton and Phillip. They are completely different artists, and Colton cares way more about this whole thing than Phillip.

 

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 7 singers

 

"Idol" alums James Durbin and Jennifer Hudson are performing in this episode, so I will enjoy at least one of those performances! I hope James goes right up to Colton, says, "I invented standing on pianos," then turns to the audience and asks, "What do you guys think?!"

 

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

 

"So, let me fill you in," Ryan says, not filling us in on anything of value. Let me fill you in: Jennifer looks stunning on this night, Randy is still wearing those giant sparkly pins and the group number is back! It is a terrible rendition of P!nk's "Raise Your Glass." These kids look sad and wiped -- except Elise, surprisingly. Look at those "dirty little freaks" up there, pumping their fists to the sounds of overgrown Kidz Bop.
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Aah!! The best thing happened. Ryan Seacrest got in at the very end of the group number! He slid in front of the final tableau, legs inexplicably in the air, raising his red Coca-Cola cup above his head. How much did they have to pay him to do that? Whoever had that idea, I love them forever.


I don't even care about the terrible, "Napoleon Dynamite"-inspired Ford music video this week. Ryan Seacrest just made my night. The contestants got some half-hearted celeb tweets. Colton got invited to prom by Katie of Wichita, Kan. Hollie got an invite to spring formal from a surprisingly hot dude. Elise got some feather jewelry for herself and Steven. Ryan made a funny joke about Quinceañera invitations. He is really on a roll again in this episode.

Hollie and Jessica are going head-to-head for the first results of the night. Will Hollie fulfill our expectations by heading for the bottom three, or will Jessica be penalized for singing a song we weren't super familiar with? Jimmy called Hollie stiff and contrived, and called Jessica the effortless, winner of the night. Hollie? Ya burnt. Gosh, Jessica's legs are thin.

Hollie starts a group on the right side of the stage. Jessica starts a group on the left. I know whose group I would prefer to be in on this night. Although, she was wearing that jumpsuit ...

James Durbin is performing a song from his album, which is titled "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster." So overwrought. He's got blond hair now, y'all. Take that, Colton. He probably did it first. He's singing into a vocal modifier, which works for the song but not for the context. Give us the real James! The people demand it! While we're making requests, can I ask that he take off those blinding white sneakers? He screamed a lot. And when he was finished screaming, the contestants clapped slowly, reservedly.

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Oh, my gosh. Of course James Durbin is touring with Evanescence. It's a match made in gothic heellllll yeaaahhh. (That was me screaming into a distorter).

Back to the groups. Phillip and Elise hear results next. Do you think Ryan practices this with his Beanie Babies at home? So many Beanie Babies, I bet. The judges raved about Elise and not so much about Phillip. Jimmy says they're both singer/songwriters and "character singers." Jimmy thinks Phillip will be in the bottom 3 on this night and that Elise might also be, despite being "technically correct." So either of them moving to a group won't answer anything for us. Phillip joins Hollie, and Elise joins Jessica.

Just stopping by on her way to an EGOT, it's Jennifer Hudson! Oh, my gosh. She looks stunning. Weight Watchers is the way! And her hair is fierce. And Ne-Yo? Shut up. This is awesome. Jennifer Hudson is showing off that acting ability in this performance, giving Ne-Yo all kinds of looks. Can she be Whitney Houston in the biopic everyone's discussing?

JHudlikeaman.jpg
Colton and Joshua hit the stage next. So it is Skylar who must choose. Jimmy thinks they both did well, and he's "in" on both of them. Colton still hasn't gotten the ubiquitous standing ovation? What's going on with that? Even Jennifer Lopez can't believe it. "I thought we stood for everyone!"

Joshua stands with Jessica and Elise, which the audience has already determined is the winning group, demonstrated by applause. Colton joins Hollie and Phillip. Uh, oh. Colton and Phillip!

Skylar is up last. Jimmy thinks she is just great, not to be left behind. He was floored and hopes Skylar doesn't get left behind. He predicts Phillip, Elise and Hollie will be the bottom three. Skylar is safe, and Ryan graciously didn't make her choose a group. Oops, I spoke too soon because Ryan asked her to pick the group she belongs with. Skylar said, "No!" and walked away. Good girl, not acknowledging that. He places her with Hollie, Colton and Phillip in a big twist. Joshua, Jessica and Elise are in the bottom three.

Time to use the Save! Jimmy thinks this is wrong, wrong, wrong. But I kind of get it. I wonder if Joshua and Jessica are getting too advanced, too mature, too boring for the viewers. Randy says this is messed up. I only sort of agree.

No one can offer up an explanation (Except me! Let's talk later. Text me or something, Ryan). Joshua is safe. Jennifer looks like she's ready to solve a murder. The person at risk is Jessica Sanchez. The judges freak out. I wish I had gotten a screen cap of Jennifer's face. It was great. I can't even believe it! Before the judges can interrupt with "we will save her!" Ryan hands Jessica the microphone.

The judges go up on stage like this was all scripted. Jennifer grabs the microphone, "Gimme that mic! Of course we're using the Save! Go sit down." I teared up a little. I love when stuff happens like this.
TheSaveisON.jpg
"We are saving Jessica without any doubt," Randy declares. Ryan doesn't like when he's not in control of things. "She is one of the best singers in America. Are you kidding me!" Randy shouts.

"I don't expect anything," Jessica says winningly. She was almost Pia Toscano-ed right outta here! But I love that girl. For filler, Ryan has Jessica sing us out. The top 7 remain for another week!

What a whirlwind five minutes! Did you collapse from all the excitement? Will you suffer from PTSD?

What do you think of Thursday night's results? Did America and the judges get it right?

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

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386Comments
eaglet78
Apr 13, 2012 1:31PM
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Vivian Perez, Where are you from?  Two difinitions for Hispanic

"Hispanic:

Persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central Or South American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race."

 

"Hispanics are either from a Spanish-speaking country or are descended from someone who is.

  I do not believe her dad is from Mexico, he is just a descendant. 

shane father of two
Apr 13, 2012 1:28PM
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I to am bothered by the fact more time is spent on changing the appearance of these kids, than helping them choose songs that fit their vocal range and just plain making the show about what the judges want, they are suspose to incourage not break their spirits this is a great group of talent this year but they all have flaws to some degree if they are going to make coments on performances then be fair josh over sings everything jessica we still dont know what kind of music artist shes going to be, phillip is great at what he sings but needs to change it up alittle, colton we know hes a rocker but is able to do other stuff so , please judges . your drama last nite was sooo wrong and out of line
honeylu58
Apr 13, 2012 1:28PM
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I think Jessica is boooring!  Colton, Holly, and Phillip are much more entertaining to listen to and watch.  People just won't vote for boring singers no matter how good they are.  I sure won't.
The Real Slim K
Apr 13, 2012 1:26PM
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What would be amusing is if we could locate Paule, after having called J-Lo "washed up" and so forth, the camera shows his protruding belly and bald head. Also, upon further questioning, we'd find that he has been divorced more times than J-Lo, and again, like with so many of the posters today, there had been prison time...
The Real Slim K
Apr 13, 2012 1:14PM
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Could we roll back the tape and listen: I don't believe that the judges called Jessica the 'best singer in America'.  They said 'one of the best singers in America.'   She's a judges' favorite sure, but she wasn't annointed.

 

Paule67:  J-Lo has much more class than you, I suspect.  MUCH more.

Jonathan H
Apr 13, 2012 1:14PM
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Jwf, I don't think any(other than the producers) know for sure.  In past(since the save came in) years it's always been 2 eliminated the following week but since they disqualified Jerome, I think they may just cut one next week(which would put them right back on schedule) but that's only a guess.
Paul (paule67)
Apr 13, 2012 1:09PM
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Lopez only hope is a senior citizens edition of "In Living Color" the reunion tour.
Paul (paule67)
Apr 13, 2012 1:07PM
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J. Lopez is washed up and cant deal with it.  She's in the middle of a midlife crisis.  That alone should disqualify her to judge anyone and anything....includin​g herself
Jwf
Apr 13, 2012 1:03PM
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Does anyone know what happens now that the judges have used their "save" - does it mean that two of the top 7 will be eliminated next week? I really can't remember from years past.

Jessica has a good voice, but I find her imitative of the singers she loves like Whitney Houston and Beyonce. And she was really off key when she sang in the trio on Tuesday night with Hollie and Joshua and not one of the judges commented.

Remember people, vote for your favorite - the judges this year haven't been on the same page as I am at all...I didn't care for D'Andre and I don't think Jessica should win and the judges have all but annointed her.

 

 

Pinkhouse
Apr 13, 2012 12:49PM
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I won't bore you with all I believe is wrong with the past two nights but rather speak to what I like.  I like Phillip Phillips and believe that he is misunderstood because all he really wants to do is music.  Now that probably doesn't make him the commercial Idol that tptb want but when he auditioned he was awesome.  However, all the suggestions and advice have him "trying" to be nice.  But, he's always been nice.  Give the kid a break....he wants to do his thing!  BUT RANDY JACKSON, I WOULD BUY HIS CD BUT NOT JESSICA SANCHEZ....GOT IT?
The Real Slim K
Apr 13, 2012 12:44PM
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Hollie: your dad is calling himself Thomas Slyman!
Moniph
Apr 13, 2012 12:44PM
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I think the problem is clear… having a surround sound system and a great set of speakers may help with the voting. This is a singing contest and not a hog calling contest.  What I do find to be very strange is … no one is bothered by Tommy Hilfiger using the show as a platform for his return to the fashion world. I haven’t heard much from him in years.  Wow now we are graced with his dreadful clothes twice a week!

Cobracat
Apr 13, 2012 12:23PM
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Hollie is clearly the best vocalist in the group. I don't understand the judges negative feedback regarding her. She has perfect pitch and tonal quality. There has to be a hidden agenda, or...they are either deaf or not qualified to judge a hog calling contest. Their comments are getting so annoying I mute the sound during the useless commentary.
blink edge (TX Blinker)
Apr 13, 2012 12:13PM
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I had wondered if anyone else besides me had noticed how the judges and Jimmy treated Hollie..I see there are others who feel as I do..They have tried everything to discourage her and she just keeps on singing great.  The others are good but of course we all have our favorites mostly because of total package. I won't mention my favorites but will mention the ones I don't care for. I have never understood the hype over Skylar...she gets out on stage and immediately starts holliering and jumping around. she grates on my nerves. Jessie is just okay, not great, just ok,  saw no reason for judges to act so high and mighty about saving her. they showed disrepect for the other singers by their words and actions.. and I have gotten to where I mute the TV when Randy Jackson talks,  if I have to hear " Yo  "  or " Dude " one more time I will barf...
The Real Slim K
Apr 13, 2012 12:10PM
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Winnniinnnggg, too?  My gosh.  This must be prison-library internet privileges hour or something...
Vivian Perez (secretagnt)
Apr 13, 2012 12:08PM
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@ onlyl....Jessica would be Hispanic if she had been born in a Hispanic country.  If my parents were Russian and I was born here, in America, that makes me an American .....so Jessica is NOT hispanic, her father is since he was born in Mexico.                  
Moniph
Apr 13, 2012 12:03PM
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I want to clarify that I feel the judges did not conduct themselves in an appropriate manner based on how they may have impacted the other contestants.  I wouldn’t feel very worthy if I were any of the other six contestants feeling less talented, and liked by the judges. That being said, Jessica based on her vocals should not have been in the bottom three. That outfit is another story!

Winningggg
Apr 13, 2012 12:02PM
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Jessica is not the best IN AMERICA. What does Lopez know, shes desperately dating a midget half her age. Randy just likes to tell everyone theyre the best in the world, and at least Steven Tyler was more real about it, saying wow, she needs saved, withou the added Drama like JLOW and Randy gave. How did the other contestants feel seeing that, and are they now being judged fairly after seeing the blatant favortisim the judges already have? What will they do next time if jessica gets voted off,,say ,,,stop the show we are making her the winner?. Joshua has her beat hands down, they need  to hope he doesnt get the lowest votes, they already saved a dime a dozen latino singer.
onlyI
Apr 13, 2012 11:56AM
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Cathy, that is your opinion.  Hollie is cute but is not a great singer, Skylar can only sing country and then she sings just like Reba.  If County needs another Reba they have Skylar, hearing her yesterday with the rest of the idols she cound not keep up. Phillip was good but the last two weeks have been bad.  Colton is good.  America will vote wrong again.  America has voted wrong in the past, Fantasia, Taylor, Jordin, Kris and Lee.  They are ok singers but not very good.

The Real Slim K
Apr 13, 2012 11:49AM
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Cathy, if it makes you feel any better, by history the 'saved' singer never wins.  I'm going to generalize, that they usually make it through the immediate next show--which is hard, because 2 singers go in their place, but not much further than that.  
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