This week on American Idol, the top 24 sang for their lives in attempt to secure a top ten spot. And in this first official results show of the season, additional contestants were picked from the loser bunch to round off the top 12. Ryan Quickly revealed that this week's shows picked up more votes than ever this early in the American Idol process- so clearly the new online voting is working out.
In typical Idol fashion, it took a whopping two hours to get through an episode that probably could have been wrapped up in one. Oh well. So here's how tonight went down. Ryan revealed America's ten favorite contestants. Then based on the results, the judges picked which contestants they wanted to give a second chance to, by letting them sing one (potentially ) last time. From those performances they decided who would be dubbed the wildcards of season 10. And don't underestimate the potential of tonight's lucky wildcards, as they will join the ranks of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, and season two runner-up Clay Aiken.
By 9:10 the complete top ten list was revealed. The lucky ones included:
Scotty McCreery,
Casey Abrams,
Jacob Lusk,
Paul MacDonald,
James Durbin,
Pia Toscano,
Lauren Alaina,
Karen Rodriguez,
Thia Megia, and
Haley Reinhart. I'm liking this list.
From the group that wasn't chosen, the judges picked six to sing again.
Ashton Jones chose to express her mood with "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Going)." It was good, but she sang it better during Hollywood week.
Stefano Langone delivered a very soulful and emotional "I Need You Now," and the judges adored it.
Kendra Chantelle sang a very sultry "Georgia on My Mind," and boy did she bring it! If she would have sang that last night she would have easily made the top 10. Jovanny Baretto sang "Angel," the song that got him to the top 24. Again, he out-sang his performance last night by a longshot.
Naima Adedapo sang "For All We Know," and it didn't really go anywhere for me vocally. The judges were touched by the emotion she brought to the song.
Robbie Rosen was the last singer to get a second chance, and he chose to sing
Elton John's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word." I can't help but love him.
Of course at the dramatic climax of the evening, the big announcement was delayed by the music video premiere of JLo's "On the Floor" featuring Pitbull. After a commercial break, JLo revealed that the typical top 12 would instead be the top 13, including:
Naima Adedapo,
Stefano Langone, and
Ashton Jones. So we'll be seeing no more of
Clint Jun Gamboa,
Jordan Dorsey, Jim Halperin
Brett Loewenstern,
Julie Zorrilla, Tatynisa Wilson,
Lauren Turner,
Rachel Zevita,
Robbie Rosen, Jovanny Baretto, and
Kendra Chantelle. It's sad to see a few of them go.
Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday to watch the top 13 sing on the Idol stage live. American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!
Miss the Top 12 girls sing last night?
Click here for a full recap!
Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by
Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and
Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.
Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia,
Justin Guarini ,
Jordin Sparks,
Diana DeGarmo,
Ace Young,
Tamyra Gray,
Constantine Maroulis,
Frenchie Davis,
Clay Aiken and
Taylor Hicks.
Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.
