The Top 12 were revealed on American Idol tonight, as two guys and two girls left the show. Next week we'll move to the bigger stage with a bigger audience. Also next week the Top 12 will be forced to deal with the Lennon-McCartney songbook, which features a lot of melody and requires actual singing talent. I can't wait to see how terrible the performances are! But first we have to deal with tonight, so onward we go!
First up we were treated to a performance by last season's runner-up, Blake Lewis. He performed his song "How Many Words" which features his beatboxing skills. I'm not too fond of the song. He seemed to have pitch problems as well. Ryan asked Blake if he had any advice. Blake told the finalists to stay true to themselves and listen to the good criticism of the judges. Ryan then pointed out Chris Sligh as part of the band.
Ryan Seacrest said that there were 36 million votes for the guys and girls this week. He then introduced the judges and congratulated Paula Abdul on her song being number one on iTunes. Ryan asked Simon Cowell if he wants to congratulate Paula. Simon said he just can't bring himself to do it. Then upon prodding, gave her a "well done well done."
A recap of the guys leads to the first three guys being admitted to the Top 12. David Cook, David Archuleta and Jason Castro were all given the coveted silver stools. Honestly there aren't any surprises there, did anyone actually expect any of those three to leave? Maybe some people wished it, but we all knew they were Top 12 bound.
Next up are the girls, with a recap of how they performed yesterday. Brooke White is given the first silver stool, Syesha Mercado quickly joining her. Going home first for the night was Kady Malloy, though that was no great surprise either. She sang "Who Wants to Live Forever" again and it was horrible compared to yesterday.
Ryan announces that starting next week they will open the phone lines to talk to people on air during the results show. I'm hoping they'll have a slightly bigger tape delay because I'm hearing people shouting into the phone line "Evil Website #1!"
We bounced back for more guys results then. David Hernandez overcame his scandal to land in the Top 12. He was joined by Michael Johns on the silver stools. The first guy to go home was no great shock either. Luke Menard suffered from the vanilla sphere issue. Paula told him that this is the first day of the rest of his career (yeah as a garbage collector maybe). He performed Wham's "Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go)"
Off to the girls for more Top 12 revelations. Earning their silver stools were Ramiele Malubay, Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer. That leaves Kristy Lee Cook and Asia'h Epperson to wonder during the break which one of them will go on and which one of them will leave. Randy Jackson and Simon agree that Asia'h will be the one leaving. Paula says that they are both stars already. Kristy gets the stool while Asia'h gets to go home. Ryan gives her the choice of whether or not she wants to sing her song. Asia'h performs "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" one more time.
Finally we were down to the last elimination. Either Chikezie would be leaving or Danny Noriega would leave. Chikezie gets the silver stool, while Danny leaves us. Ramiele was devastated by the news. Randy said it was tough, but everyone should be proud they made it this far. Then Danny gave another spirited performance of "Tainted Love."
So was anyone surprised by the Top 12 or the 4 that left us tonight? If so, who surprised you and why?
Danny shouldn't have left, neither should have Asia'h. Those two were some of the best talent on the stage, and c'mon Danny was the best with his hilarious hardcore attitude. Honestly Chickezie should be going home, I think he is one of the worst contestants ever, he is right up there with Sanjaya!
Honestly I didn't think Danny would go home tonight. And in a sick sort of way, I'm sorry he did. He did add some spice to the show. But I admit, I didn't want Chickeze lose out over campyness.
Jason and Brooke are in. I am happy.
If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!
I really though Asiah would stay, not win, but atleast make it to the top 12. Danny N. was also a surprise. I really were not expecting those two to leave AT ALL (didnt even cross my mind) It's like last week's surprise with alaina and alexandrea!
Just wanted to say thanks for putting up this site. Makes things easier because I live in Hawaii and the broadcast doesn't come out for another couple hours. I think David Archuleta is going to win because he has so much going for him, honestly don't think David Cook or David Hernandez give much to the show and will leave quickly, though not as quickly as the girls who many of them I can't even remember their names. The only girl I like on the show is Ramiele Malubay and with a decent voice and stunning looks I think she will go far. Perhaps to the top 2 with David Archuleta. Jason Castro is intresting and I think he will stick around for a while, though don't think his vocals good enough to win it for him. I thought Michael Johns was much better in Hollywood week and auditions but since the top 24 he hasn't been performing that great. I also noticed while David Archuleta's song "Imagine" on idol top 10 guys reached 800,000 thousand views within 1 day Michael Johns barley reached a thousand. His take on Bohemian Rhaphsody will only carry him so far. Carly Smithsin (whatever) and granny rocker girl are totally overrated and should be kicked off soon. Both are very ugly and terrible performers, and will never sell albums if they win. Don't really know about anyone else in the show, not very memorable. We will see what happens next.
A little surprised about Asiah, but not terribly so. I thought Syesha was more likely to go but for me, after Kady, it was kind of a toss up between Asiah, Syesha, and Kristy.
I was surprised Danny got beat out by Chikeize who is marginal. Danny is lousy but I thought all the teen girls would keep him going. The dark horse here is Kristy Lee Cook. I heard her album this week.....she is fantastic! Much better than we have heard on Idol. Ryan said she was having trouble again this week with her voice. I think (based on what I heard) she could make it down to the top 3 girls.....possibly even win! Watch her.
Kady is just too generic, as is Kristy Lee Cook. I also thought all the teen girls (and certain guys) would keep him in. He's got spunk but not as much talent as some other contestants.I'm rooting for David, Jason, Amanda and Ramiele. I think their the most unique.
Guest said: I live in Hawaii...The only girl I like on the show is Ramiele Malubay and with a decent voice and stunning looks I think she will go far.
~smacking fingers to avoid typing the obvious~
Guest said: Carly Smithsin (whatever) and granny rocker girl are totally overrated and should be kicked off soon. Both are very ugly and terrible performers, and will never sell albums if they win.
Because, of course, ugly girls can't sing. ~rolling eyes~ Last time I checked, Aretha Franklin wasn't anything to look at...
no surprises though i did catch myself holding my breath for amanda. do you think that the final 12 were picked in order of vote getting? that would place cookie at the top.
very funny shenova. slam dunk.
2 that i would like to see go quickly: cheese & yes.
2 that i would like to see go quickly: cheese & yes.
I have to ask...do you not like male soul singer in general, or do you consider Chikeze a bad imitation? Personally, I really miss Luther Vandross and would love to see a great male soul singer emerge.
u know shenova i love me some soul singing. more to the point music helps me survive on any given day. no cheesy for me cause he is an 'act'. how about a little soul from the soul?
I liked Kristy Lee Cook. She is still fighting whatever sickness she has. (red tongue obviously lozengers) and hanging in there. I give her credit. She sounds good, not great YET. I like her stage perfomrances and she is vey good on the eyes. Not only because she is beautiful, but sincere, nice, and not a quitter. Hopefully she is healthy next week and we will see what she is capable of.
Folks -
Chris Sligh was NOT part of Blake’s back-up band on American Idol last night. That was just a joke that Ryan made to Randy. Chris is alive and well, and currently in Florida, on a radio and TV tour promoting his new single, “Empty Me” and upcoming CD, “Running Back To You”, due out May 6th.
Guest said "Chikezie is one of the worst contestants ever, right up there with Sanjaya. " Wow! What show have you been watching? If you don't like the guy, say so, but comparing him to Sanjaya is a stretch isn't it?
Even when she was told she was safe Amanda still didn't smile. I have to agree with some of the posts from yesterday: Maybe she doesn't have any front teeth!!!
No major surprises with who went home; so happy we don't have another really weak person, guy or girl. Don't think Amanda will go very far though.