Reviews, Television
Mar 23, 2013

AMERICAN IDOL, TOP 9 ELIMINATION RESULTS

Tonight’s results show opens up with a “Godfather like”, scene where Jimmy Iovine threatens the audio engineer’s job when he can’t hear Janelle Arthur singing in the studio. Making a point, Jimmy tells the engineer that he has fired over 100 assistants over a three year period. Wow!!! The segment ends with Jimmy shouting out to the producers “Put that on your f&%$ing show”. Very funny!!! Let’s get to the results, last night’s performance show was another strong night for the women.

The men have been really struggling and it is a toss-up in my mind on who is going home tonight. Based on their performances it should be either Paul Jolley or Lazaro Arbos. Let’s see what the American Idol voters think. Ryan Seacrest announces that Paul Jolley is in the “Bottom3”. No surprise here. Paul’s performances the last two weeks have been less than stellar. For the second week in a row Devin Velez is also in the “Bottom 3”. While his performance of “Long and Winding Road,” was significantly better than his previous week’s performance, the competition is really strong and he is definitely in the bottom half of the competition. With one more spot left in the “Bottom 3”, that spot goes to Amber Holcomb. You have got to be kidding me! While I didn’t think her performance would put her in the “Top 3”, like Jimmy Iovine said, she definitely didn’t belong in the “Bottom 3.” That spot clearly belonged to Lazaro. Someone needs to remind the voters that this is a singing competition and not a popularity contest.

Paul now has to sing for his life. Continuing a trend, Paul sings a disappointing version of Heart’s “Alone”. With that performance he has absolutely no chance for a judge’s save. Ryan Seacrest asks the judges if they will use their save and Randy Jackson says “Unfortunately, Ryan, it’s not unanimous, no.” He then thanks Paul and wishes him good luck in the future. While putting Amber in the “Bottom3”, was a definite voting mistake, they got it right when they sent Paul home. The eight remaining contestants are: Kree Harrison, Angie Miller, Candace Glover, Janelle Arthur, Amber Holcomb, Burnell Taylor, Lazaro Arbos, and Devin Velez.

In my opinion, Kree Harrison, Angie Miller and Candace Glover have to be considered the “Top 3”, contestants and the favorites for the American Idol crown. I believe that Amber Holcomb and Janelle Arthur still have a chance, but they will both need to string together some really good performances to present a challenge. Burnell Taylor, Devin Velez, and Lazaro Arbos are in big trouble and their flames will be extinguished in the coming weeks. Oh sorry, that’s Survivor!!! Either way they will be gone soon.

American Idol Odds and Ends

• Looking beautiful and all grown up Jessica Sanchez and Neo sang their new single “Tonight.” Since finishing second to Phil Phillips, Jessica has had a successful solo tour, appeared on Glee, has been featured on multiple magazine covers and is now releasing her new album titled “Me, You and the Music.”

• Casey Abrams returned to the Idol stage with a bluesy version of the Beatles. “I Saw Her Standing There.” I love Casey and the crowd appeared to enjoy the performance.

• For the second time I am looking for both Devin and Lazaro in the bottom of fan voting next week.

• I really like the way that they are featuring Jimmy Iovine on the show this year. His performance recaps have been really good and in most cases right on target.

• The theme for next week’s performance show will be Detroit, “The Music of the Motor City.”

• Season 11 contestant Colton Dixon will perform on next week’s show.