Well, tonight was probably the worst set of results on American Idol… ever. Favorite contestants were being ejected and forgotten left and right like minor characters from Lost. And guess what? This was pretty easy to see coming. When there are so many contestants of a similar genre and style there will be casualties. Katelyn and Lilly are the latest contestants to be run over by the vote-splitting express train. That’s just politics.
Katelyn Epperly – Poor Katelyn was shown the door on the most painful week. The “I was so close!” week. Unfortunately, when you turn in a pretty plain performance you don’t excite enough people to pick up the phone and vote. Am I going to miss Katelyn’s talent? Yes, of course. Will I miss the eye candy she brought to this show? Yes, but only late at night… mainly on the weekends. I warned her not to get into the “indie cat-fight” and that is exactly what happened.
Todrick Hall – This was probably the only elimination I was truly counting on. Todrick has had two bad weeks and one decent performance. He has had bad press galore and never seemed really comfortable on that stage. So, I never saw him making the finals. There was really nothing Todrick could have done to correct his fate… it’s almost like it was written in stone. But, what I did appreciate was his AWESOME final performance that rocked the Idol stage. Good for him. NAILED IT!
Alex Lambert – Look, I was really sad to see young Lambert depart. Very, very sad. But, if it was between him and Andrew… well, I wanted Andrew. Before you get all upset, kind readers, let me explain why! I couldn’t envision Alex getting his act together fast enough to win this competition while I still think Andrew has a shot of regaining some of his momentum. It was heartbreaking to see America decide that Alex wasn’t quite ready, but that’s the industry.
Lilly Scott – So… this was the worst elimination of the evening. Lilly Scott has worked her heart out week after week and a robotic young girl without one tiny bit of artistic honesty managed to sneak her way onto Lilly’s silver stool. There is no rational person who can say to me, with a straight face, that Katie Stevens had better semi-final performances than Lilly Scott. Perhaps Lilly was a little too weird for the competition, but she deserved another chance on that big stage; it’s a travesty that she won’t get it.
Now that we’ve discussed the eliminated contestants let’s move on and make some snide comments and observations about the rest of the episode…
1. “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” was a pretty entertaining group performance, but I really wanted to see Alex sing this song at some point in the competition.
2. Oh, those awful silver stools are back. Can’t we pad these chairs? I mean, sitting in them is supposed to be a reward, right? Why torture the newly minted finalists?
3. Next week’s theme is The Rolling Stones! So, yeah, no chance of that being a disaster. Awkward…
4. When Ryan asked Randy about consistency with Didi’s performance I nodded my head in approval. After all, Randy knows a lot about consistency; he has consistently given the exact same critiques since the first season. So, listen to Randy, Didi. He is a man who feels absolutely no urge to be inconsistent; ever.
5. Paige’s reaction to getting into the top 12 reminded me of the famous dramatic chipmunk from YouTube.
6. “Tim, Todrick, Casey, and Lee… form a line please.” Now, for an epic game of “Red Light Green Light” to decide who makes the top 12!
7. Todrick Hall’s sing out might have been the best Idol sing out ever.
8. “Tell Her About It” was a cheesefest, but it was great to hear Matt and Scott riff on their pianos. Piano duels are an instant win.
9. What happened to Matt Giraud’s best friend? By best friend… I mean mole.
10. Scott MacIntyre said “It’s good to see you too, Ryan,” and I almost peed myself I was laughing so hard.
11. Crystal… let’s talk about your personality. Your voice is amazing, but we want to see you excited when you make the top 12. You looked way too chill up there tonight and are starting to appear cold.
You top 12 is…
Didi Benami
Siobhan Magnus
Paige Miles
Crystal Bowersox
Lacey Brown
Katie Stevens
Casey James
Tim Urban
Lee Dewyze
Michael Lynche
Aaron Kelly
Andrew Garcia
Later this week I will write my normal analysis of each finalist’s strengths and weaknesses so please be sure and check back soon!
Until next week,
NGH
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Just had to chime in, I thought Crystal looked more ill (like she was going to pass out on stage) than cold. Katelyn had soooo much potential I really thought that she was going to win this thing I really did! Lilly was such an entertaining and good performer, I really don’t understand how you vote America! And Tim over Alex and Todrick? Really?
You’re kidding about Crystal right? There was nothing chill about her.. she was crying.
I was heartened to see the emotion.
The last two seasons had entirely much better top twelves. American Idol is going downhill this season. With Simon leaving when the season is over and Kara being utterly annoying right now, I’m starting to feel I might stop watching this show after this season. VFTW might just be to blame.
I was also surprised that Lilly went and Katie stayed but I was also surprised that Paige is still in. I don’t think she should have even made the semi-finals. Lastly I think Siobhan should go b/c she is just too weird.
Look;
Stop blaming VFTW for the cluster that this season has becpome. The PRODUCERS picked these people for the Top 24. The PRODUCERS have sway over who gets into the Top 12. Votes only count for so much. You have to take into account iTunes, sponsor sign-offs, Sony and the Producers. Remember the enlightened words of Nigel Lythgoe: “I am the Producer of this show, and even if everyone says “Yes” and I say “No!” that is the end of it.” Ken Warwick said “No” to Alex, Todrick, Lilly and Katelyn. That is the end of it.
Wow. I just finished watching. That was TRULY awful. ALL of the people gone tonight deserved to be in the top twelve. I just kept hoping it was really going to be a 13…
Also, Crystal seemed like she was crying just as much as I was when Lilly was voted off… I am hoping for some sort of Paige scandal and Lilly getting in.. I really really dislike Paige and do not understand why she is in the top 12. Oh right Katie too. Uch, Katie was really awful this week…
Why are there so many Katie haters???
I knew she was going to make the top 12! She can sing!! She’s choosing songs that are too old for her but she can sing!
I won’t say she can’t sing, but the song choices are crucial too in this competition. And she even made Breakaway sounded like a 60s’ song… Maybe she just can’t sing contemporary songs…
RE: Crystal – it had nothing to do with a cold personality or not showing excitement. I’m surprised that you missed the news that she was in the hospital last week – was all over the Internet. I am diabetic also and I could see it in her face tonight (pale, unsmiling, unsteady, dizzy, etc.) It was also the reason she sat on her amplifier right after her performance last night to hear the judges’ comments (hint – so she wouldn’t fall down). She caught flack from the same amateur Internet critics about that also.
If you are going to criticize a contestant because of her illness, at least act like you know what you are talking about.
tim urban has been bad every single week… this week he chose the safest song in the history of idol since every time someone sings it they move on that week. it’s impossible to not have a “moment” when you sing that song but he came as close as i’ve ever seen on idol to someone ruining that song. he just doesn’t have a very good voice and alex lambert may not have been ready emotionally but he was in the top 3 for the guys on vocal talent and based on his past 2 weeks he should have made it easily into the next round, the problem is that the judges focused solely on his nervousness rather than ignoring it and talking about his amazing voice which is what he deserved at the very least. imo alex going home was a worse choice than lilly going home since i saw her getting annoying really fast.
THE LILLY ELIMINATION IS TOTALLY UNSURPRISING:
People often forget the demographic that watches this show. Indie and Rock performers always struggle down the line because that audience is small compared to the tweeners and pop fans.
Face it, how many huge indie or rock fans do you know that would confess to watching Idol? That’s why Daughtry got bumped but has sold so many records. His fans buy albums but don’t watch Idol. That’s why Hick’s career has been a flop. His fans watch Idol but don’t buy records.
The rock and indie fans who do watch Idol probably don’t power-vote for hours like a 15 year old female pop-fan does. One fan like that can cancel out 100 rock/indie fans come voting time.
Lilly was great, but she was splitting a small piece of the pie with Crystal who is better. Katie was getting the young teenage girl vote as she is their representative. That’s the biggest block that votes on this show. Another reason ab man is still around.
So bummer? Yes. Unfair? Yes. Surprising? No.
Couldn’t have been stated better. There are so many idiots posting garbage about Crystal it makes me sick!
I *was* wondering if Crystal sitting on the amp was because she’s still unwell. But if she’s not well enough to stand up for 6 or 7 minutes straight, how can she win this competition? How can she tour? I’m not being snarky– I’ll be really upset if she has to drop out. But part of me thinks she just won’t be able to go the distance.
I’m reading… It’s all good… Casey and Didi for the final i think, have Casey at +1200, +1400 & +900 and Didi at +3400, +3100, +2800, +2600, +1750, +1700 and a chunk at +1600. Crystal Bowersox is fantastic sure, but she won’t stay the course
Let’s see what happens!!! – A question for you – what do you mean by TIP do you mean gambling tip?
Looked to me like Crystal is not feeling well at all. I think she is going to have a tough time making it to the end. Too bad, she is probably the best. Lily leaving (that shows how dumb the voters are)? Paige staying? Alex going? Ellen hugging? Kara crying? VFTW? The show is a joke. Its not the talent anymore, its the following. They need a show that has professional judges and leave America out of it. Its a singing show not a popularity contest.
While getting diabetes under control, a person can become fatiqued quickly. The seat(box) on stage was probably for that reason. If what ails Crystal is her diabetes, once back under control she should be fine, which is undoubtedly why she is still in the competition. Several have had colds over the last few weeks, possibly she is mildly ill . She did look a tad pale. Or, what I surmise, Crystal is a tad under the weather and then having to do her best to control her emotions on the stage (harder to do when not feeling well). Crystal, Katelyn, and Lilly became good friends since Hollywood rounds. Crystal looked ticked to me. The way she reacted to Paige sitting beside her spoke of disapproval, and then again to Katie. She didn’t seem all that warm to Siobhan either. While Lilly was singing Crystal made a hand jesture seemingly to Katelyn, like “don’t get this one.” I agree with her, I don’t get the Katelyn instead of Paige or Lilly instead of Katie either. But, it is what it is and like Crystal we all move on.
You think Siobhan should go because she is “weird”? That is ridiculous. Grow up.
Really, all upset over Lilly? American Idol, like it or not, is more than just a talent show. The people (mainly kids) that take the time and effort to vote, want to vote for someone they like. And, Lilly was just not likable. She was smug and aloof, and her closing remarks that basically insulted her fellow contestants, were confirmation she didn’t need to be going on in this competition. And, while she’s talented, I know lots of very talented singers — she’s not all the unique. Her style is everywhere now adays. And, that last performance of Patsy Cline was absymal. The judges had to have known that and they glossed over it pimping her in an effort to keep her.
Finally, she didn’t lose to Katie. She lost out to all the 6 girls. Pitting them at the end was for dramatic effect, not to say who were the closest in votes. For all any of you know, Katie — with her relatable teen audience — could have been the top vote getter among the girls!
Please listen to Lily over again. Her perfomance of I Fall To Pieces was awful. She missed more notes than she hit. People were judging her image over her substance. Her vocals were sub-par. The only mitigating factor for a poor voice on AI is to be physically attractive. She didn’t have that either.
I read the posts and appreciate your insight. A lot of times I lurk and don’t comment.
I was VERY surprised by last night. Especially Lilly and Katelyn. Alex has a pleasant voice. Todrick was meh, but he deserved a spot over Aaron and Tim imo. Will be a weird season, that’s for sure.
You’re mostly correct here, Bill, but I think that you’re a little off with your assertion that tween girls make up the dominant “Idol” voting bloc. That might have been the case a few years ago, but I think things have become a bit more complicated now. If that was- indeed, the case- then David Archuleta would have beaten David Cook two years ago. I honestly think that the total “Idol” audience is a bit more diverse than you think it is, with middle-aged women playing almost as big a role as their tween daughters do. No offense, but if you think that the “Soul Patrol” was mostly composed of tween girls, then you’re kidding yourself.
The reason Lilly came up short last night was due to her failure to attract ANY voting bloc of the “Idol” audience. Part of this was due to the fact that, of any performer in the cast this season, Lilly was the only true “indie-style” singer. I’ve heard the term “indie” tossed around a lot this season, but I really don’t think it applied to anyone with the exception of Lilly. Crystal is a retro-styled folk-rocker, Didi and Lacey are contemporary singer-songrwiters, and Katelyn and Siobhan- while certainly quirky- are more traditional pop-rock singers (more than anyone, Siobhan reminds me of Sinead O’Connor, and- no- it’s not just because of her Celtic first name). Bill is spot-on here with his assertion that most indie rock fans don’t watch “Idol” (trust me, I live in a hipster commune, I know), which put Lilly in a difficult position to begin with. Unfortunately, she also failed to attract many fans from many of the other voting blocs with her oddball song choices, which went over the heads of the relatively conservative, mainstream audience. That, more than anything, is why Lilly went home last night.
I doubt Lilly would have won, anyway. She was starting to seem more like Megan Joy every week. No diversity at all. Why would you ever sing a Patsy Cline song like that? It doesn’t work. Period.
After 9 years, contestants should know they need to mix it up. Those who do well tend to introduce more variety into their performances instead of trying to shove one style down fans’ throats on a weekly basis. And Lilly’s style isn’t even a popular style, so that’s a Double Whammy.
Now, I personally think Lilly deserved to make it at least a few more weeks. But she just had a poor strategy.