American Idol took a weird turn with its results show Thursday night. Based on the voting Tuesday and Wednesday night, ten of the top 24 contestants were placed into the top 10. The remaining fourteen contestants were put into a wildcard round. The judges then selected six of the 14 for a final sing-off. From that, two contestants more were chosen. In two hours, the number of contestants was cut in half.
First chosen in the top 10 was Scotty, a young country singer with a a beautiful low voice. Lauren Alaina (who would have thought there would be two contestants named Lauren?), another of the youngsters who has a really big voice, and Pia, who had the judges on their feet last night, joined him. Also making it was Karen, who sang one of my favorite songs, Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” in both English and Spanish.
Church singer Jacob was the next guy in the top 10. Seriously, the guy can blow. The best musician in the competition, Casey, also made it through. Thia, one of the 15-year-olds in the competition, who also sang one of my favorite songs, “Out Here On My Own,” made it. Quirky singer Paul, who did a Rod Stewart number, made it as well.
Haley rounded out the top five females, although she wouldn’t have been my pick. Rocker James finished it out for the guys.
First up to sing in the wildcard round was Ashton. She chose to sing Jennifer Hudson’s “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going.” Not my favorite song.
Stefano sang a song that I wasn’t familiar with, “I Need You Now” by Smokey Norful. It was absolutely awesome.
Next chosen was Kendra, who sang “Georgia on My Mind.” Song started out too low for her but the ending was really good.
Jovany chose Jon Secada’s “Angel.” It was just OK.
The last female to be given a shot was Naima. She took on Donny Hathaway’s “For All We Know.” She just nailed it.
The last male given a second shot was Robbie. He sang “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” by Elton John. He went for it and did a really good job.
My choices would be Stefano and Naima, but only because Robbie is young enough to come back again. The judges didn’t quite agree, although they chose three rather than two. They picked Ashton, Stefano and Naima.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 