Okay, so we have finally arrived. “American Idol” last night reached the Top 24, meaning it’s now in America’s hands to vote and out of the hands, mostly, of judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. That, of course, is good news for J-Lo, who had an extremely difficult time, and started crying as the episode ended Wednesday night, saying, “I don’t know if I can do this….” Well, that was a short cry that the producers made a bigger deal out of. She got it together in the first 30 seconds of last night’s episode, and the judges had those contestants march down a mile-long hallway one by one to learn their fate.
First up, the bubbly J-Lo wannabe, Karen Rodriguez, and she was the first one through, due in large part to her “connection” with J-Lo. Next was 17 year old Robbie Rosen, who would learn his fate from Tyler, who is horrible at delivering good news! Anyway, Robbie was in, and that’s good for America, because this kid is really awesome. Next was Tatanyisha Wilson, who was a yes. Then two people I never remember seeing sing were eliminated. Okay.
Next up, Tim Halperin and Julie Zorrilla, who sang an amazing Beatles duet in Vegas, and they both made it. Then Scott McCreery and John Wayne Schulz, the two male country singers in this thing–Scotty made it and John didn’t, on the strength of Scotty’s amazing final performance. I’ve been a moderate fan until now, but this kid really is something special. Then came Govanni, the Marc Anthony clone, and well, of course he made it! Lauren Turner was next and I don’t remember her from before, but I remember her after seeing her sing last night. Wow. Taiwan Strong and Erin Kelly were sent home, but I don’t remember much about her. Did the producers do that on purpose? Rachel Zevita, who has auditioned the last few years but didn’t advance to the live TV round, made it this time. She is very strange but indeed talented.
Then came some rapid fire good news–Kendra Chantelle, Jordan Dorsey, Lauren Alaina (my pick for winning it all right now), and Stefano Langone. Jackie Wilson from Nashville was sent home, but not before putting up a futile fight. I liked Jackie, but at this point it was a numbers game. Then more good news–Jacob Lusk, Mrs. Mike’s favorite; Pia Toscano; James Durbin, the dude who lost his rocker dad at 9 and has Tourette’s Syndrome; Casey Abrams, the eccentric harmonica dude who is sort of like a way more talented Taylor Hicks.
Then they brought in the final two girls, Thia and Jessica–and 15 year old Thia made it. Jessica was pissed, and I don’t really blame her. She is damn good and Thia is 15. It’s like the producers wanted a 15 year old in just to show they were right in reducing the audition age. Then the last three guys were marched in, with one spot remaining in the Top 24–Jacee, Brett, and Colton. Of the three, Colton was WAY more talented than the other two. But it was Brett they let through, maybe to show America that you can’t bully a kid forever.
So here is a press release from Fox about the Top 24.
So who do you like, America? I like Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, Robbie Rosen, Tim Halperin, Julie Zorrilla, Paul McDonald and Haley Reinhart. That’s off the top of my head–it sure changes once they have to sing live for the nation. Yikes. The guys sing for us Tuesday, the ladies Wednesday, and then a TWO HOUR results show on Thursday. Get committed, folks…and I’ll see you back here next week…..
