American Idol 10: Finale Results Show

Sure, the announcement of Scotty McCreery as the winner was a bit anti-climatic just because it wasn't as shocking as say, Kris Allen winning over Adam Lambert. Heck, I even saw this one coming 12 weeks ago - even with Lauren Alaina as his runner-up! Yes, I like to brag like that. HAHA.

That being said, American Idol Season 10 ended strong with - what I consider - one of it's BEST Finale nights EVER! Which, to me, is kind of ironic because the Final 2 Performance Show prior to this was possibly one of the weakest on American Idol! Extremely entertaining, musical diversity, great amount of comedic skits and beautiful sets.

But of course, let's not take away the fact that this was also a GREAT season!! There was good television especially when the eliminations didn’t go as they should have and the set of finalists this year are very diverse, which made thing more interesting. As for the the judges, they need some work, but I expect that to be addressed soon. In the end, this season was exactly what American Idol needed to stay alive after Simon Cowell’s departure.

Now, for Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. I honestly think that they both can do very well in the country genre. I mean, Carrie Underwood proved the power of country music, as she is obviously the most successful American Idol to date. Somehow, I can really see Scotty as one of the most successful - and marketable - male winners on American Idol. Just saying.

Anyway, thanks to all my readers for a great season! We’ll do it all again next year!

Results after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• 122 million votes! Hmm.. They were down in ratings last night, but improved on the number of votes? Very interesting.
• I miss this Top 13! I actually liked everyone in the Top 13 at some point or another.
• Fun opening performance, but didn't they perform Born This Way a couple of weeks ago? Haha.
• James Durbin performs with Judas Priest! Give metal a chance! 
• Wait, why is Durbin in gay biker leathers? 
• Did I hear that right? Esteemed panel of judges? Worked so hard all season? Did I miss something? 
• Oh dear, Randy Jackson montage! DO. NOT. LIKE.  
• Well, that video package sums up how terrible Randy is as a judge. Haha. 
• Jacob Lusk, Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight are going to the church!  
• I admit, I'm liking this so much more than ANY Jacob performance. 
• It's Casey Abrams-Jack Black showdown! Haha. Fat Bottomed Girl!
• The Girls are singing Single Ladies and Irreplaceable!!
• I just love Thia Megia's tone on Irreplaceable. Plus,she has excellent rhythm. She should've waited a couple of years.
• Haley Reinhart, I love you!
• I always thought Ashthon Jones has the same tone as Beyonce. 
• This proves my point that Pia Toscano can be modern and not just the usual balladeer!
• Here comes Beyonce Knowles! She's gorgeous.
• I bet Jennifer Lopez wants to stab Beyonce on stage now! HAHA.
• That Steven Tyler montage is hysterical! I've forgotten how hilarious Steven was.
• Tony Bennett and Haley Reinhart. Wow! They sound phenomenal together if a bit boring.
• Jennifer Lopez's montage. That is all.
• The Girls with TLC - well, technically TC! This is so random.
• I love how Lil John drop in for 10 seconds. Your point of being there is what?
• Scotty McCreery with Tim McGraw! Live Like You Were Dying! This is really good. Scotty shines on country ballad.
• Break time! I must say, This is a great Finale so far - after the travesty last night.
• Holy crap! These auditions are just annoying.  
• "Shut up, Briana" HAHA
• Mark Anthony is on stage and I can't see Jennifer Lopez sitting on the panel. 
• And there goes Jennifer Lopez! Will you try to outperform Beyonce from earlier? Not going to happen.
• Anyway, I'm tired of Jennifer Lopez pimping herself. That slot could've been given to one of the finalists or LEE DEWYZE!
• OMG! That "elimination package" was the funniest thing! Casey and James are arguing who's got the REAL shocking elimination! Then Pia Toscano arrives with a sash and tiara! HAHAHAHA. CAN'T. EVEN.
• Self-deprecating humor FTW!
• What is this hot mess? Oh, the boys with Tom Jones. Why?
• Fine, Stefano Langone, at the very least, sounds great doing a Prince song.  
• I wonder though why is Scotty with the boys, but Lauren wasn't with the girls earlier? 
• See! Usually the reigning champ gives the Ford car keys to the Final 2. What happened? Boo!
• Lady Gaga time! 
• Ok. So I see that she's going for a minotaur look tonight. Haha.
• I don't think I've EVER seen Gaga wear something normal. 
• Lauren Alaina is singing Carrie Underwood's Before He Cheats! Yes, I suspect Carrie to pop out soon!  
• Carrie Underwood's LEGS! Enough said.
• Amazing to see how much more comfortable Carrie is onstage compared to when she was on American Idol.
• Two 6th graders? School children? American Juniors? That clip is too funny! 
• Beyonce is back! And yes, she pwns them all. Can she be the American Idol this year?
• Bono and The Edge! Wait, where's Haley Reinhart's single? I guess that's not happening.
• STEVEN TYLER with Dream On!!!
• Show Danny Gokey how it's done, Mr. Tyler! 
• This is it!!
• And yes, the KRISTY LEE COOK prophecy is now complete!

AMERICAN IDOL 10 WINNER IS..

SCOTTY McCREERY!!

American Idol 10: Top 3 Results Show

Haley Reinhart. 17 Performances. 4 Standing Ovations. 4 Bottom 3 Appearances. 2 Unjustly Criticized Numbers. Yes, Haley fought hard and she fought good - very good actually! You see, I hated Haley when she entered the Top 24 of this season. I remember that I ranked her dead last after the show revealed the Top 24. Then, when she (shockingly) made it into the Final 13, I even ranked her as the second one to go home. But something happened along the way that people who weren't initially a fan of our Lady Reinhart switched over to her - including me! She became the underdog that NO ONE saw coming. I've never seen a more dramatic growth arc in a contestant in American Idol history!! Plus, I don't remember any American Idol contestant gaining that much steam so late in the competition. She had a HUGE surge of momentum in the past couple of weeks that I honestly saw her as a legitimate successor of Lee DeWyze. Sadly, it all ended tonight. Somehow though, I like that she went home on a night with a stellar performance on the Led Zeppelin song, a classy moment with her Dad ripping on the guitar, her free and breezy style and unaffected confidence, and, of course, the judges not slamming her unfairly for once!

Now, if America likes Scotty McCreery so much and the (unfulfilled) promise of Lauren Alaina, let's punish them and give them an All-Country Snoozefest Finale! No drama, same style of singing, no moments and no risks taken. I'd also get to dole out a huge portion of the snarky "I told you so!". Haha. Truth be told, I wasn't on the anti-country Finale until last night. Even if they sang well, it was all safe and uninspired! How can they be so likable and yet put me to sleep all the time? Oh, and these two contestants who have not had ONE standout performance between the two of them are in the Finale? I. CAN'T. WAIT. :\

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• 95 million votes! The third highest on American Idol history! That includes online votes, so whatever.
• Yay! Filler time! My favorite part of the show.. NOT!
• I just love watching people watching a movie.. NOT!
• Dakota Fanning’s little sister is gorgeous. Not trying to be creepy.
• Haley's homecoming is getting a really good edit. 
• Wait, doesn’t the third placer usually get shown first? The show likes to save the final two hometown visits for last. Am I right? Or maybe not. Oh no.
• WTF is this? Really? Il Volo? HAHA.
• These guys are like the Italian Opera version of the Jonas Brothers. 
• Best WTF! Random musical moment. Blech!
• Happy edit for Scotty McCreery's homecoming!
• Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent. Next!
• Somehow, I think Lauren’s homecoming edit is beautiful.
• Gawd. Lauren’s mom is your run-of-the-mill stage mom! HAHA.
• Haley's going home? Did this foolishness really happen?
• It will be funny if the show get less votes next week. We’ll know if they don’t announce the numbers.

ELIMINATED

Haley Reinhart

TOP 2

Scotty McCreery
Lauren Alaina


DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

American Idol 10: Top 4 Results Show

James Durbin. Yes, I called it! In a night of hostility and vote saving, with now a clear front runner in tact in Scotty McCreery, James was bound to get screwed. True, he makes good TV with his theatrics and whatnot, but he's an inconsistent vocalist - he couldn't stay on pitch to save his life - and the judges NEVER criticized him for that. As I've said, most people can see the blatant bias towards James and America may be slow sometimes, but they aren’t stupid. That being said, I think James will be just fine. His sing out was gut wrenchingly sad, his story painted him in a hugely sympathetic light, and he's now an "unfair shock boot" a la Pia Toscano. Plus, he has now a fighting chance of getting signed by Jimmy Iovine. He has tremendous sympathy for hi, now that I think he wouldn't have had before. So, it is what it is.

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• 72 million votes! Highest number votes for a Top 4 week EVER! 
• So, let’s show the bussing of Haley again, because we all missed it so clearly last night. Great! Haha.
• Oh dear. James and Scotty together. Just no.
• I can't take this anymore! James and Scotty tenderly approaching each other is too much.
• This proves once again that James Durbin has no lower register! 
• One thing's for sure, Haley and Lauren can’t do worse than that.
• Wow. The girls just demolished the boys! Yes, Lauren and Haley would actually make a fantastic Finale. Don't you think?
• But wait, both duets are country song. Hmm. Can you make it any less obvious who you want as final two, producers?
• Haley’s Windows package consisted of Hi and Bye, while everyone else gets a conversation or two. Haha. Seriously? 
• Lauren is safe? James or Haley is toast!
• Is this really the Gaga performance? A rerun of the HBO special? Oh well.
• Not a fan of Enrique Iglesias' performance. Even an autotune couldn’t elevate Enrique to anything above mediocre. Blech!
• Jordin Sparks is a murderer! She killed it! 
• This is like the 2nd era that they unveiled the newer, fiercer Jordin Sparks on American Idol debuting her new single. Her stage moves are solid!
• Too many fillers! Now, it's Steven Tyler's music video! Zzzz..
• HOLY CRAP! Haley did it!! Top 3, baby!!
• WOW. James Durbin just got Daughtry’d, but Haley just got Reinharted into next week! Haha.
• One last thing to say: If Randy will pick the song for Haley next week, I have not doubt it will be Rebecca Black's Friday or The Alphabet Song and she’s going to growl that QRS part and Randy’s going to be all “Yo dawg, what’s the matter with you for me for you I want you dead”, and Haley’s going to come back with Jar Of Hearts and Randy will say “YO DAWG I WANTED YOU TO DIE SO YOU COULD BE REBORN AS SOME SORT OF COOL SINGING ANGEL, DAWG YOU’RE IN IT TO WIN IT!” Haha. It's silly.

ELIMINATED
James Durbin

TOP 3

Lauren Alaina

Haley Reinhart

Scotty McCreery

DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

The poll I created was gone! Blogger removed it, I guess. But I remember that the results were the closest ever on this blog, with James Durbin having the lowest number of votes. Interesting no?

American Idol 10: Top 5 Results Show

Jacob Lusk. So, America finally had the courage to look at themselves in the mirror. Thank you!! Yes, it was a little over a month too late, but I'll take it. To be fair, I enjoyed a couple of Jacob's performances. I thought some of them, especially his version of A House Is Not A Home, were stellar. But when he decided it was in his best interest to scream at me, I just couldn't take it all in. There were moments where he was so busy auditioning his voice for Cirque du Soleil Acrobatics that he made every note in some of his performances unrecognizable. I can't deny that Jacob is definitely talented, but a little refinement on his vocal choices would've been a smart move on his part. Good riddance, Jacob!

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• Over 60 million votes! Is this a record at this stage of the competition?
• This group number is pitchy as hell - that might just make Jennifer Lopez sound good later! HAHA.
• Wait, Haley’s voice was heavily featured on that one. Sign that she’s on the chopping block?
• Or precisely the opposite?
• Hell’s Kitchen Idol is stupid. Umm, yeah, the next American Idol should be a great cook as well! David Cook anyone? Haha. Lame!
• Look! American Idol reject, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum is back on the show. Haha. Take that, American Idol!
• Hold up, this song is actually a snoozer. Zzzz..
• Oh no! As per Ryan Seacrest, "You might be surprised!". Does this mean Jacob Lusk is, yet again, safe??
• THEY'RE DOING THE HUFF AGAIN THIS YEAR!
• FYI: The Huff is named after George Huff, the first contestant forced to choose between two groups. It’s something the producers use at least once every season to create drama.
• Lambada with beats!! I'm not going to lie, this Jennifer Lopez song is fun! 
• So Scotty is The Huff!
• Wow. Lauren is on the verge of cracking under the stress of the show. She really should have waited before doing this. She hasn’t toughened up one bit.
• Before anything else, I can't believe it actually happened! HALEY! TOP 4!
• Interesting fact: This is the first Final 4 since Season 6 to have at least 2 women. How crazy is that?
• Jacob's sing out? I can live without that! Thanks.

ELIMINATED

Jacob Lusk

(apparently, some people can't figure out how I wrote it. Haha)

GROUP 1 SAFE

James Durbin
Haley Reinhart

GROUP 2 BOTTOM 2

Lauren Alaina safe
Jacob Lusk

THE HUFF

Scotty McCreery


DAM NATION's POLL RESULT
 

American Idol 10: Top 6 Results Show

Casey Abrams. Well, this is a more respectable finish for him than 11th right? I admit, I've been a fan of Casey since his audition and I actually think that he's one of the most creative, talented and interesting contestants on the show this year. However, when the live show started, his antics became a bit too much that somehow made me like him a little less than before. Yes, I hated how he growled all the time. Once was fine as a nod to old style, but it went a little too much for my liking. He got the judges' save, and I knew then that he's just basically on borrowed time. But as much as I think that he doesn't stand a chance of winning the competition, he obviously brought interests to the show and I would be an idiot to lie to any of you to say that I will not miss him. He left such an imprint on this show and I wish him luck.

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

•  OMG! Did I just hear Ryan Seacrest say that a lot of people will get disappointed with the result? So Jacob and Haley are safe??? 
• This group number is both entertaining and possibly the worst thing I’ve ever heard at the same time. Haha.
• But wait, that also convinced me that the girls are way better singers. Yes, NONE of the guys can harmonize!
• Welcome back, Crystal Bowersox!
• She looks and sounds great! Too bad I don’t like this song. 
• Taylor Hicks snark! You're such a douche Ryan Seacrest. Haha.
• Intermission: Siobhan Magnus and Anoop Desai got pimp spot during Top 6 and they both got eliminated. If it happens again that would be funny. Just saying.
• Hmmm.. It really sounds like there will be no Bottom 3 tonight. Are they trying to protect some people who dropped into it?
•  Wait, what is Ryan Seacrest doing?
• “Casey is a great musician, will go on to be a great singer/songwriter. The family dog does not vote!” Haha. Possibly Jimmy Iovine's wittiest line EVER!
• Wait what? 2 girls in this year's Top 5? Happy dance!! It's been a while. 
• Bruno Mars!! That's all. 
• So this is all random, but they made Scotty stand there with Casey? They probably allude to Scotty being in the Bottom 3, so that his fans will now obsessively vote for him to win.
• Jacob Lusk, you are... Haha. I'll shut up. Haters going to hate.  
• Amazing Top 13. Weak Top 5. Agree?

ELIMINATED

Casey Abrams

SAFE

Haley Reinhart
James Durbin
Lauren Alaina
Jacob Lusk
Scotty McCreery

American Idol 10: Top 7 Results Show

Stefano Langone. I really think Stefano has the makings of a good and credible pop star. Heck, I was really hoping he would be the contemporary RnB guy American Idol needed in the beginning of the season. Sadly, he's possibly one of the most inconsistent performers of Season 10. I mean, after his stunning rendition of I Need You Now and If You Don't Know Me By Now, Stefano's performances went downhill. Sure, he managed to give decent-to-good numbers in the last two weeks, but a trip to the Bottom 2 several times didn't help his campaign to be the successor of Lee DeWyze. It was a good run though.

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• I'm in love with the dramatic intros this year. Very nice.
• 52 million votes! I guess, they’ve stabilized the votes over 50 million.
• You know what? I actually like the Jacob, Lauren, Haley and Stefano combo. Their voices couldn't be anymore different, but they found a song that fits those four voices. 
• I can say the same thing for James, Casey and Scotty though. What is it?
• Well, the choreography is cracking me up at least. Haha. Look how James really commits to these group numbers. 
• No Huff this season apparently. Sad.
• DAVID COOK!!!
• What is happening? David's vocal was uncharacteristically rough tonight. He looks good though.
• I got the Bottom 3 right! Wow.
• That was torturous for Haley. Haha.
• Katy Perry actually sounds pretty good for once. 
• Frankly, Stefano's sing out is one of the best this season. Just saying.

BOTTOM 3

Jacob Lusk safe
Stefano Langone
Haley Reinhart safe

SAFE

Casey Abrams
Lauren Alaina
James Durbin
Scotty McCreery

DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

  

Oh, and I have a little treat for everyone!
Again, thanks Jenn for this!! :)

DOWNLOAD RESULTS SHOW PERFORMANCES:

Jacob, Lauren, Haley and Stefano: Hey, Soul Sister

Casey, James and Scotty: Viva La Vida

Stefano: Lately

 

American Idol 10: Top 8 Results Show

Paul McDonald. For someone who has had vocal issues since the beginning of the show, Paul has lasted longer than I thought would be possible. No, I don't hate the guy, I just think that he has the weakest voice compared to the others. I'm all for quirky and understated vocals - Jason Castro, for example - but Paul, to me, just doesn't cut it. He's a fun and entertaining guy and that's just about it for me. If he's really much better than this with his band, at least he's gotten them exposure and Paul will probably make a great deal out of this publicity. All in all, we lost one male genitalia tonight, but the nuts of wonder are still intact! Go figure.

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• 53 million votes!
• So, they're doing duets/trios again this week instead of my weekly guilty pleasure, the dreaded group numbers!
• I want a Jacob and Scotty duet! HAHA. American Idol, make it happen please!
• Hmm.. Are the producers trying to tell us something by pairing Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery AGAIN?
• Well, Lauren did all the heavy lifting on that duet. Scotty worked the eyebrows better than his microphone. Just saying.
• The funny - or sad? - thing about American Idol is that the contestants only sing current songs for their duets and Ford commercials. 
• OMG! Casey and Haley killed their duet! Sung really well, with some scintillating scat! Amazing!
• I actually really like the Rob Reiner segment. Oh, and From Justin To Kelly is a classic. Haha.
• I love Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean's duet. THAT is good country music, that right there.
• Kelly’s comment to Seacrest is hysterical! Why cant Idol produce caliber winners like that?
• Ok. So, the boys started out a mess, pulled it together and sounded great, then kind of nearly fell apart again. Why am I not surprised? 
• Jacob you shouldn't be with that group of guys! Aren't you looking into the mirror lately? 
• Wow. Pia Toscano is in the audience, next to Didi Benami. The two people I predicted to win their respective seasons. Haha. One ended up 10th, the other 9th. I'm so good at this no? 
• Ashthon Jones dyed her hair red and grew a forehead! Oh wait, that's Rihanna!
• To be fair, I think this is possibly one of Rihanna's best songs EVER!
• Bye Paul! Fun sing off! He sounds croaky as hell but fun.

BOTTOM 3

Haley Reinhart safe
Stefano Langone safe
Paul McDonald

SAFE

Scotty McCreery
Lauren Alaina
Casey Abrams
James Durbin
Jacob Lusk

DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

Oh, and I have a little treat for everyone!
Thanks Jenn for this!! :)

DOWNLOAD RESULTS SHOW PERFORMANCES:

Scotty and Lauren: American Honey

Haley and Casey: Moaning

Paul, James, Jacob and Stefano: Sounds of Silence/Mrs. Robinson

American Idol 10: Top 9 Results Show

Pia Toscano. So fcuking wrong!! I can't believe I'm doing a write up about you this early!! I can't complain that much just because I don't vote (I can't actually), but how much does it suck that American Idol voters these days seem to never vote for women? I didn't believe it before, but I do now. I guess, if you can sing like that and look like a total hottie, women will hate you and see to it that they get you out of the way. Or here's another theory, Pia is so tan that America thought she was a female of minority, and as such, got voted off. Oh wait, she's Italian! I don't know. Once upon a time, I survived Jennifer Hudson's eight-place finish, Alex Lambert's premature boot, and yes even Daughtry's untimely elimination. But this? Personally, this abysmal voting result tonight stung so badly.

Recap after the jump!

Am not even going to write the usual recap because I'm obviously still in shock right now, but here's I want to say about the show: Constantine Maroulis sucked and Iggy Pop was just pure strange. That's all.

Also, Ryan’s begging America to “stay with us this season, we need you”. Umm, yes, I feel like ratings will continue to slide. A lot of casual viewers I know loved Pia. Most guy viewers I know loved Pia. So, it is what it is. I'm out.

BOTTOM 3

Stefano Langone safe
Pia Toscano WTF!
Jacob Lusk safe

SAFE

Lauren Alaina

Casey Abrams
Scotty McCreery
Paul McDonald
James Durbin
Haley Reinhart

DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

American Idol 10: Top 11 Results Show

Casey Abrams. Who knew I'll be writing something about you this early? Sure, Casey needed a wake up call as he had been slightly disappointing the past few weeks, but don't you think this was a bit harsh, America? Haha. I guess, Casey got too caught up in it all and wasn’t focusing as much on having good vocal performances that's why America sent him a message - a harsh message! Unfortunately, at this point, I would think that Casey is pretty much out of the running to win this thing. I just can’t remember when a favorite faltered so early in the competition - maybe Andrew Garcia? I always thought that Casey has one of the strongest fan bases this season - regardless of his performance - but he almost got sent home for being, arguably, forgettable. Sigh. I must say though, this will make the rest of the season more interesting as there's no more SAVE for anyone. Yay!

Recap after the jump!

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• So I heard.. There's a looming shocker of some sort tonight? Hmm.
• The editing at the start of the show was actually kind of cool. Very interesting.
• Hold up, why are they all dressed up? The girls look gorgeous and the guys - with the exception of James Durbin's weird coat - look dapper.
• If Marc Anthony is the one respnsible for fixing the mess with this group the last couple of weeks then, Thank you!
• I'm loving the group numbers more and more. Cheese-fest at its finest!
• Yay! Stevie Wonder!! Wait, is this the "shocker" Nigel Lythgoe was talking about? It's sweet, but there's nothing surprising about it. Unless, of course, if I'm Steven Tyler. Haha.
• Ford music video this week: lame.
• Green tights notwithstanding, I actually like Sugarland's song. 
• Ok. So, this wrestling bit is so random but pretty funny. I like seeing them with their personalities. Poor Haley got no screentime at all.
• OMG! Hulk Hogan!! HAHA. 
• This episode is all over the place and I love it.
• Is this the best elimination show ever? I am SO entertained!
• While fake, there was something so satisfying in seeing Ryan getting punched in the face.
• Stupid but awesome! HAHA
• The "shocker": Stevie Wonder? NOT. Hulk Hogen? NOT. Casey Abrams part of the Bottom 3? I think this is it. 
• Jennifer Hudson, you're amazing. That's all.
• What? Thia is safe? Ok. Maybe Casey Abrams part of the Bottom 3 isn't exactly the "shocker".
• OMG!!! THIS IS CRAZY!!!!
• Too many things going on!!!!! I don't know what to do first. Watch it? Blog about it?
• I'm an emotional wreck right now. Casey getting the lowest votes. Then, he's about to sing but Randy stopped him. Then, they saved him. Then, he hugged his mom. Why are you doing this to me American Idol? I'm pathetic.
• I thought Casey was going to black out. Seriously.
• Can I say BEST ELIMINATION EPISODE EVER?
• Yay! Double elimination next week! Let the carnage begin!
• I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL! HAHA.

BOTTOM 3

Thia Megia safe
Stefano Langone safe
Casey Abrams SAVED!

SAFE

Lauren Alaina

Pia Toscano

Scotty McCreery
Paul McDonald
James Durbin
Jacob Lusk
Naima Adedapo
Haley Reinhart

DAM NATION's POLL RESULT

 

American Idol 9: Top 3 Results Show

Casey James. Well, I’m pretty sure he knew this was coming and honestly feels lucky to have made it onto the Final 3. Third place in American Idol is not too shabby and Casey can, and will, go home feeling incredibly proud of his journey. Frankly, when I first saw his audition I NEVER thought he would even make the Top 12 let alone finish in third place. Casey had an uneven record with a few brilliant moments, some average fun performances, and a couple of awful nights, but managed to really prove his talent. Sadly, the only chance he had to make the Finale was to hit a home run with one of his song choices last night. But he didn't and so we had a very predictable evening. Ha.

UPDATE: CRYSTAL WON THE COIN TOSS! She’s going second!

We’ve reached the end of the road! Next week will be the Finale and we will watch Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze face off in a quasi-epic head to head! After that, we will start all over again with American Idol Season 10. Yay!

But, before we do, let’s talk a little bit about some of my observations about the rest of the episode:

• I saw the Top 12 together again! Yay!
• 47 votes from last night. Wow. Last year's Top 3 garnered over 80 million votes. That's low.
• Lee looked like a hobbit standing next to Casey James. Haha. And Ryan? He's Thumbelina! 
• So tell me, when did Idol turn into a talk show? Ryan, no one wants you to play therapist in the beginning of the show.
• Lee, can you say one sentence that ends in a period and doesn’t run on and on and on and on and use some modulation and EMOTION?
• Three minutes in and I'm bored. This is the driest Top 3 EVER! And just to entertain myslef: Lee so far has 11 you knows and 7 likes. Haha.
• Oooh. Touche Casey! "Not every single comment was usable." So much truth. Take that judges!
• My obligatory comment on the Ford music video: This is the last one! 
• Casey's homecoming. It's touching and sweet. First, Casey signed a dog. Haha. Too funny. And then he visited the hospital who saved his life. Casey’s a nice guy.
• "Tickets are selling very faster!" Yeah okay. Haha. I don't believe you Seacrest.
• Eww. Perez Hilton! Get out of my screen! Can I sue Idol for putting that annoying Perez on TV and making me vomit, followed by a horrendous wannabe nobody singing performance? 
• Why is idol being used as a platform for Perez's terrible musical discoveries? That said, this guy - I don't even want to type his name here -  is Justin Bieber ten years down the road. Haha.
• Crystal's homecoming.  It's amazing and they're playing her song, Holy Toledo! Wow. 
• I think it’s hilarious that Crystal brought her camera to snap pictures of all the people snapping pictures of her.
• BOWERSTOCK!
• Lee's homecoming. Gah! His package is hard to watch with out shedding a tear. When he lost it for a second while singing, I nearly did. Gah! I'm glad that's over - manhood still intact. Haha. 
• These stupid packages are too emotional, I like it. Haha.
• Wait, the show came back from commercial and Aaron Kelly was performing a song? What’s going on? Oh, my bad.. that was actually Justin Bieber. Haha. Ok. Bathroom break.
• RESULTS!!! Waaahhh..

FINAL 2!!

Lee Dewyze
Crystal Bowersox

ELIMINATED
Casey James

American Idol 9: Top 5 Results Show

Aaron Kelly. Well, this wasn’t much of a surprise. Aaron has been turning in mediocre performances from the beginning of the competition with only a precious few standouts. He is simply not ready for this type of competition and should be extremely proud for ending as this seasons’ 5th place finisher. Aaron should have tried a little harder to lock up the country vote, but he never seemed to truly do so. There is a possibility that he could be a marketable artist after a lot of work, but right now, he’ll have to settle on a national tour and the money that goes along with it. Oh, how sad.

I hate the filler results episode and this show was full of so much filler! Seriously. The producers need to stuff these shows with more entertainment. Couldn’t they find an Idol alum or two willing to perform? Jason Castro and Anoop Desai just released albums, why not have them on to sing their new singles? Geez. Oh, and how weird was it for Lady Gaga to perform on this night of all nights? Nothing about her screams “crooner” at all. Haha. Go Figure!

Anyway, here are some observations and comments about this week's painful results show:

• 32 million votes! Wow
• I usually enjoy the group medley cheese fest but there's no excuse for them to lip sync at this stage of the competition. NO EXCUSE!!
• Wait, in the beginning of that medley, did they call Crystal a tramp? Haha. Too funny.
• Aaron Kelly said “When I was 17, it was a very good year..” Yeah. Because it just started like a few months ago and you’ve been on American Idol the entire time. I’m sure it has been a good year.
• I don’t want to even comment on the Ford music video because it felt incredibly lazy. Seriously, do they film these things on the same back lot every week? I feel like I’ve seen that same street and buildings used in every Idol shoot.
• Hm.. Interesting. A “Tuesday” segment.
• I knew it! With only two performers announced this week, we are forced to listen to Ryan Seacrest and his awkward questions to kill time. Ugh.
• I'm more than convinced, Lee has a charisma of an oyster. Haha.
• Lee, you know, can you please, you know, stop saying “you know,” you know, every three words, you know, because it's really, you know, annoying, you know?
• I love some Lady Gaga but this one was a bit weird - not in a Gaga way. 
• Alejandro is not a song that translates well in the big stage. I don't know.
• Harry Connick Jr. is freaking hysterical.
• "Pitchy is not a word judges." Right on. Haha. 
• Can we please have Harry as Simon’s replacement? He knows music, he’s a professional artist with big record sales, he knows the industry, and he has no problem giving serious criticism to the contestants. Plus, he has an accent and people love him. Make it happen, Idol.
• Lee is the Huff!!
• FYI: The Huff is named after George Huff, the first contestant forced to choose between two groups. It’s something the producers use at least once every season to create drama.

BOTTOM 2:

Michael Lynche safe

Aaron Kelly

SAFE:

Lee Dewyze

Crystal Bowersox

Casey James

American Idol 9: Top 6 Results Show

Siobhan Magnus. Shocking. Siobhan was never in the bottom three so what happened to cause her to be eliminated this early in the competition? Well, it really shouldn’t surprise anyone when you sit down and think about it. Siobhan had no idea who she was as an artist. At first, I thought she had a handle on it when I saw Wicked Game, House of the Rising Sun, and Paint It Black. I assumed she was going to be this dark pop/rock princess but then everything just got weird. She strayed from her uniqueness and it endangered her. Now, I know she doesn’t care about being defined but, as an Idol contestant, her lack of definition really destroyed her over the past few weeks. As a technical vocalist she was stunning - even when she wasn’t given her proper dues.. and judges, that’s on you! - but as an artist she was confusing and kept appearing out of place and not ready for the big show. Still, I enjoyed her and it was too early for her to leave. Alas, alas, alas..

This was not a week where my confidence in the American Idol voters was vindicated. The bottom two were, as ranked by me, two of the top three. The fact that we had to watch one of Siobhan and Casey leave after turning in strong performances was an incredulous turn of events. Still, I suppose every season must have its shocker, right? That’s the problem with having such a great performance show the night before; you don’t want anyone to leave - well except for Big Mike.

Anyway, here are some observations and comments about this week's results show: 

• 33 million votes registered last night, according to Ryan Seacrest. 
• Ryan introduces the judges. We get right to the music. 
• Rascall Flatts sing Unstoppable - not a fan of the Flatts. Oh, no I’m not. Nasal is NOT a form of singing.
• Ford Music Video: Believe - Vampire theme. Oh, did everyone see how incredibly pumped Siobhan was? Haha.
• Aaron Kelly is the least intimidating vampire ever. No, ever.
• Here’s why I could never be on this show.. I would have to make fun of these little shameless promotional moments. Geez. I like Shrek but not part of American Idol. 
• Next week Harry Connick Jr will mentor the Top 5 for a Frank Sinatra week! Boring. 
• Carrie Underwood makes a surprise appearance to introduce Sons of Sylvia. I like the song but the lead singer scares me. He looks like a walking mosquito. Haha. Sorry. 
• Lady Antebellum is pure love. Enough said.
• Wait, so, Shakira is still a thing? Like, people still listen to her?  
• Man, this results show is taking FOREVER! 
• I loved watching Michael Lynche’s wife celebrate. Haha.
• Wow. So what happens now to the rumored Lee-Siobhan thing? 
• Think was awesome, but who else wanted to see Siobhan scream that note right into Simon’s face? I do. 

A few more rants. Haha.

OMFG! THIS IS SO MESSED UP!! PIMP SPOT DIDN'T WORK!! ALL MY FAVORITES ARE GONE!! AND THIS SEASON'S VOTES ARE OUT OF WACK!!

I don’t believe this! We are left with Crystal and those four boring dudes. This season just became even more uninteresting. Why are people voting for Mike and Aaron? I don’t get it. First it was Alex Lambert and Katelyn Epperly. Then Didi Benami went home. Now, Siobhan!!

And, I HATE THE SAVE. Hate it.  Big Mike should have headed out when he had the lowest number of votes 3 weeks ago.  Messing with America’s decision is a terrible idea. I think Big Mike’s save threw off the rest of the season.

Oh, and what a GREAT Top 5 we have!!!!!! Exciting? NOT!

BOTTOM 3

Siobhan Magnus

Casey James safe

Michael Lynche safe

WTF! This is so messed up!
--------------------------

GROUP 1

Siobhan Magnus

Lee Dewyze safe

GROUP 2

Michael Lynche
Casey James

GROUP 3 
Aaron Kelly safe
Crystal Bowersox safe

American Idol 9: Top 9 Redux Results Show

Andrew Garcia. Well, I'm glad he's in great spirits after getting eliminated. To be perfectly honest, if you had told me during Hollywood Week that Andrew Garcia would finish 9th place on American Idol I would have thought it would have been the biggest travesty on American Idol History. Well, we all saw what happened, didn’t we? I mean, Andrew seriously suffered from severe expectations that doomed his run from the start. During Top 24 week, he tried to be creative and served up an acoustic Fall Out Boy cover that Simon immediately threw back in his face and it was at that moment that I realized something was wrong. Really. If Simon had praised that performance, we might have seen Garcia stick to his acoustic track and feel confident about his abilities, but then confusion set in and it was too late. Too bad.

Katie Stevens. I was so sorry to see Katie go because she was so darn earnest and I felt bad that she cried. To me, Katie is the most improved contestant this season and she was just starting to grow and come into her own. I feel like Aaron is more out of his depth than she actually is. I really pegged her as very rough around the edges in the beginning but good enough to remain competitive by picking great songs - as seen in the week when Mike was eliminated - and someone who could gain extreme momentum. Oh well, Katie should hold her head up high because she left on a very good note. 

Wow. So, the two original front-runners were eliminated tonight! Very interesting. They were the two original frontrunners during Hollywood week and they both seemed to hit a wall once they made it to the semi-finals. I don't know why but the idea of Katie - and maybe Andrew - makes me sad. Now, we are left with 2 girls and 5 boys. Geez. So much for the year of the girl!

Now, what if Mike hadn’t been saved?  He would have been eliminated at 9. Maybe Andrew would have gone at 8.  Katie would have made it to at least 7. Hm. I really don’t like the save!!

Anyway, here are some observations and comments about this week's double elimination results show:

• So tell me, did Ryan get a good night’s sleep last night? Spare me from your craziness Seacrest. Ha.
• Oh look! The fake drama save montage! Haha. Well, the opening montage made it look like this show was actually exciting. Show you can do anything with editing and music.
• Over 34 million votes last night. Is that the first time they gave the numbers?
• Elvis Medley. Yay! Their "singing" made me laugh and the lip syncing was so bad it's almost addicting. Group numbers, please never change! Haha.
• Ford, why would I want to buy one of your cars if it spontaneously turns into a mound of dirt? That's just stupid.
• Lee looked devastated when Andrew got eliminated.
• Idol Gives Back footage with Kara DioGuardi and Elliott Yamin is so touching. Awww. Honestly, I can't see Paula Abdul going to Africa and being as hands on as Kara DioGuardi was.
• OMG Justin Gaston wants a SINGING career? Seriously. This is not good! Well, at least on Justin's part.
• I feel bad that Brooke White got stuck with this dude because Simon Fuller is trying to push the stupid web series pretty much no one cares about. Gah.
• Oh and "It’s available for free on iTunes." Wait, it’s available for free? I’ll have to think about thinking about downloading it. You know... if I have time. Haha.
• OMG! Alicia Keys as mentor next week! I love that!
• LOL at Adam Lambert making his song, Whataya Want From Me, so dramatic. That opening gave me a headache. Haha. 
• OK. So I'm not a fan of that intro - or this whole performance really. I've seen him sing so much better than this. His vocal sounds really strained. To me, it's a better visual performance than musical performance.
• Crystal and Siobhan really love themselves some Katie Stevens. Poor girls

ELIMINATED:

Andrew Garcia

Katie Stevens

SAFE:

Casey James

Aaron Kelly
Crystal Bowersox
Siobhan Magnus
Lee Dewyze
Tim Urban
Michael Lynche

American Idol 9: Top 9 Results Show

Michael Lynche. I'll save this write up for next week, I guess. Haha.

So, the judges save has been used! That’s right! The save was used on Michael Lynche. Seriously. To be fair, I’m not sure the judges had much of a choice. I mean, have you seen this guy? Michael would have politely walked down to the judges table to rip off one of Randy’s comically over-sized wrist watches in order to shove it down Simon’s throat. Haha. Kidding aside, I think Big Mike getting the lowest vote this week wasn't really that shocking. I don't know. I somehow expected him to go early in the competition. Too bad, the judges intervened. So, yes, next week two contestants will be leaving American Idol.

So, here are some observations and comments about this week's odd results show:

• Did the Idol’s die? Why is the beginning of the show filled with soft music and bright white lights? Where’s the epic fight music? Odd.
• Idol Gives Back is quickly approaching! Cool. Hey, Idol! You want me to give back? How about you give me back Alex Lambert? That's a good trade off.
• I don't like the Ford music video this week.
• Yay the pointy pose is back! Beatles Medley. Worst lip-syncing. FAIL.
• So, it's more than official! Adam Lambert will mentor the Idols next week and Katie Stevens couldn't hide her excitement. NOT! Her reactionis priceless and hilarious! Haha. 
• Pop quiz! Who sings their own name? Jason Derulo! Haha. How on earth does he get away with that? If I walked around singing my own name before every performance people would laugh at me! Haha.
• Jason Derulo is a cheap Chris Brown knock off or a black Matt Giraud. Haha. No wonder Kara loves him, he riffs like there's no tomorrow.
• Oh look! It's David Archuleta! Season 7 nostalgia anyone? I can't believe he's like 19 now.
• Rihanna performs her new single, Rockstar 101. Interesting. I thought she'll perform Te Amo? Ok. Rihanna, Lady Gaga you are not! Catwoman? Maybe. That said, the song is obnoxious. 
• American Idol just went to the bullsh!t zone.

SAFE:

Crystal Bowersox

Siobhan Magnus

Katie Stevens

Lee Dewyze

Casey James

Tim Urban

BOTTOM 3:

Mike Lynche SAVED

Aaron Kelly safe

Andrew Garcia safe

American Idol 9: Top 10 Results Show

Didi Benami. SERIOUSLY? Well, so much for the year of the girls. Gah! I can’t believe that 3 girls have been eliminated in a row already. Granted, the three that left had problems, I find it interesting that contestants like Tim Urban and Andrew Garcia have been able to sail through with performances that at the very least, aren’t worse than the girls who have  been eliminated. That said,  Didi, in my opinion, was the first true former frontrunner to fall. I even predicted her to win it all. Sad.

This week, we move to the Final 9! That’s right, folks. In less than 9 weeks we will have crowned our ninth American Idol winner. Who will it be? I’m still betting on Tim Urban. Haha.

Ok. So let's move on to some observations nd comments about this week's results show:

• Huh? I'm confused! Clash of the Titans opening? Ugh. What a stupid way to pimp a movie.  It doesn’t even make sense.
• Ruben returned to perform Don’t Make Em Like You No More or You May Like Them More Than They Like You Before You Like Em The Way They Supposed To Be Like.. or some equally stupid title.
• Big Mike suddenly looks a lot smaller next to Ruben Studdard. Too funny. Haha.
• Kung Fu Fighting Ford music video was actually pretty good.
• Isn't it ironic that Aaron Kelly is more articulate than Siobhan, Lee and Casey combined? 
• Justin Bieber said that Usher kind of shaped who he is as an artist. Ok. Justin, you’re not an artist, you’re a product! Go back to school and focus on what you should be doing at your age: finger painting.
• Tonight, Big Mike almost killed Ryan Seacrest. Haha.
• Diddy's performance was surprisingly entertaining. I don't know why. 
• Tim has more lives than a cat.
• America is dumb as dirt!

SAFE:

Lee Dewyze
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Siobhan Magnus
Mike Lynche
Crystal Bowersox
Andrew Garcia

BOTTOM 3:

Katie Stevens safe
Didi Benami
Tim Urban safe

American Idol 9: Top 11 Results Show

Paige Miles. “The one with more potential than Katelyn Epperly”. Last night, she said that she struggled with song choices. Well, wake up Paige! You have a wide open theme this week? If you can’t find a song, you have no idea who you are as an artist. Sure, she can sing but she has been struggling in this competition. Go figure!

Another week of American Idol is over and another finalist was sent packing! Was it the right one? Ummm. YES! Tonight there were no shockers and the ten people who will go on tour this summer can breathe a sigh of relief. They will each make a ton of cash. So, good for them!

So, here are some observations and comments about the results show:

• EPIC BEGINNING MONTAGE!! Mortal Combat anyone?
• Who else thought that the introduction with the epic rock music was dramatically interrupted when Miley Cyrus started giving advice?
• OMG Randy is so annoying. Stop screaming!
• The cheesy group performance is back! Heh. Do none of these kids have any rhythm except Big Mike? They look like a bunch of white kids out there.
• Are we sure that group song was taped? It sounded bad enough to be live.
• Maybe the song is prophetic! “Wake me up before you Go Go, ’cause I’m not planning on going solo” = multiple elimination! A boy can dream, can’t he?
• I am so, so tired of these contestants “having fun” because we’re NOT.
• So over Big Mike’s new child. It’s not like he is the first person to ever have a baby and have to work.
• The suspense is killing me zzzzzzzzzzzz. 
• So, Seacrest left Casey and Lee standing after he cue for a commercial? Well, that was stupid.
• The girl who partied in the USA should be in the bottom 3! Haha. Oh and see Idol kids, you dont have to sing good at all to make it big and sell millions.
• When does this show start to get better? Anybody know? 2011? Or Never? we are doomed to mediocrity this season.
• So lets see if the judges are going to insult our intelligence by pretending to decide whether to use the “Save” or not.
• Crystal’s response – classic and honest. She is the only one up there who really appears to know herself, how to speak coherent sentences, and is not afraid to be very real, without being disrespectful.
• Demi and Joe are worse than Miley! She actually pwned the other guest performers! How is that f*cking possible?
• We can all agre now that Tim Urban is better than Joe Jonas.

SAFE:

Siobhan Magnus 

Lee Dewyze

Casey James

Aaron Kelly

Didi Benami

Michael Lynche

Crystal Bowersox

Andrew Garcia

BOTTOM 3:

Tim Urban safe

Paige Miles

Katie Stevens safe

American Idol 9: Top 12 Results Show

Lacey Brown. A girl who should be very proud of where she finished. I mean, she manage to make the final round of the competition after delivering only one good performance in the semi-finals. Her first week was a aweful, and her second was a mild improvement, but her third week at least made America realize she was talented. Now, was her performance this week worthy of getting eliminated? No. But, she was forgettable and that is a sin worse than murder on this program. Oh well. Good riddance Lacey!

Well, after a ridiculous results show last week - where Alex Lambert and Katelyn Epperly got the boot - America has finally made a rational decision. The result wasn’t very shocking, but it was interesting to see Tim part of the bottom three, even if it was for just a few seconds.

Now, as for some observations and comments on the results show..

• The sweet “Dream” beginning was kind of cool, but then things started getting weird. I don't know.
• The dramatic opening would also suggest that this is the best Top 12 ever! NOT! But still, good job editing team, you really made me believe such an outrageous untruth.
• Wait, the judges save is back?! Oh no!
• David Cook was phenomenal! Take note Season 9! That's how you cover a Rolling Stones classic.
• The Ford commercial went by very quickly, but it was pretty interesting.
• The kids design their own cars and I’d love a car with big ugly paint splattered all over it. Genius!
• Orianthi  is a fantastic guitar player! And that's about it!
• So, Ke$ha is everything that is wrong with modern music.
• I've decided, that every time the music industry decides to make fun of the artists American Idol produces - Clarkson, Underwood, Daughtry, Cook, and company - I'm going to show them a video of this episode where David Cook, an American Idol, made two popular artists look like amateurs.

SAFE:

Lee Dewyze

Siobhan Magnus

Aaron Kelly

Andrew Garcia

Didi Benami

Crystal Bowersox

Katie Stevens

Mike Lynch

Casey James

BOTTOM 3:

Paige Miles safe

Tim Urban safe

Lacey Brown