American Idol unveils Top 13 and Jimmy Iovine tells it like it is
On Thursday night, American Idol delivered their third two-hour show of the week. 聽With Ryan Seacrest at the helm the show never felt rushed nor did it feel significantly drawn out. 聽Anyone who watched Ryan's counterpart, Steve Jones on The X Factor last season, knows that keeping time in a live show is something of an art form. 聽Ryan Seacrest is an artist. 聽Steve Jones is . . . well, unemployed.
The 25 semi-finalists were introduced with all the pomp and circumstance we've come to expect from American Idol and for almost half of the contestants, it would be their last time on the Idol stage. 聽Many of them were probably happy to escape after hearing record producer, Jimmy Iovine's blunt assessments of their performances. 聽Jimmy's comments mirrored so much of what was written in this blog, some may have wondered if Jimmy had been blogging under the pseudonym of Jodi Bradbury. 聽Of course, that theory was quickly dispelled when it became obvious that he possessed none of the natural charm and charisma that must abundantly radiate from every pore of this blog's author.
In fact, Jimmy was downright cruel at times, pointing out that while he got Heejun's "schtick" it was American Idol not American Comedian. And he called Creighton Fraker screechy and annoying. 聽Tempering such outlandish remarks were more accurate observations like Shannon Magrane needing the help of a stylist and Aaron Marcellus's performance being cheesy, despite the standing ovation by the judges. 聽Jimmy then proved that, while he may lack the joie de vivre necessary to be a truly captivating blogger, he does have the right instincts to be a big-time music producer by stating that Phillip Phillips is a true original and that he would sign him on the spot.
Thankfully, America agreed with Jimmy's assessment of Phil and he was the first contestant to be declared safe. 聽Nine more contestants followed suit and together they comprised Season 11's Top 10:
- Phillip Phillips: 聽Naturally.
- Jessica Sanchez: 聽Deservedly.
- Hollie Cavanagh: 聽A pleasant surprise.
- Joshua Ledet: 聽Jimmy wants to stop Joshua from turning his performances into Sister Act III. 聽Amen!
- Heejun Han: 聽When Ryan asked Heejun what he thought of Jimmy Iovine's comments, Heejun responded with, "Who's that?" 聽He deserves to be in the finale just for that comment!聽
- Skylar Lane: 聽The country girl of Season 11.
- Shannon Magrane: 聽If she starts choosing better songs and better clothing, she could go far.
- Elise Testone: 聽Pulling off an Adele song automatically qualifies you for the Top 10. 聽
- Colton Dixon: 聽Reel, it in Colton, you don't need to jump up and down on pianos to get our attention.
- Jermaine Jones: 聽Wow . . .didn't see that one coming.
This left thirteen contestants praying for a chance to earn one of three wild card picks by the judges. 聽But only the following six were asked to sing for their lives:
- Jen Hirsh:聽 Good performance but nothing earth shattering.
- Jeremy Rosado: 聽Maybe being nice is enough, Jimmy!
- Brielle von Hugel: 聽She shouldn't have even been given a second chance, but the judges gave her one and then panned her performance and crushed her dreams.
- Deandre Brackensick: 聽Not sure about this guy, but the judges seem to love him.
- Erika van Pelt: 聽She took on Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" and proved that America got it wrong.
- Reed Grimm: 聽What a waste of a second chance.
The judges ultimately saved Jeremy Rosado, Deandre Brackensick and Erika Van Pelt. 聽Which meant we had to say goodbye to 12 contestants in total:
- Chase Likens
- Hallie Day
- Adam Brock
- Baylie Brown
- Chelsea Sorrell
- Aaron Marcellus
- Creighton Fraker
- 贰产别苍听贵谤补苍肠办别飞颈迟锄
- Reed Grimm
- Brielle von Hugel
- Jen Hirsh
- Haley Johnsen
The losses of Creighton Fraker and Hallie Day were sorely felt, others like Haley Johnsen and Baylie Brown were easier to make sense of. 聽Now the moment you've all been waiting for, Your Humble Blogger's prediction results!
Drumroll, please . . .
62% 聽or a D-
Hmmm, now I know how Haley Johnsen feels.
