"American Idol" 2010: The Top 12 revealed!

March 11, 2010 at 9:01pm

We're finally getting down to the Top 12. Doesn't it seem like this process has gone on longer than normal this season? I think it was the return to the three weeks of whittling down during semis. I much preferred the system they used last year, with each contestant performing one time and then the Wild Card spots. It may not have been as "fair," but it was certainly less tedious.

The Top 16 did a group sing to Michael Buble's "I Just Haven't Met You Yet." I feel like this show is hardcore pimping that song this year. Haven't they used it prior to this? Or am I confusing it with another reality show? Anyway, the singing was better this time - yes, I know they were lip synching, but the track itself sounded better than it has in the past couple weeks. But what a dull song. Guess it reflects the season. Crystal once again looked totally confused/uncomfortable by the whole thing - can't say I blame her for flinching at this Up With People bullshit. Interestingly, Alex Lambert looked like he was legitimately having a good time. How about that?

Back from commercials, Ryan announced some "breaking news," that the first theme week will be the Rolling Stones. I can't imagine how this show is going to powerwash some of those lyrics to make them "family friendly."

Results: Didi redeemed herself this week after two crappy performances; I always assumed she would be part of the Top 12 once I saw her in Hollywood. And she was in. Good. I like Didi, she just needs to figure out how to work the show's system, and I think she's starting to get that together.

Siobhan has been awesome all three weeks of semis, and her fanbase is clearly growing. She's weird and quirky and she doesn't necessarily do much to the songs she picks, but she sings them powerfully and beautifully. She was also put through to the Top 12. Goody!

It was time for a cut, so Paige and Katelyn were both brought down. Paige was awful Tuesday, Katelyn blew her momentum from last week with a horribly cheesy song choice. Of the two I would like to see Katelyn go through - I have never understood Paige's allure, and I think Katelyn is a legitimate musician. And alas, Paige made it, and Katelyn got cut. That is terrible. Paige was unquestionably the worst singer Tuesday night, and Katelyn really just had one bad week. Incidentally, Paige is the new Vote for the Worst ladies choice. I have to assume that helped her make it in.

On to the guys. Tim, Todrick, Lee, and Casey were all brought down to the stage. Ryan brought up Tim's last-minute addition to semis, and he was told to stay. Todrick annoys me, but he did OK last night. Lee has done consistently well during semis, although his performance this week was the weakest of the three. Casey's sexual harassment was brought up yet again, and he was put through to the Top 12. Expected. Tim was then put through - the other Vote for the Worst pick. That left Todrick and Lee, and I prayed that Todrick would go home. And this time, America made the right choice, and Lee was put through while Todrick was cut. He will not be missed (by me, at least).

Back from commercials, last year's Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud did a duet on Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It." It was TERRIBLE. Why would you bring a former contestant on to sing another cover? They both sounded dreadful, completely oversinging the song, while Scott looked almost crazy and fell completely off the pitch. Billy Joel was at home watching this, and reaching for the gas pipe. It was like an aural assault on my ears, and it felt like it would never end. Scott has his own album out - why did he not sing something from that? And Giraud apparently had a No. 1 duet on the iTunes jazz charts. Heaven help us.

More results: Crystal has been awesome for the past couple weeks, and was a virtual lock for the Top 12. She was in, but looked kind of miserable about the whole thing. Weird. Mike Lynche has also been a solid performer the past three weeks and was a gimme for the Top 12. He was in, stupid scarf and all. Next up, Lacey, who I assumed was total chaff when semis started, but she ended up getting better and better the past few weeks. Against all odds, she made the Top 12. Aaron Kelly SHOULD go home this week after that trainwreck of a performance last night, and he's probably the weakest of the guys left. You could tell by the way Seacrest was joking with him that he had made it, and indeed, he was in. That's too bad.

That left Katie, Lilly, Andrew, and Alex. Alex and Andrew were up first. A few weeks ago I would have said Andrew was a lock, but he has imploded since Hollywood. Meanwhile, Alex, who started out semis with one of the worst performances in the show's history, has really stepped it up the past two weeks. Of the two, I actually wanted Alex to make it in. But it went to Andrew instead. Again, a real shame. I was enjoying Alex more and more over the past few weeks, and Andrew less and less. Alex was a wreck, actually crying. I think if he had hung in there a few more weeks he could have made the Top 6. I think his voice is actually stronger than Andrew's at this point, and I think Andrew has demonstrated that he has a very, very narrow area of specialization that I don't think will serve him well in this competition.

Finally, Lilly vs. Katie. For the love of Pete, please send Katie home. She has been dreadful throughout semi-finals and has nothing new to offer the show. Lilly meanwhile has a very cool voice and is a real musician. She's an indie girl, and a little quirky, and I think that might be hurting her in the popular vote. And UGH, Katie got through. Absolute bullshit. The reactions were interesting - Lilly looked shocked, Katelyn was shocked, Kara was pissed. So some sub-mediocre chick who hasn't the slightest clue who she is makes Top 12, while awesome Lilly gets sent home. At least Lilly said what was on everybody's minds: a lot of legitimately talented people got sent home tonight instead of a whole lot of lameoids.

I have to be honest, I'm really disappointed with these results. Of the four people going home, I think at least three of them - Alex, Lilly, and Katelyn - deserved a spot in the Top 12 much more than, say, Lacey, Katie, or Paige, or Aaron or Andrew. I think there was a chance there - just a chance - that we somehow could have pulled a decent Top 12 out of this mess of contestants, but that got trashed this episode. I don't think we've had a weaker crop since seasons 3 or 4.

I can't even make predictions about who's going home first. Lacey, Paige, Katie, Alex, Andrew, Tim -- the depth of suck is so strong this year. The real trick will be seeing which, if any, of these people actually deserves to win this sucker. Dreadful.

Comments for ""American Idol" 2010: The Top 12 revealed!" (24)

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Lacey said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:15pm

I was so pissed about the results tonight. -.-

Jenny said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:31pm

I'm so glad you wrote this. It is exactly what I was thinking. I am basically in mourning right now. I'm okay with Todrick going home even though he was better than some. Katelyn was really good but she never got the props she deserved and she was much better than paige, katie, and lacey. Alex was one of my favorite guys this year and never should have gone home. He only began to tap his potential. Why in the world is Tim still around. Last night they only said he did so well because the last few weeks he has been horrible. Then Lilly and Katie, I and I think everyone else was positive Katie was going home but NO WAIT Lilly gets the boot. I'm glad she said that she didn't know what America wanted because I couldnt agree more. Why are people voting for dreadfuls when real talent went home tongiht. I hioe Lee and Crystal and Siobhan are the last ones standing otherwise I don't reallly care anymore .

Mary said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:36pm

Lilly and Alex were two of the best singers. Andrew, Aaron Paige and Katie should have gone home. You can see that the teens are the voting majority. I'm very disappointed.

Kathy said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:49pm

I just hope an agent has already contacted Lilly because I know I am not the only one who loved her! Take the teeny boppers phones away because they are throwing the results big time. Paige NO WAY deserves to be in the top 12.

rick said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:50pm

Can't believe Lilly didn't make it to the top 12. I had her in the top 4 of all the girls. Paige and Katie should be done. I agree Siobhon, Lee and Crystal are the best so far and I will be surprised if they're not in it as we approach the end. Todrick belongs in the top 12

Starlight said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:52pm

What's wrong with everyone? Ever hear of Karma? Katie is arrogant and fake. Instead of being gracious and thanking Ryan and the judges, she aggrandized herself with her parting words. Everyone else, however, I am sad about. And the witch that made a face when katie won (too forgettable to remember her name) -- she's next. Karma's got her number. Mark my word.

Starlight said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 9:55pm

Oops -- I meant LILLI is arrogant and fake! Katie has the right attitude.

Regina said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 10:02pm

I cannot believe that Adam was voted off. Agree with previous poster about young kids doing the voting. I find his voice mesmerizing and hope to hear more of it someday soon.

Regina said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 10:06pm

Did I say Adam? I meant Alex.

Starlight said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 10:15pm

Alex has an interesting and unique voice. I wished he had not been voted off.

Sarah said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 10:53pm

UGH loooooved Lilly. not arrogant, she's just HONEST and REAL. obviously not something the american public knows anything about. Vote for the worst chose Paige and Tim to go thru so all the american idol haters chipped in to completely ruin the top 12 this year...ughhh i am done watching this show, my favorite 3 went home tonight :(

Linda said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 10:54pm

I have to say some of them are going to have to very hard the next coming weeks. From now on it is going to be a struggle for some of them. I would say the top five will be Mike, Lee, Siohban, Crystal, and Lacey. I believe they are the best. They have been most consistent throughout the past few weeks. Anyone want to comment?

wolf said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 11:12pm

paige over Lilly? I don't think so! I was really looking forward to hearing Lilly , nothing
is legit. anymore! Thats bull, and everybody knows it! Lilly and Bowersox were my
pick at first, but it was getting closer, Lilly was robbed!!! Paige? That just about turned me against the show! I hope they find a way to bring her back.

Simon said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 11:20pm

Oh boy..It's official, viewer voting is a joke!!!! Based on the last few weeks of performances it should have been Paige, Andrew, Katelyn, and weak ass vanilla boy Tim going home....Alex Lambert probably had the purest voice of any of the guys, and was my favorite sleeper..... Lilly being sent home is also a joke....as talented as Paige is, she really didn't show anything unique the last few weeks, and probably should have gone home....I'm definitely in disagreement with the OP on Katie...She has shown a mature voice and confidence in all of her performances, I believe she deserves to move on.....This is gonna be one ugly top 12 the rest of the way, as there is no one left who has a voice that blows me away....I'll probably be rooting for Katie, Lacey, and hope to sweet Jeebus that Andrew actually gets his act together...

wolf said on Mar. 11, 2010 at 11:25pm

I think the ladies have all the talent this time, Katie and paige,no way! Katie has
some possibilities, paige, not! I was interested in the show, after tonights rip-off
I don't know what to expect! I say BRING LILLY BACK !! beautiful voice!!!

Mud said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 12:14am

What a joke of a show.
The good talent pool just got destroyed tonight.
Starlight... You're an idiot. Lilly was one of the best things to happen to Idol this year and now she's gone.
This show is about to go down hill faster than Deal or No Deal from here!

Koloratur-Mezzosopran said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 12:29am

Travesty that Alex was voted off. Paige and Lee don't belong in top 12, neither does the kid with the 70's haircut...Tim? Not good. Redheaded southern girl should have gone too. She has a great look but the singing is really not up to par As for Lilly, her attitude has been off putting since the beginning, and she really took the cake tonight insulting the rest of the group by saying she doesn't know what America wants to hear. Actually, I enjoyed other performances by her but her singing was really not good on Tuesday night. Katie has huge potential, she just needs to find her niche. I was very pleased to see her stick around. I liked Katelyn too, sad to see her go.

lisa marino said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 6:45am

I didnt find any surprises in the results...by week 3 we wont even remember who the four were that went home last night, the important contestants got through,and the others will be gone real quick... and as far as Lily goes, Yea she was cool, hip and all those things but every week sounded exactly the same It would have gotten old real quick....my pick to watch is Siohban.. she will surprise us every week!

Cathy said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 7:11am

The judges should bring Lilly back.

MikeC said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 8:27am

Booting Lilly? C'mon? Immature gremlins at work here. That's why this show is fatally flawed. The end is near for Idol.

RobP said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 11:38am

WTF!! YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!! Lilly was AWESOME...but got screwed-over for being honest & unique. Katelyn should have gotten another week. Todrick was marginal, but I'd take him over losers WideEyedTim and NiceGuyAaron. Now the REAL outrage....ALEX has an INCREDIBLE and fascinating voice! Unfortunately, a voice wrapped in a weak, "musta-been-beaten-as-he-grew-up" personna that is really hard to watch. It's a REAL SHAME 'cause he's 100% AWESOME. I only hope the obvious support he is getting and this awakening experience makes him a much more confident performer. Hopefully he will be crying all the way to the bank! Otherwise, Paige sucks, Aaron and Katie (who knows she was lucky as h*ll to make it) need five more years, and in Aaron's case -12 more inches of height. Mike and Casey? - maybe. Tim, Lacey, and Andrew are not even close to the talent of Lee and Siobhan. However, of them all Crystal IS the best singer and has incredible stage presence,...almost like she's been a star for YEARS. But she won't win....not with the voting format as it is....and her so-so teeth thing. Frankly, I would not even be surprised if she quits the competition before the next show...seriously. You could tell she was WAY pissed about the stupidity of the format. I'm sure she is not happy to be associated with things. She will still be a huge...yet understated...commercial success. Nope, it's gonna be a knockdown drag-out between Siobhan and Big Mike IMHO. Finally....I cannot WAIT to hear the lecture next week that Simon gives America...and that this IS A SINGING CONTEST for crying out loud!!! H*ll, he might even quit (earlier) like Bowersox!! ARGH!!!

Starlight said on Mar. 12, 2010 at 5:44pm

Mud, I'm entitled to my opinion like everyone else here. Someone can be unbelievably great, but when they exalt themselves and insult their peers and the veiwers, down they go. Lilly also insulted Ryan one night. If you feel so strongly, I hope you're actually voting.

Bob said on Mar. 15, 2010 at 12:07pm

Thank goodness for Turban. My 75 votes weren't wasted!

linda said on May. 26, 2010 at 10:05pm

BULLLLLLLL, CRYSTAL SHOULD OF WON AMERICAN IDOL...WHAT A FARSE....SHE OUT SANG HIM....SEXIST PIGS.

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