Pia Toscano Elimination Shock

What is wrong with America?  How did the very best of the contestants get voted off the show?  Can it be possible that there was a miscount or perhaps there were just so many people calling for Pia that her phone lines were completely jammed to the point where no one could get through and therefore the votes didn’t make it in for her.  How the %$#* did this happen?!

There was looks of shock across the panel as well as on Ryan’s face, disbelief at what had just happened.  The bottom three consisted of Pia, Stefano, and Jacob.  One would this that, obviously, Jacob or Stefano is going home, and we’d be okay with that because that is going to happen eventually.  They can’t compare to Pia’s greatness. But no.  America decided that Pia was the one that needed to go home.  First, Jacob was saved.  Then the final result, Pia, Ryan said he name as if it were a question.  Stefano looked up in disbelief because he knows he has nothing on her.   Boos escaped from the audience immediately and it looked like Randy was about to explode, it almost looked like he mouthed out, “What the F**k.”  No one on stage believed it.  Jennifer was brought to tears, “I’m shocked, I’m angry, I don’t even know what to say.”  Randy said, “You’re one of the best singers in this…no one is ever safe, if you thought that she was safe, look at where she is now, you didn’t vote.  So, you gotta vote for whomever you love,” speaking directly to America who really messed this one up.  “This makes me mad.  What is going on.”  Steven blamed America’s lack of passion.  “Mistakes are one thing but lack of passion is unforgivable.”  She received a standing ovation before leaving, which was well deserved but she should never had been eliminated.

Let us wake up in the morning and find out that this was just a dream.  Or maybe we can change the rules and give the judges another save?!

She was very strong through the whole thing and she ended her time on Idol with, “I’ll Stand By You.”  Fitting for the moment.  This was THE saddest elimination round on the history of Idol.

One more thing, what was up with that old, long haired, shirtless dude strangely wiggling around on the stage?!  Disgusting!  I don’t care if you’re Iggy Pop, that was just wrong!!!!  It left Jennifer red-faced…

This week the contestants had to choose from musicians from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Gwen Stefani was brought in to style the contestants with her L.A.M.B collection.  Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas was there to coach the contestants.

Jacob Lusk - “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.  Dressed head to toe in white, he looked nice but I didn’t care for his version of this great song.  No one will ever sing it as well as Michael.  Jacob added some hip thrust and swinging hips.  I really don’t care for this guy.  Steven said that it was beautiful and well done.  Jennifer said it was perfect on every emotional level.  Randy was happy that he chose a song that morally fit with him better than what was chosen for him, which was “Let’s Get it On.”

Haley Reinhart – “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin.  From the beginning, the judges could hear some Janis Joplin in her voice so she finally gave it to them.  She has a great growl to her voice but sometime it seems she overdoes it a little.  She did a great job tonight but I wish she had left some of that growl out so that we could hear her voice.  She worked the crowd well and was all over the stage, easy to tell that she was having with the fun but there was no real emotion in her.  Jennifer said that she showed everyone that she is a real contender.  Randy thought that they Haley that they had original seen and fell in love with was bad.  Steven couldn’t find anything wrong with it, she nailed it.

Casey Abrams – “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.  This was an excellent song for him to chose.  His voice is well suited for Creedence Clearwater.  His vocals were accompanied by him playing a stand-up bass.  Randy felt that it he made CCR proud and that he made playing the bass cool.  He was very excited that he put it in a pop a song, it was revolutionary.  Steven called him a true musician, he bring something different every time he comes on.  Jennifer said that she would pay to be front row every time he plays.

Lauren Alaina – “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin.  She combined R&B with country when she pulled this one out.  She did a great job, very controlled.  She also sounded sexy, with just the right amount of growl and rough notes mixed with soft tones.  Steven said that she’s grown up and he loves her voice.  Jennifer called her amazing. Randy said that she picked one of the most difficult songs but she did a good job.  Big props to her for that!

James Durbin - “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by George Harrison of the Beatles.  This is quite a change from his usual hard rock.  He wanted to take a risk, and I loved him for it!  It was great to hear that he can sing ballads as well as scream out some rock.  He still managed to bring his high notes into the song and held it for a good amount of time.  He appeared to begin to cry at the end of the song, maybe to prove that the feeling was there.  Jennifer said that it was special to watch and it was a great choice for him.  Randy loved seeing the true emotional side of James.  He loved that he could feel him connect with the notes and taking chances like that are good for artists.  Steven said it was great to see that not only did his guitar gently weep but he did, too.  James was asked what he was thinking about while he sang this song and he replied, his family.

Scotty McCreery – “That’s Alright Mama” by Elvis.  He made it into a country, slightly rock song.  He did a lot of pointing during his performance as he walked all over the stage and strangely held the microphone sideways to his mouth.  He did some weird eyes looks and even weirder hips shaking.  After sing song, some girls ran onto the stage and hugged him like crazed fans.  Randy said that he’s not a one trick pony.  Scotty’s in-it-to-win-it.  Steven felt that he brought the music back into play again.  Jennifer called him fun and asked if had been watching rap videos because she could feel a little of that flavor in there.

Pia Toscano – “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner.  Amazing!  She’s gorgeous and tonight she showed that she is more than just a ballad singer.  Her voice is so powerful and she connects well to the audience.  There’s absolutely nothing bad to say about her performance.  All you can say is WOW!  Steven called her a murderer because she killed it.  Jennifer said it was amazing and she is really, really special up there.  Spectacular.  Randy felt that she showed what he already knew, that she could deliver on an up tempo note.  Christian Slater’s daughter gave her two thumbs up, they were both in the audience tonight.

Stefano Langone – “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge.  He may be a good looking guy but I think that he is going to get eating up in this competition because he is just not up there with the rest of them.  Don’t get me wrong, he can sing, just not as well as the others.  He did connect with his audience with his eye contact tonight which is an improvement for him.  Jennifer said that she knew that he had it in him, it was beautiful.  She felt that it had something else, another layer, like he was singing to someone or about someone.  It was magical.  Randy felt that it felt a little jerky, he liked it but he wasn’t jumping up and down.  Steven disagreed with Randy (as did Jennifer).  He felt that he had a lot of passion and that he nailed it.

Paul McDonald – “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.  Sounded good.  Wasn’t too crazy about it.  He’s a strange character and it gets tiring watching all that foot stomping.  Jennifer was feeling it, though.  She, as well as the rest of the audience, was clapping along.  Randy had 3 words for him…”I love it!”  Steven called him a perfect imperfect boy.  He loved it and felt that he rocked the house.  Jennifer thought it was a perfect way to end the show.  Wow, his teeth are so white.

Thia Magia and Naima Adedapo Eliminated

The show began with the announcement that there were 55 million votes, the most at this stage of the game, a record.  It’s always sad to see who goes home, and tonight was twice as painful since two were eliminated.  In the bottom 3 tonight were Paul McDonald, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Magia.  Paul made it through while the two ladies were not as lucky.  It’s saddest to see Thia go because she has a wonderful voice but just didn’t stand out.  Thia is young and probably will find her way to a record label.

Performances tonight were…

• Jamie Foxx and Will.I.Am
• “I Told You So”  duet by Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery
• Katie Perry’s “Teenage Dream” was sang by Haley Reinhart, Pia Toscano, and Thia Magia
• “Band On the Run” a quartet of Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone, and James Durbin

The show began with the potential Idols getting makeovers and a photo shoot.  Then it was off to the performances.  This week the Idol had to choose songs from Elton John’s songs.  In between performances, Ryan announced Coke’s Perfect Harmony campaign, where us at home can write lyrics and submit them to Coke and help write Taio Cruz’s next song, Perfect Harmony.  He will then perform this at the American Idol Finale.

The contestants better bring it tonight because tomorrow is double elimination!

Scotty McCreery – “Country Comfort”  Scotty made this song sound like it was made for his voice.  He ended on a real deep note that could send shivers up your spine.  Steven told him, “there’s nothing I can say to you that an old fashioned pair of high heeled cowboy boots couldn’t fix.”  Not sure what that meant but he continued on to say that he loves everything about his voice.  Jennifer said that he has amazing instincts, right on.  Randy felt that he was watching at his concert and the song sounded like it could have been on his record.  Scotty also introduced us to his new guitar, Scarlett.

Naima Adedapo – “I’m Still Standing” Naima changed this song to meet her voice with a reggae flare.  It felt like she just walked out of Jamaica and onto stage.  It worked well and she did encourage the audience to join in and feel the song.  Jennifer loved her reggae swag but didn’t feel that this song was ever meant to be flipped into reggae though.  Randy agreed with Jennifer, he loves reggae but felt the song came off corny.  Steven thought that she picked a song that fit her.

Paul McDonald – “Rocket Man” He kept the song close the original but did add his own, soft, whinny vocals.  Randy felt it was pitchy at some points and he needs to allow himself to go all the way.  Steven wanted to know if he was watering his pants because there were more flowers than last time.  Paul promised to retire the flower suit after this week, thank goodness!  Steven likes his character and he is his cup of tea.  Jennifer feels that there is a little bit more in there.  Paul’s teeth are so freakin’ white!!!

Pia Toscano – “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me”  Another ballad by gorgeous Pia.  Next week she promises to do something that will get us moving.  She looked amazing and sounded great.  I loved her dress!  Steven felt that she nailed it and it made him cry inside, about as good as it gets.  Jennifer said that the notes take them to another worldly place.  She’s waiting for Pia to pick up her leg and stomp it on the floor.  Randy said she slayed it, unbelievable.  Great, once again!

Stefano Langone - “Tiny Dancer”  Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling his rendition of this great song.  There just wasn’t anything special about it.  But he is a very good looking guy!  Maybe that will save him!  Jennifer said that she could feel that he was taking their notes from the past couple weeks, bringing in the audience.  Randy said that he loved the connection that he was making and him moving around stage.  Steven felt that it was a sweet thing to his voice, he nailed it.

Lauren Alaina – “Candle in the Wind”  She wanted to keep the song close to the original because it was perfect the way it was, and I agree.  Her voice added just the right amount of country twang to the song.  It was amazing.  Randy felt that I was one of her best performances, very pro, very hot.  Steven said that he’s loved her since the very first moment that she laid eyes on him.  He told her to keep singing like that she’ll be able to afford the rest of that dress (she was wearing a short black dress that had a long skirt that came up high in the front and dragged the ground in the back).  Jennifer said it was amazing.

James Durbin – “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” James made this a fun rock song!  He sounded great and it was really enjoyable.  He didn’t go all crazy with the high pitched vocals.  He used every inch of the stage.  Steven told him not to stay up there too long or he’d end up like him.  Jennifer felt it was a great performance by a great artist.  Randy said he liked that he enjoyed it, a great performance.  After his critic, James said that he had a lot of hairspray in his hair to avoid a Pepsi moment…American Idol is sponsored by Coke, as Ryan reminded him…James said that a Pepsi is bad…

Thia Magia – “Daniel”  Wow!  She did amazing, put a lot of feeling into it.  She was thinking of her own brother, who moved away from her when she was young.  Jennifer called it beautiful and that it was well suited for her voice, a beautiful moment for her.  Randy said that were some pitchy moments and that it was very safe.  Steven said that when you find the right song, a great voice appears.

Casey Abrams - “Your Song”  Coming back from after his save, he was told to trim his beard, I really agree with that.  He looked good, but I wish that he had shaved it all off.  Randy reminded him that them using the save on him is one of the greatest saves ever.  He called his song brilliant, well done.  Steven said that the last two notes were the most beautiful (major 9).  Jennifer said that she slept like a baby after saving him.  She called his song “very Casey.”  We will see tomorrow night if the save was worth while.

Jacob Lusk – “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”  Mary J. Blige (also once say the same song) was in studio for Jacob and came in to hear him rehearsal.  Jennifer called the arrangement amazing.  Randy said it was a beautiful song for him.  He wants him to pick one shining spot in his song, his “Jacob spot” to shine through.  Steven thinks he’s wonderful and he loved the whole thing.

Haley Reinhart – “Benny and the Jets”  I really loved her version of this song.  She added a some good growls to it.  Jennifer loved it and said she felt every place she was going.  Randy said that it was the best performance of the night.  She gave it up and she deserves it.  Steven said that she sings sexy.

Casey Abrams Gifted Second Chance by Judges

Opening their show, the contestant sang some hit Motown song and then was joined on stage by Stevie Wonder singing Sign, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.  Then he continued to sing Happy Birthday to Idol judge, Steven Tyler, birthday cake and all.  Happy Birthday, Steven Tyler!

Also, performing their hit, Stuck Like Glue, was country artists Sugarland.

Hulk Hogan was there tonight to tell some of the contestants that they were safe as well as fake-punching Ryan into the crowd then ripping his own shirt off.  Interesting times on Idol!  James got to keep his shirt from his very own Idol.

Returning to the Idol stage was a much thinner Jennifer Hudson singing Where You At?  Jennifer is out promoting her new Album, released this week, titled I Remember Me.

The bottom 3 for this week are:

• Casey Abrams
• Stefano Langone
• Thia Megia …. what?!?  What’s wrong with you people!  She’s fabulous!

And the contestant in the losing position was Casey Abrams.  After singing his heart out for only moments, Randy raised his hand to stop him and said that they know who he is and that they don’t need to hear him sing again.  Steven called it crazy wrong and announced that they would be using the one save on Casey.  Casey was in shock, shaking and asking if they were kidding him and running to the judges table, shaking their hands and thanking them, still in disbelief.  The crown chanted Casey’s name as Casey bent to Ryan’s waist and hugged him, falling to his knees and screaming.  He them ran to his family and it was hugs and tears all around.  He promised the judges that he wouldn’t let them down.  Will this take Casey to the finale?  We will have to wait and find out… .

Casey Breaks Down After Save is Used

Tyler Gives Lusk Hug After Lusk's Performance

This week, the contestant chose song from Motown, the music that inspired Steven Tyler to make out with girls.  This is a big week because the 10 contestants that survive elimination will get to go on the Season 10 Idol Summer Tour.

Here’s how the night unfolded.

Casey Abrams – Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”  Fabulous song for his growling vocals.  He had his puffy hair slicked back and his beard is getting outta control, maybe its his ‘playoff beard’?  It needs to go.  It is way too distracting to watch his face with all that hair and not think about it instead of his vocals.  Steven called his the perfect entertainer, a mix of perfect pitch and perfect outta control ego.  Jennifer spoke of her uniqueness and Randy agreed.  There is no other artist out there that has his unique pipes.

Thia Megia – Martha and the Vandellas’ ”(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave.”  Thia looked very cute tonight, with lovely high heels and a straoless pink and black dress.  She is learning how to be a performer and bring the crowd in.  She sounded great tonight.  Jennifer said it was great to see her let loose.  Randy agreed, but he still feels she can dig deeper and needs to take chances and push.  Steven said he was good with it.

Jacob Lusk -  Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need to Get By.”  Jacob could definitely make it as a gospel singer but I don’t think that he is what America is looking for in the next Idol.  He does has a great voice and, obviously, Steven agrees when he rushes the stage to give Jacob a giant hug after his performance.  Randy said it was the best performance and his was like a professional.  Steven said he held it back and milked it and that made it beautiful.  Jennifer said he moves her, it was crazy.  Not feeling or seeing what the judges did!

Lauren Alaina – The Supreme’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.”  She definitely worked the crown and the judges tonight, moving all around the stage, and looked gorgeous doing it.  She had Jennifer dancing in her seat.  Steven said that she ripped that song another beauty mark, whatever that means.  Jennifer said that she looks amazing, the most beautiful she had ever seen her.  She also brought the song to life for Jennifer.  Randy believes that she now has her swagger on.

Stefano Langone - Lionel Richie’s “Hello.”  He did okay, sounded a little flat in spot, pitchy in others, but he’s such a cutey that you can’t help but love him.  Jennifer called him fine and said that he can sing, but he needs to open his eyes and connect to the crowd.  She wants his intensity to come from his heart.  Randy agreed that the connection is missing, he sounded good but no real connection.  Steven said the he has a beautiful voice but he needs to pull back just a little.

Haley Reinhart – The Miracles’ “You Really Got a Hold On Me.”  She looked so cute with her long, straight hair tonight, a change from her normally flowing curls.  Randy said that she started rough but by the middle of song, the girl they loved came rolling back.  Steven called it beautiful and that she doesn’t look a day over fabulous.  That was the girl that he was looking for when he met her.  Jennifer said she has effortless control over her voice, she has the most bluesy voice of all the girls.

Scotty McCreery - Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life.”  Scotty added his own country twist to the song.  He looked a little too dramatic with his body movements, it didn’t look genuine, just crazy.  Steven called it beautiful and compared him to some great country singers.  His low notes and his niche.  Jennifer said it wasn’t his strongest but every time he hits that low note, he gets her every time.  Randy thought the song needed to peek earlier then called his low note a ‘lady-killer.’

Pia Toscano – Stevie Wonder’s “All in Love is Fair.”  Love her.  She has such a powerful voice, her singing this song wanted to make me melt.  Jennifer said that all she can tell her is that she needs to work the stage and be a performer and connect with the crowd and own the stage.  It’s time for her to move away from the ballads.  Randy said she hits her notes dead on.  His one criticism is that she needs to do something besides ballads.  Steven said she is the closest star in this American Idol universe.

Paul McDonald – The Miracles’ “Tracks of My Tears.”  Could his teeth be any whiter?!  I’m sure I’ve said that before, but wow!  Come on!  Anyway, his singing, it was very good.  He continues to have his own style, this time accompanied by his own guitar playing.  Randy called him unique and he took it to a cool, Rod Stewart, kind of place.  He needs to bring more of his tender vocals out.  Steven said he loves what he did with his guitar, it’s just great.  Jennifer called him the complete package and all he needs is the right producer.

Naima Adedapo - Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street.”  She through in the ‘Milwaukee’ name into her song, shout out to where she came from, then broke out into some crazy Africa dancing, equipped with wooden drums playing behind her.  I guess that was her making it her own.  I guess that works.  Steven loved it and pointed out that it was all her idea, calling her beautiful and great.  Jennifer said that it was her first goose-bumps of the night, she’s her mover, her shaker up there.  She has that little extra something on the stage.  Randy thought that he had been a little rough on her in the weeks past but tonight it was smart and everything worked out.  Ryan called it American Idol morphing into So You Think You Can Dance.

James Durbin – Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City”  He had a great time performing this song!  Wasn’t the flamish-sort-of-background the same that they used when Adam Lambert sang ‘Ring of Fire’ last season, how ironic.  Jennifer just continually kept saying ‘oh, my God!’  The crowd was going crazy and loving him.  Jennifer called him serious business.  She was speechless.  Randy felt the beginning was rough, and was booed for that.  He then called him unbelievable and loved the note that he ended on.  Steven said that it takes a little bit of crazy to make it in this world, and that’s was James is all about.  His voice was incredible and the song was perfect for his voice.

Tomorrow night we find out who made the cut for the top 10 and continues on into the summer for their tour.  Tonight was a fabulous night, all the contestant did a great job!

One more was eliminated tonight.  But first we got to find out the bottom 3 as well as see the Black Eyed Peas and Lee DeWyze perform.  Lee did a great job, love his voice.  It’s always fun to watch the Black Eyed Peas perform as well.

Jennifer’s husband, Marc Anthony, and friend (sexy) Pitbull were in the audience.

The Bottom 3:

• Haley Reinhart
• Naima Adedapo
• Karen Rodriguez

And the contestant getting a chance at the one-time save is Karen Rodriguez.  Can’t say I’m disappointed about that.  Did they use the save on her?  No, but not unanimous.  So Karen is going home, hopefully she continues her journey at home.

This week the contestants had to chose a song released in their birth year.   They worked with Jimmy Iovine to perfect their songs.  We got to see a little into their childhood and hear from their parents about how special and wonderful are their children, repeatedly.

Naima Adedapo – “What’s Love Got to do With It” by Tina Turner.  She put her own twist on it, changed the harmony completely.  But she was pitchy, again after last week.  Jennifer called her out on it.  Randy agreed with Jennifer, the vocals were a mess.  I give her a C.

Paul McDonald – “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” by Elton John.  This guy is growing on me with his weird movements and soft, yet rough voice.  He was a little extra rough this week because of a cold.  Jennifer said even with his cold, he did well.  Randy didn’t give him a pass, calling him pitchy, but he likes that he makes whatever he sings his own.  Steven said he’s “a cool dude in a loose mood”.   I give him a B.

Thia Megia – “Colors of the Wind” by Vanessa Williams.  Lovely, not amazing, but very nice.  Randy said the vocals were okay, but his problem (big boo from audience) is that he was bored.  There was nothing special or unique about it.  Jennifer didn’t like her bravado, which was a little shaky.  I give her a B+

James Durbin – “All Be There For You” by Bon Jovi.  He had everyone dancing and feeling it!  He did a great performance.  Steven told him not to get too “popy” on him.  Jennifer said he had her singing and acting a fool.  He was great.  Randy said he had some pitchy spots but made it his own and he did it tastefully.  He gets an A-

Haley Reinhart – “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston.  For some reason, if I closed my eyes, I could picture a little 8 year old boy singing instead of Haley.  It seemed very immature.  And she had lipstick all over her teeth, and chin, and cheeks…. must not have been the kind that stays only on your lips…eventually Ryan helped her out and fixed it for her.  Jennifer felt she was stiff and told her not to force anything, but her voice comes naturally.  Randy said he’s confused with her and that it was a great performance.  Steven said he’s waiting to hear Janis Joplin from her, some blues.  She gets a B-

Stefano Langone – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by  Simple Red.  I would have liked to see him do some Milli Vanilli!  But this was nice, too.  Little boring but sexy.  The judges really liked it.  Randy said it was the best performance of the night.  Hot vocals.  Steven said it was over the top.  Jennifer told him to connect his eyes to hers.  After his critics were over, he went and gave him ‘momma’ a hug. A

Pia Toscano – “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” by Whitney Houston.  She looked and sounded fabulous.  Steven said she nailed it, Jennifer was happy to hear something uptempo from her.  She’s perfect every time she gets up there.  Randy said she’s in the competition to win it, her pitch is always perfect.  A+

Scotty McCreery – “Can I Trust You With My Heart” by Travis Tritt.  Oh boy!  This guy has an amazing country voice!  If you love country, you would understand that this guy is ready to cut a record and it’d be popular!  He’s amazing!  Jennifer said he pushed it out a little but more, growing.  Randy is a dear friend to Travis Tritt so him saying that it was good is a great complement.  Steven told him to keep going where he’s going.  A++

Karen Rodriguez - “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne.  Started rough, but eventually she found it.  Randy said he wasn’t jumping up and down but he liked it.  Jennifer said she could tell she was scared when she came out but she attacked it.  B-

Casey Abrams – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.  He played his guitar and sang…not really sure how to feel about the song.  This was the first time that Nirvana has ever been played on American Idol.  It was outside of the box, for sure!  Lots of screaming.  I really hope that the audience gets him and this doesn’t ruin him.  Steven said he’s got it!  Jennifer said it got a little screamy-skreechy, but he loves him so much.  Randy loves him because he takes risks, he’s fearless! B+ for the fearlessness.

Lauren Alaina -  “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge.  She’s suffering from the flu this week but she did well.  You could tell she wasn’t as strong as normal but it still sounded great, little shaky.  She added some country twang to it to make it her own.  Jennifer and Randy both called it very nice.  Steven said that her flu made her sing better!  A-

Jacob Lusk – “Alone” by Heart.  I’m still not feeling this guy.  He’s my least favorite contestant.  He can sing, and he does it really great but it just not connecting for me.  Randy said he got a little sharp but he found his way back.  The ending, tender and not over done, was genius.  Steven said gospel had a baby and named it Jacob Lusk…hummm…. Jennifer called it amazing, so good.

Tomorrow night, we find out who goes home!

Ditty Dirty Money performed tonight and Adam Lambert returned to the Idol stage.

The mansion that the Idols are currently living in was revealed as well as their experience on the red carpet at the premier of Red Riding Hood.  Amanda Seyfried, star of the movie, was in the audience.

Casey Abrams was said to be in the hospital at the time of the show.   He is suffering from ulcerative colitis, which he was hospitalized earlier in the competition for also.  He later in the evening tweeted, “Hey guys, thanks for the well wishes, I got some nice fresh blood in me and feeling better. People at Idol & Cedars are treating me real good,” and “My health is always first, but this is my dream, I’m going to keep fighting to stay in.”  Let’s hope that he gets better fast because he is a great performer and singer.

The Bottom tonight was Karen Rodriguez, Ashton Jones, and Haley Reinhart.

The contestant with the least amount of votes was Ashton Jones.  The judges had the option to save her with their one save for the season but they chose not to.  Ashton broke down in tears as she realized it was the end of the road.

The contestants had to choose a song from their favorite idols.  They also got to work with Interscope producers and Rock Mafia producers this week, among others, which could be a little intimidating.  It was a good night but some really shone more than others.

Lauren Alaina – Shania Twain “Any Man of Mine” This is a fun song that allowed her to show her personality well.  Her reviews from the judges weren’t all that fabulous, though.  Her song chose seemed to be a little safe and not powerful enough.  Steven said that he wished it had been a little more kick ass.  Jennifer said she wants her to kick it in to high gear.  Randy agreed.

Casey Abrams – Joe Cocker “A Little Help From My Friends” He chose the song based on the growl in his voice and because he’s isn’t a great looking guy, and neither is Casey, according to Casey.  His version was not as rough as Joe Cocker’s but it was pretty good.  He put a lot of energy into his vocals and hit every note perfectly.  Jennifer really felt his power and it blew her away.  Randy thought he was unbelievable.  Steven said he was a “plethora of passion”.

Ashton Jones – Diana Ross “When You Tell Me That You Love Me”  Berry Gordy was invited by the producers into the audience to watch her because the producers were so impressed by her rendition of this song.  Berry Gordy is the an executive from Motown Recording Company.  Randy felt that she grew as a singer by singing this song.  Steven feels that there’s more in there that she is n’t showing us.  Jennifer wants to see her sing songs that we could sing along with her.

Paul McDonald – Ryan Adams “Come Pick Me Up” This guys is so strange when he performs.  His dancing, if you could call it that, is kind of seizure-like.  But he has amazingly white teeth!  He was a little pitchy, though.  Jennifer didn’t know the song or the artist.  The judges hoped that the audience gets him and they like him.

Pia Toscano – Celine Dion “All By Myself” This girl is amazing.  Her singing gives goosebumps.  Wish she would have sung a song that had more that on line repeated, but it was still great.  The crowd cheered extra loud for her.  Jennifer was almost speechless, saying that she topped herself from last week.  Randy says that she hit the notes dead on.  “Hot, dope, cool performance.”  Steven said it was beautiful.  Again, I am predicting this girl will take the prize, the next American Idol!  After her performance, she dedicated the song to her dad.

James Durbin – Paul McCartney “Maybe I’m Amazing”  Every time this guy sings, you can her some Adam Lambert in his voice.  He put his own spin on the song and it really worked.  Randy said he slayed it and showed his sensitive side.  Jennifer said he has “everything.”  He did a phenomenal job.

Haley Reinhart – LeAnn Rimes “Blue” Beautiful!  She did a great job.  Jennifer said that she is unique and has a special quality to her voice.  Randy said that he thought it was boring, sleepy.  She is young and needs to do some more upbeat and fun stuff for her age.  Jennifer defended her to Randy says that she is sexy and doesn’t need to dance across the stage to be a great singer.

Jacob Lusk - R. Kelly “I Believe I Can Fly” Still, I’m finding it hard to connect and feel for this guy.  Steven felt that he was so good.  Jennifer said that he makes her feel so much.  Randy said that he has a signature sound, and that’s what they want.

Thia Megia – Michael Jackson “Smile” This girl’s voice is amazing for only being so young.  She looked very beautiful tonight, too.  Randy felt that it got a little pitchy but it was still good.  He didn’t love the jazzy-bit.  Steven agreed with Randy, he liked the front more than the end.  Jennifer thought she sings like an angel.

Stefano Langone – Stevie Wonder “Lately” He rocked it out.  Steven felt that he pulled it off beautifully.  Jennifer was even dancing to his remix of the song.  It was really him and he sounded great.  Randy said he slayed it, wild!

Karen Rodriguez – Selena “I Could Fall in Love”  Sounded flat. Didn’t like it.  Jennifer could tell that she was a little bit uncomfortable with the notes, especially the lower notes.  Randy felt that she was fighting the song, it was sleepy.  Steven agreed, it was lacking energy.

Scotty McCreery - Garth Brooks “The River” This is a beautiful song and he did it justice.  He is a great country singer and will probably make it in that industry even if he doesn’t win Idol.  Unfortunately, the votes will eventually run dry for him because of the lack of voters that can appreciate country music out there.  Randy thought that is was great that he didn’t ‘fix’ it cause it wasn’t broke.  He said it’s exactly where he belongs and not to change.  Steven said he did the Garth justice.  He’s riding high tonight.  Jennifer saw him open up as a performer.

Naima Adepo – Rhianna “Umbrella” Not feeling it personally.  She added in a reggae feel to it.  But the judges disagree with me.  Steven said it was very good but pitchy.  She brought flavor to the show tonight.  Jennifer said she has fire.  She needs to work on the control.  Randy differed, his judging was more technical, she wasn’t perfect.