Idol 10: from 11 to 10

They kicked off the show tonight with a segment of Marc Anthony (J-Lo's hubby) giving the contestants help with the sound mix coming through their ear pieces. They implied that was behind a lot of the pitchiness we've heard in past weeks. And maybe they were right since last night was so good.

Group sing of Ain't No Mountain High Enough had more than one sour note, so maybe those lessons weren't completely successful (plus James and Jacob both had to do a screech/scream and neither sounded musical to me). Stevie Wonder joined the kids. Happy Birthday to Steven Tyler, and the song from Stevie and kids left him speechless. (Is this his 63rd or did he turn from 63 to 64?)

I'm convinced that tonight will be all about who has the most early season fans and not about performances last night. Yes, some were better than others, but nobody was awful. I also predict that this could be the night the judges use their save because of what I said in the first sentence. I'm bolding. Let's see if my prediction comes true.

Pia, Lauren, and Scotty were all put through to the final ten early in the hour.

Sugarland performed their song, Stuck Like Glue. Love that song. It's just fun. But wouldn't it make more sense, since last night was Motown night to have some Motown performers? Just sayin'.

Okay, silly little wrestling piece from the mansion. A good reminder that these talented singers are all young and fun and kooky. Paul and James were up next, and Ryan says they are both not safe. What? Then out came Hulk Hogan (who James, in the wrestling piece, had told to look out). Hulk then said they were both safe and would be going on tour with the final ten. After which he knocked Ryan into the audience. Also silly, but kind of amusing.

Jacob and Thia and Stefano up next. Jacob was safe. Thia and Stefano were not safe. Over to the stools they went. Naima, Haley, and Casey were called forward. Naima was safe. Haley could be expected to be in bottom three. She's been there last two weeks. But shocker! It was Casey to the stools and Haley was safe.

Ryan has said a number of times that this night would have shocking results. Was Casey in bottom three enough to be called the SHOCKER (in caps)? Or could the SHOCKER be that he is the very bottom? If Casey is the lowest vote getter from last night, then I know the judges will use the save. If I was a gambler, I'd bet money on it.

Jennifer Hudson performs her new single, Where You At. She looked every inch an Oscar winner. Hey, judges. Please note that she stood and sang in one spot almost the entire song. How come it's okay for her and not Pia? Just sayin'.

Down to business. Who will have to sing for the save? First, Ryan sent Thia back to the couch. (Commercial break to build more tension.) And it was Casey who was at the bottom. SHOCKER!!! Stefano gives him a major pep talk that we can't hear. Casey begins to sing. Randy stops him, says they already know who he is and don't need to hear him sing more, and the judges use the save. Casey looks about to puke or faint or have a heart attack. Maybe all three. He asks, "Why'd you do it? It's so early." (or something like that.) He crumbles to the steps, then goes and hugs his parents. Jennifer tells him to "be the musician" from now on.

Two people will go home next week. However, because they will go from 11 to 9, there won't be a top 10. Thus, the top 11 will go on tour.

And yes, I know that my title is incorrect, but I couldn't change it without giving away THE SHOCKER! And just in case you wondered, I think the judges made the right call in giving Casey another chance. I hope he delivers big time in the coming weeks. And besides, I think the eliminations really need to be in the voters' hands from now on.

Comments

[Jeff Bickley]

I have to confess I was moved by the "Happy Birthday" thing. But I'm still baffled at Casey being on the bottom! Not surprised at all that Stefano was there, and slightly surprised that Thia wound up there. But, as we both said, the performances were all so good Wednesday, that it could have easily been anyone there. I was in tears by the end of the show. Casey's reaction...I've never seen anything quite like that. Of course, the cynic in me wonders if the whole thing was scripted. Haha...see you next week.

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Jeff, I can be a cynic too. I think the judges knew going in that Casey was at the bottom and that they would save him. Why? Because of the clock. They let it go too long to have him sing and then to decide amongst themselves. But I don't believe for an instant that Casey knew. I don't think he could have acted that well. Plus, I believe that he'd mentally worked it out that the judges would not save anyone last night because to do so screwed with the final ten. So when he started to sing, he really believed he was leaving.

I haven't cast votes for Casey the last two weeks only because I was convinced that he was so popular he had plenty. Obviously, I was wrong and there must have been lots of others like me. Next week, unless he totally blows it, I'll make sure to spread my votes around a bit more.

[Kansas Bob]

This is the first time I can remember that I have really liked all of the folks in the top 12. I do think that the change in judges and the change in coaching has made the show much better.

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Agreed, Bob. They've got a solid cast of kids. No obvious front runner as there often is by this point in the show. The coming weeks should be very interesting for viewers.