American Idol: Results Show

The show kicked off with the Top 13 singing Stevie Wonder’s As. Personally, I detest these contrived and painful numbers. No one looks comfortable, and no one looks as if they’re having fun. And no one sounds particularly great, either. And then, the first of the Ford commercials. Yeah, I know, Ford is a sponsor. Can we get to the results, please?

Nope. Not yet. Jimmy Iovine had to weigh in on how the Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston songbooks were really difficult. Yeah, we got that last night.

Finally! First up: Jessica, Elise and Hollie.

This was a no-brainer, but first we heard Jimmy weigh in on their performances. Jimmy observed that the Whitney songs were not in Elise’s genre, and that she had been hit by the Whitney stick. He felt that Elise was in trouble. Too bad he didn’t comment on her surly attitude. Hollie was fantastic, and had been at an advantage. Jessica had given the best performance of everyone ever on American Idol. Really? Of everyone? Ever? Jimmy was concerned that Jessica would become over-confident.

Elise was relegated to the Bottom 3 of  the Girls. No big surprise.

Next: Heejun, Jermaine and Colton.

Jimmy thought that Heejun’s song showed his flaws, and he would have to work to keep him in what he does best. Colton took great direction, but Jimmy is unsure as to what type of an artist he really is. He doesn’t think Colton knows, either. Jermaine lost an internal battle with himself, and thought too much.

Jermaine went to the Bottom 3 of the Guys. Again, no big surprise.

Last season’ runner-up, Lauren Alaina, performed her single Georgia Peaches. It would have been nice had they chatted with her, and as in the past, asked her to give this year’s crop advice. Nope. Nary a word was spoken.

Next: Erika, Shannon and Skylar.

Jimmy thought that Erika was not made for the song, but enhanced it and did a really believable job. He said she had a problem with presentation, and needs to be direct and focus. (I think she could use a better stylist, too). Shannon’s nerves got the better of her and tightened her vocal chords. Jimmy thinks she needs a lot more experience. He liked the nasal quality in Skylar’s voice.

Skylar is safe. The other two go to the Bottom 3.

On to Phillip, Deandre, Joshua and Jeremy.

Jimmy thought Joshua was very good, but was concerned that people would get bored with his voice.  He was pleasantly surprised by Deandre. Phillip is a great musician and vocalist who knows who he is, but Jimmy is concerned that the vocal fireworks of the females will leave him in the shadows down the road. Jimmy did not feel that Jeremy delivered at all, and would be in the Bottom 2, and ultimately be sent home.

Phillip and Deandre were safe, Jeremy and Joshua went to the Bottom 3.

Erika and Joshua were declared safe.

Mary J. Blige performed her latest single, Why. Again, no follow-up conversation or final parting words from the mentor.

Back to the results, with Ryan asking Steven of any of the remaining 4 deserved to leave tonight. Without hesitation, Steven said Jeremy did.

Jermaine and Shannon were safe.

Down to Jeremy and sourpuss Elise as the voters’ Bottom 2. Ryan asked Randy if America got it right. Randy answered, “Probably.”

On to the judges deliberating during the break. J-Lo announced that they decided to save Elise. OK, so what was the point of the extra guy in the first place? Now we’re basically back to the Top 12.

Bye Jeremy. Film montage showed to Scotty McCreery’s Please Remember Me. (Will this be this season’s exit song?) No apparent tears, just a disappointed face. Jeremy was gracious, but proved that sometimes, nice guys do indeed finish last.