American Idol: Top 11 Results

11 Finalists. One to go home, unless….the judges decide to rescue someone.  The Top 10 will also be going on the summer tour, so one person not only goes home tonight, but will also have to stay home this summer.

But first, Tommy Hilfiger will be the image consultant on Idol. He was influenced by music in his early years as a designer, and I guess we have him to thank for stone-washed jeans. Or so it would seem. He has a great point in saying that the contestants have to look the part, and that a unique image is vital to the total package. He likes former Idol contestant Adam Lambert’s look. He will start ‘dressing’ the Top 10. This should be interesting. Some of the singers have been complete fashion duds, so anything will be an improvement.

The judges will be able to rescue one person, until they get to the Top 5. The lowest vote-getter will get to “sing for their life” to try to earn the judges’ save.

Now, onto the latest creepy Ford music video. Hey, wait! No obligatory group sing this week! Hooray!!! I guess Jermaine Jones getting the boot may have messed with the performance? Or maybe the producers caught on that no one cares. And let’s plug J-Lo’s Vogue cover and upcoming song and video release.

And finally! Results! After all, that’s what the viewers are tuned in for.

Up first: Phillip, Skylar, Elise, Joshua and Jimmy Iovine‘s weigh-in. They showed him in the audience tonight, so I guess he came out of his little room. Jimmy thought Phillip went beyond the call of duty, and gave ‘sick day’ a whole new meaning. He has a lot of faith in Skylar, but still didn’t like her song choice. Jimmy thought Elise killed the song, and fits the popular ‘blue-eyed soul’ mold. Jimmy said that Joshua had a big moment last night, and that this is now a real horse race. Percy Sledge had emailed that he loved Joshua’s interpretation.

What did the voters think? Joshua is safe…and going on the summer tour.  Phillip is also safe. Elise is in the Bottom 3, and Skylar is safe. No surprise there, given the lineup.

Demi Lovato performs Give Your Heart a Break.

Back to the results. Colton, Shannon, Deandre and Jessica take their places. I can already see where this is going. Clips of Deandre’s performance, and then Jimmy explains the song selection process. The singer comes in with 3 songs, and the mentors listen to them and make suggestions for other songs if they don’t like the original choices. Ultimately, the singer makes the final song choice. Jimmy did not feel that Deandre delivered on his choice, and could be in trouble. Jimmy agreed with Steven that Colton picked the wrong song, and challenged Randy to stop contradicting himself (right song choice vs song choice doesn’t matter), and placed Colton in the middle of the pack. He said that Shannon is at her best when she doesn’t push too hard, but pushed too hard the previous night and showed her weaknesses. He agreed that she had potential. He said that Jessica wanted to do an up-tempo song but lost the rhythm.

Colton is safe, Deandre was kept hanging for a minute, Jessica is safe. Deandre is safe, and Shannon is in the Bottom 3. So far, no surprises.

Now Season 5 finalist Daughtry takes to the stage with Out of My Head, from his new album Break the Spell. No interview, other that to find out that he starts touring on the 20th. Take note, hopefuls, this guy didn’t even make the finale in Season 5, but has a healthier career than a lot of the winners. Can you name all the winners? I can’t.

Now on to Erika, Heejun and Hollie. Jimmy gave Hollie straight A’s last night, complimenting her poise and confidence. Her flaw was in how she was dressed…too matronly…hello, Tommy Hilfiger? Are you listening? Jimmy predicts an Asian pop music explosion, but isn’t sure if Heejun will be part of it. He said that Heejun needs to find some tempo in his songs to keep the voters’ interest. Jimmy felt that Erika fell into the “oversinging” trap.

Dim the lights…Hollie is safe, Erika is in the Bottom 3, and Heejun is safe to find a suitable song.

So…the Bottom 3 are Elise, Shannon and Erika. I can see the judges using a save on only one of them. The judges were not happy with the lineup; J-Lo felt that Elise’s performance has been great. Steven agreed. (Hey judges: the viewers also respond to attitude, not just performance). Randy called the results “very strange.” Not really, Randy.

And Elise is…SAFE! The judges are happy! Me, not so much. I just don’t like her.

Erika is safe, so Shannon will sing for her life for the judges’ save. She can sing any song of her choice, and she goes with…One Sweet Day. Oh, please. It wasn’t good initially, and it didn’t get any better. Randy was quick to respond, telling her that unfortunately, they’re not going to use the save tonight. Tape of her journey, one last viewing of  Steven’s inappropriate comment, a gracious farewell speech, and buh-bye! Try to enjoy your summer anyway.