BWW Recaps: IDOL Judges Save Early Favorite

Coming off one of the strongest episodes of the season, everyone expected this elimination show to be exceedingly difficult, especially considering the dwindling number of opportunities to use the season's single judges' save. However, when it came down to crunch time, the judges' decision didn't seem to be all that difficult.

On to the show; after a Ford-sponsored ode to driving, Ryan and Randy welcomed the most successful male IDOL alum back to the stage. Fresh off of his spot-on mentoring during this season's Rush Week, Chris Daughtry and his eponymous band performed their middling single, "Ready for Superman."

While I understand the corporate cross-promotion that brought Jennifer Lopez and Janelle Monae to the elimination show in recent weeks, it was nice to get an IDOL alum back in the performance slot, even if it wasn't with his best song.

On a note of personal preference, the new streamlined 30 minute results show is such an improvement over the hour-long version. The fewer Seacrest dramatic pauses, the better.

Ok, now on to the results:

Safe (in random order of announcement)
Dexter Roberts
Jena Irene
Caleb Johnson
Jessica Meuse
Alex Preston

Bottom Three
CJ Harris
Malaya Watson
Sam Woolf

Singing for the Save
Sam Woolf
"Babylon" by David Gray
Three Word Review: Same Old Sam

Like most of his performances this season, Sam's "Babyon" was ably sung, but lacking in any passion or emotion; which is kind of surprising, considering the situation he found himself in. However, as JLo announced, the judges were unanimous, and chose to exercise the save this week.

Sam is a very talented singer, but, come on now, he had no business earning that save. If the producers follow typical IDOL protocol and eliminate two next week, and one ends up being someone who doesn't yet deserve to go home (say Malaya, who was also in the Bottom Three this week), I will be extremely disappointed.

Also, was it just me, or was that confetti shower just a little bit too much? They do know that Sam is still an odds on favorite to be sent home next week, right? When the judges finally announced this season's Top-12, I thought that Sam and Majesty Rose (who was eliminated last week) were the odds-on favorites. It will be interesting to see if Sam can use his second chance to reclaim some of that early momentum.

So, what do you think? Did Sam do enough to earn the save? Let me know in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. Remember to check back to BroadwayWorld next Wednesday for my recap of Top-8 Week Part 2; when the remaining IDOLs tackle songs of the 80's.

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta | FOX