Tonight's theme on AMERICAN IDOL was replete with symbolism reminding us that being in the Top-10 of something is a big deal, no matter what that something is! This week, the top 10 contestants sang Top-10 songs, then Bo Derek came out of an elaborate onstage pool wearing a gold bathing suit and braids!
After two weeks of appropriately vague themes allowed the neophyte contestants to explore their individual artistry, I became more than a little apprehensive when Ryan said the top-11 would be singing the “Songs of the Cinema.” The lame OCEAN'S ELEVEN cold open, completed by the cheesiest “This is AMERICAN IDOL” ever to come out of Seacrest's mouth, made me worry that this could be a cheesetastic disaster. However, I forgot that the majority of this year's remaining contestants have shown a surprising talent for avoiding the cliché, and made this the best week of IDOL all season!
Well, after last week's mini-disaster of a top-13 week, there was not much that American Idol could have thrown out on stage tonight that wouldn't have been an improvement. The home-visit episode, where the final three contestants receive ticker tape parades in their respective hometowns, has been the most emotional in each of IDOL's first 12 seasons. So apparently, new producer Per Blankens decided to use some of that emotion in the early stages of this season. While both the vocals and performances were stark improvements over last week, I'm not sure that this episode is going to harken back to the Golden Days of AMERICAN IDOL's dominance.
The first real elimination show of AMERICAN IDOL's thirteenth season opened with a mash-up of 'Counting Stars' by One Republic and 'Radioactive' by Imagine Dragons that sounded oddly auto-tuned, and looked obviously lip-synced.
On last night's AMERICAN IDOL performance night, dubbed 'This Is Me,' the Top 13 stormed the stage to perform the songs they most identified with. Take a look back at the highlights!
Below, check out the IDOL hopefuls who made it through last night and will compete in next week's first-ever 'Rush Week' with in-house mentor Randy Jackson.
With the 'Hollywood' round ending this week on American Idol XIII, fans can expect even more surprises, as the show prepares for 'Rush Week' and the first live shows of the season. On Wednesday, Feb. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the 'Hollywood' round continues, followed by its conclusion on Thursday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), when the top semi-finalists - 15 girls and 16 guys - are revealed. However, the last two guys chosen will still be in jeopardy with their IDOL fates left in the hands of viewers. After this Thursday's show, fans will get the chance to vote via toll-free calls, text, online and the American Idol App, for which guy they want to make it to the Top 30 semi-finalists.
It's time for the 'Group Round' on FOX's AMERICAN IDOL! On tonight's show, who says you need to learn the lyrics to make the best of a performance? See what the judges think!
Last night's AMERICAN IDOL on FOX which featured auditions from Utah, dominated its Wednesday night competition, more than doubling the nightly demo averages of any other network.
If you missed Part One of the AMERICAN IDOL XIII Season Premiere which aired last night, don't miss Part Two, airing tonight. Night One is now available and Night Two will be available beginning tomorrow on FOX on Demand.
