Pia Eliminated, Haley and Stefano Thank Their Lucky Stars

Ryan started the show last night by encouraging us keep watching because "the results may shock you."  We wouldn't expect any less, Ryan.  But, shockingly, they DID shock us.  (Let's see if I can say "shock" as many times during this post as Ryan did last night.)

The night went through a series of bizarre motions, from a group of snarky TMZ editors poking fun at the Idol team (and a lot of the Idols dishing it right back - good for you!) to a half-naked 63 year old Iggy Pop bouncing around the stage belting out "Real Wild Child," and then Russell Brand giving the Idols confidence lessons (which appeared to be simply encouraging them to sit in the judges' seats while Brand attempted unsuccessfully to prove to America that he could be funny).

And then it was time for Kieran to dim the lights.  The final two came down to Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone, and most of America was already hearing Stefano's name when Ryan announced that the person heading home was Pia, not Stefano.  Even Stefano was shocked, whispering, barely audibly, "Really?"

The judges' mouths dropped, Randy threw his head in his hands, and Haley Reinhart grinned smugly from the couch.  But seriously, how did Pia get voted off before Haley and Stefano?  Even they were blown away.

What ensued next were tears from the judges, most of the other idols, and Pia herself, but only after she had finished a well-selected and brave performance of "I'll Stand By You."  Ryan used this as a teachable moment, reminding us all that this is why we need to vote.

Pia was one of my favorites and she should have at least made it to the top three, if not to the winning spot.  I was really happy that the judges used the save on Casey Abrams, but I think Pia is a stronger singer.

The biggest upside to this is that now Pia can go on to make a record without Idol taking a huge cut of her royalties, as they do with the winner (although looking at our past few winners, I'm guessing Idol hasn't made much off a singer in a while).  Hopefully we will be hearing more from her soon.  Even still, it shocks me that she went home so early.  My father said when he tried to vote for her, he kept getting connected to an automated system in a different language.  I guess there was either a glitch or people assumed she was safe, or, perhaps people didn't vote for her because of her bizarre outfit during the Wednesday performance (Gwen Stefani, why did you make those poor girls wear those terrible outfits?) or because people disliked her because of how pretty she is.

I'm not sure what is going on with Idol lately, but I am concerned that with the way people are voting (and not voting), we may end up with another dud winner like last year.

Were you sad to see Pia go?  Did the elimination shock and surprise you?

American Idol 3-9 - Lots of Highs, Just a Few Lows

Lauren Alaina kicked things off with a fun, upbeat rendition of Shaynia Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” (a favorite off mine).  She had fun with it, but didn’t do anything that blew the judges away.  Like usual, Lauren sounded great, but it seemed like she was performing at just half-mast for what she can achieve.

Before a fabulously growly version of Joe Cocker’s “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends,” Casey Abrams told us he “want[s] to be felt.”  Well we felt it (but maybe not in the way he was implying).  He killed it.  Casey is one of the few that really shows that he feels what he is singing, and the way he gestured to the chorus, indicating his “friends,” was cute and campy – just like him.  The judges loved it, and Jennifer said she was “watching somebody important.”

Our white-toothed Paul McDonald sang Ryan Adam’s “Come Pick Me Up” (that’s “Ryan with an R,” folks).  Paul did his usual skipping-stoke dance moves all over the stage, complete with chicken arms (watching Ryan imitate this was priceless).  The judges turned into broken records (“I hope America get it,”) and Paul echoed the same sentiment after the commercial break.  I love Paul’s voice and his character, so personally, I hope viewers get it too.

Pia Toscano did an incredible version of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself,” hitting all the right notes in a strong, confident voice.  The judges loved it (and who couldn’t love her gold dress and matching bronze nails and eye shadow?).  Pia has killed it two weeks in a row now, and she nearly brough J. Lo to tears.  Definitely one of the highlights of the night.

James Durbin followed Pia with Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed,” starting off by finally showing us his beautiful voice (yes, it’s good even when he isn’t screaming!)  During the middle, he hit a few of his crazy high notes.  He paid tribute to McCartney very nicely, and added some nice “oldies” to the mix (if you consider music from the ‘70’s an oldie).  Randy told James, “You’re one of my favorites,” and Steven and Jennifer continued to heap on the praise, telling him that he “could do anything.”  On a side note, a noticeable different about Paul today?  No tail!

Haley Reinhart went next, and got grouped with Paul McDonald as a singer America might not get.  She sang Leann Rimes “Blue,” complete with yodels.  Steven said that the “country-western part of America” would love it, Jennifer liked it, but Randy suddenly had a loss of words, stumbling around before finally belting out, “It was a little boring!”  He proceeded to say “boring” four times, “sleepy” twice, then laugh awkwardly.  It was weird.  I thought Haley was good but I agree with Randy – snooze.  That being said, this was my favorite of her performances to far.

Jacob Lusk sang R. Kelly’s “I Beleve I Can Fly,” (a very appropriate-for-Idol sort of song) with racing clouds behind him and a choir of blue-robbed singers flanking his wings – I mean sides.  He has an amazing voice and, as with Haley, this was my favorite performance of his so far.  Steven said, “I can’t even judge it – that’s how good you are,” which gave me the impression he wasn’t paying attention (with all the yawning, the little red fan he kept flapping around, and visibly reading his stage notes, I wouldn’t be surprised).  Randy patted himself on the back for discovering Jacob and told Jacob he was “excited every time [Jacob] hit the stage.”

Oh Thia.  We all loved Thia last week (and I’ve loved her quirky personality and gorgeous voice since her audition).  But tonight, Thia Megia did a weird version of Harry Chaplain’s (and then Michael Jackson’s) “Smile.”  The beginning was great, but it got weird and soft rock-jazzy halfway through.  The judges felt the same way, although Randy compared her to Adell, yet he wished the entire song had been like the beginning. 

Jennifer’s critique of Karen Rodriguez began with “You look so beautiful tonight,” – and we know that is never a good sign.  Karen sang Selena’s “I Could Fall in Love with You Tonight,” which was slow and awkward to watch.  J. Lo asked Karen if she could hear herself while she was singing, but told her she was one of the strongest and deserved to continue on.

Scotty McCreery showed off his crazy good country voice yet again, tonight with Garth Brooks’ “The River.”  He has an amazing voice and I know I’ll be hearing this kid in the future on all the country stations.  The crowd loved it, the judges loved it, and little Scotty was beaming ear to ear.  Aww.

The wildcards were, well, unnecessary.

Ashton Jones clearly took Randy’s comment (that she reminded him of Diana Ross) to heart.  The only thing about Ashton that reminds me of Ross is her big, beautiful hair.  But Ashton took it to the extreme, in a Ross-esque satin one shoulder gown, swaying dance moves, and what I assume she thought was Diana Ross’s voice.  It fell flat for me, but the judges gave her some half-hearted compliments.

Stefano Langone oversang Stevie Wonder’s “Lately,” jumping all over the stage and belting out words in a way that ended up being just painful to watch.  He seemed to be out of breath in places, but he hit a few good notes.  The judges were inexplicably dancing along with this bumpy ride, and they praised him for changing up a ballad to fit his own style.

I so want Naima Adedapo to be successful (she cleans toilets at a concert venue! The irony!), but I didn’t loved her yelling, off-tuned version of Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”  She high kicked and danced all over the stage.  Steven called her “pitchy” but said she “brought flavor.”  J. Lo didn’t care how pitchy she was (what?  This is American Idol, right?), but Randy righted the world with, “I do care about the pitchiness,” but he still “loved the whole reggae thing.”  Naima, we love you – fix the pitch!

Something new: Randy mentioned that it was season 10 about 47 times.  (Yes, we get it, Randy).  In addition to that, the show was pre-recorded (what?  No longer live?).  I’m not sure why the change.  Also, there was much more of a focus on the producers and how they coached the singers (so far, so good).  And finally, American Idol has become superstitious, cutting number 13 and instead giving Naima number 36.  Huh?

Who was your favorite?  And who do you think is going home?