The votes keep coming in, and this week over 48 million votes were cast. Who were they for? We'd find out in an hour. The judges came out in some interesting outfits, and Ryan Seacrest announced that "A lot of fans are going to be disappointed with tonight's results." Oh no! However, as I thought about this, I decided no matter who goes home their fans will be disappointed. And no matter who goes home I'll be disappointed--I'm fond of all six!
Steven Tyler is currently on the cover of Rolling Stone and PEOPLE magazines. The rocker-turned-Idol judge gave us this take, "I may be good, but when I'm bad I'm even better." Steven looked ready for the Royal Wedding in that hat, which was a nice segue into the first clips package of the night--the Top 6 visiting the British consulate. This should have been British Invasion week again like we had in Season 6. Let us all pause and remember Jordin Sparks' "I (Who Have Nothing)."
The Idols grouped up live on stage to perform a Carole King medley which included "It Might As Well Rain Until September," "Take Good Care Of My Baby," "One Fine Day," a Scotty solo to "Go Away Girl" during which he was surrounded by swaying girls from the audience, and ended with "It's Too Late.""
This week's music video made me realize how few contestants we have left, and there will be even less in 40 minutes! Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox returned to the Idol stage for the first time since the finale to sing her song called "Ridin' With The Radio."
Remember during Season 7 when fans would call in with their questions? Well this year they texted them in, and each member of the Top 6 was asked a question. We learned that Casey Abrams would duet with the late Oscar Peterson. Jacob Lusk realized his vocal range during choir practice when he could sing every part of a song. Lauren Alaina misses her friends and family and gave a shout out to those affected by tornadoes this week. Scotty McCreery has worked at a grocery store and at his mom's tanning spa. Do we have TWO Spa Concierges in the Top 6?! James Durbin played in a few bands with friends, and had many "side projects," which Ryan said he can relate to. Haley Reinhart's favorite Idol alumni are Adam Lambert, Siobhan Magnus, Kelly Clarkson, Lee DeWyze, and Crystal Bowersox.
In no particular order, Ryan called Haley up first. As each finalist was called up, Ryan didn't just re-state the judges' comments from last night. Instead, we got video footage of the performance along with Jimmy Iovine's reflections. Haley was safe. Next, Scotty found out that he was to sit back down, but "hang tight." Ryan...does that mean he's safe or not?! I can't take these mind games; I can't even imagine how the contestants feel. Lauren got a replay of the previous night's performance and was also told to hang tight. Commenting on Casey's growl, Jimmy said, "Casey has to realize the family dog doesn't vote." Guess what Casey was told to do? Yep, hang tight. James, however, found out he was safe and could join Haley and hang loose. Jacob joined the "hang tight" club with Casey, Lauren, and Scotty. Lauren was safe.
As Casey, Scotty, and Jacob sweat it out, a very relaxed-looking Bruno Mars performed "The Lazy Song" in his shades and the set looked like he was chilling in the living room or basement of a friend's house. There was even a real-life dog sitting on the couch...hanging tight!
At the end of the show, Jacob was sent back to safety. When it came down to Scotty and Casey, Casey received the fewest of America's votes. By being saved at Top 11 and making it to Top 6, Casey ties Michael Lynche for number of weeks they stuck around after being saved. Then, Casey took the microphone and gave the best post-elimination performance I've ever seen on American Idol! He sang "I Put A Spell On You" and sang into each judge's ear and buried his face within their hugs. He then kissed every audience member he walked by, gave his dad a handshake, greeted Jacob's and Lauren's loved ones, and gave out more high fives. As the credits rolled, Casey literally rolled his body horizontally on the stage. He got up and hugged, growled at, and tackled his fellow Idol finalists. At the very end of the song, he grabbed Haley's arm, looked her in the eye and sang "Because your mine." Oh wow, I went from laughing hysterically to getting a little verklempt.
We will miss you, Casey! Thanks for going out with a bang!
With just a few weeks left in the competition, who will make it to the finale? Chat about it in the Idol Community.