This is AMERICAN IDOL! This week the Top 20 battled it out for America's vote. Tonight we crossed a major milestone found out who made it to the Season 12 Top 10.
Ryan announced that this season there were almost 39 million votes cast this week, which is 10 million more than last year! Way to go IDOL fans! Ryan then let us know that the finalists would be revealed to the judges AFTER they find out they made it.
The guys were up first! Ryan took us to a small room behind the stage where all the Top 10 guys were hiding out. The guys were all nerves when Ryan announced the Paul Jolley was the first guy to make it to the Top 10. Paul showed off more of his vocal skills with a rendition of "Alone" by Heart for his victory song. Paul told Ryan that his "ears kind of went numb" when her heard the news, but that didn't affect his performance. Keith said that Paul's victory song was "way better than last night," claiming that he "channeled the theatrics into passion."
Ryan didn't waste any time heading back to the room of tension and announcing Louisiana boy Burnell Taylor as the second member of the Top 10. Burnell proved he was ready for the Top 10 when he performed "Ready for Love" by India.Arie as his victory song. Who doesn't love a man who can rock a paisley shirt? Mariah called his performance "impeccable" and hoped that everyone listening heard all the "intricacies" in his voice.
The hearts were pounding when Ryan returned to the holding room to announce that Curtis Finch, Jr. would take the third spot. Despite Ryan's claim that Curtis' palms were "soaking wet," those nerves certainly didn't affect Curtis' soulful serenade. That smooth voice took on John Legend's "So High" and knocked it completely out of the park. Randy exclaimed, "I'm sure we're all so happy. You're one of the best singers in this whole competition." He said he was "so happy" so many times that we're pretty sure Randy is the happiest guy on IDOL.
Always calm and collected Devin Velez was the next guy to get into the Top 10. He looked poised as ever as he took the stage to perform "Power of One" by Israel Houghton. His uplifting song had the crowd on their feet! Nicki loved that Devin relates to Spanish speaking people and said that he had been "consistently good." Ryan then brought Devin's barefoot mom up on stage to "squeeze" her little boy. ‘Nuff said.
The last guy to enter the prestigious Top 10 fold was Lazaro Arbos! The emotional young man gave a brilliant performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as his victory song. Mariah gave Lazaro props noting that "every time you get on the stage you seem to have grown." She went on to say, "I love how you started the song tonight. I'd like to hear more of that part of your voice."
With Lazaro's success, the dreams of five others were crushed and we were forced to say goodbye to five very talented and very disappointed singers! The Insider sends the best of luck to Charlie Askew, Elijah Liu, Nick Boddington, Cortez Shaw and Vincent Powell.
Now it's the girls turn! And boy can you feel the tension! Ryan announces that Janelle Arthur, the three year IDOL veteran has finally made it to the Top 10. I guess the third time is the charm for Janelle. The Tennessee native got the crowd on their feet with her victory performance of "Home" by Dierks Bentley. Nicki Minaj, who has been rooting for Janelle from the start, was all praise: "I must say, you came alive today, this is the best you've ever looked or sounded. I'm actually happy now it is in America's hands. I truly believe you are going to be a humongous country star."
The next gal spot also goes to another IDOL veteran, Candice Glover, who was cut during Las Vegas Round in Season 11. As the doors opened the crowd and the judges gave Candice a standing ovation. Candice couldn't control herself and was jumping up and down before her performance, but she sure did pull it together with her powerful rendition of "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige. Randy exclaimed: "This girl can really, really sing. That was unbelievable. We all love you."
And we're back in the jail cell behind the stage AGAIN. Ryan didn't waste any time announcing that Angie Miller would be the next person to join the Top 10. Apparently he's as uncomfortable in there as contestants! Angie was moved to tears before her reveal, but was still able to give a heart stopping performance of "I Was Here" by Beyonce. Keith was moved to tears as well: "I'm virtually crying down here. All you needed, baby, was a break. You're so ready to go. I'm so happy for you."
Here we go back to the torture chamber! Who was next? Ryan announced Amber Holcomb! The talented singer with legs for days confidently took that stage with a powerful performance of "I'm Every Woman." The performance had Mariah speechless!
Who would take the last spot? Country crooner Kree Harrison had that distinction! The screams were unbelievable from the crowd and her fellow Top 10 when she was revealed. Kree had some fun with her victory performance of "Evidence" by Susan Tedesch! She rocked that stage like a total pro.
As Ryan sent Kree off to celebrate with her fellow Top 10 contestants as we said goodbye to five who didn't make the cut. Good luck to you Zoanette Johnson, Aubrey Cleland, Adriana Latonio, Breanna Steer and Tenna Torres.
Tune in WED and THU at 8/7c on FOX.