On “American Idol,” the Top 10 for Season 12 were revealed, using a different format than in previous results shows, allowing all of the finalists to get a chance to perform.
- Host Ryan Seacrest revealed how the reveal would work for the Top 10 finalists. They would be seated backstage and, as he revealed the names of those who were in, they would make their way to the stage and sing a victory song.
- Ryan said that there had been 39 million votes, 10 million votes more received than at this point last year. He reiterated that he was the only one who knew the names of the Top 10, while it would be a surprise to the contestants and their families, and to the judges.
- A montage showed highlights from the audition process, along with celebration moments from all of the semifinalists.
- After a commercial break, Ryan announced the first person going through would be one of the guys, and he introduced a montage showing highlights from the previous night’s performances. In perhaps one of the night’s biggest surprises, since many polls had him near the bottom, Paul Jolley was the first one Ryan pulled up onstage as a finalist. Wearing a more typical outfit for him of a mint-green button-down shirt, he sang the Heart song, “Alone,” and his diction was so off in places that it was hard to tell if he was singing in English. Good thing he wouldn’t live or die based on this performance, which was very strained. Paul admitted that when Ryan first grabbed him, he wondered if Ryan was playing a joke on him. Asked for his reaction and for some direction on how to succeed, Keith Urban said his performance had been better than last night, and he liked that he had channeled theatrics into passion.
- The next person moving on, Ryan announced, was a Louisiana boy… and immediately, Burnell Taylor stood up, knowing it was him. He wore a chocolate brown and red paisley shirt, buttoned up to the neck, with light-colored cotton pants, and he sang a song that used a good portion of his vocal range, including deeper notes than he’d delivered before, as he sang Indie.Arie’s heartfelt ballad, “Ready for Love.” Asked for her reaction, Mariah Carey applauded his performance, calling it impeccable. She didn’t offer any constructive advice, however. Burnell said that it meant everything to him that he’d made it.
- Next going through, Ryan announced, was Curtis Finch Jr. He was wearing a two-toned chambray shirt with black jeans and white sneakers. For his victory song, he sang John Legend’s “So High,” and it was a little pitchy in the beginning. In the center of the song, though, he hit his comfort level and gave it a rich, gospel flavor, hitting higher and higher notes towards the end, almost like a trumpet player doing runs. Randy Jackson’s reaction: “You’re one of the best singers in this whole thing.” He gave him big props.
- Ryan delivered the news for one more finalist: Devin Velez, who was clearly shocked. He looked very much the old-fashioned crooner in a light-brown and black striped button-down shirt with a black vest and black pants. For his song, he chose the Israel Houghton anthem, “The Power of One,” a great celebration song, with lyrics about how “we can change the world together.” Nicki Minaj congratulated him and told him he’s been consistently good. She observed that using Spanish obviously helped and he should definitely “stay in that lane.” His mother came up onstage and gave him a big hug.
- This left only one spot left for the guys. Who would it be? Ryan read the final name: Lazaro Arbos. He had to give some last-minute instructions to the band leader. Wearing a charcoal gray shirt with a black tie, black vest and dark pants, very conservative and almost funereal for the singer who usually loves bright colors, he did the Simon & Garfunkel classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A reaction shot showed Keith singing along. He took some “prosperous departures” from the melody, embellishing it occasionally, but he had some trouble with his lower register. Mariah gave him congratulations and said she thought viewers must have related to him on “several levels.” She was proud of him for his confidence growing.
- This meant it was the end of the line for Charlie Askew, Nick Boddington, Elijah Liu, Vincent Powell and Cortez Shaw.
- Then it was time for the girls, starting with a montage of highlights from their performances for this week. The first to get the good news: Janelle Arthur, who said, “This is crazy.” She wore a modern country look, a teal long-sleeved shirt with ruffles on top, and an embroidered asymmetrical hem, paired with light brown cowboy boots. Her victory song was the Dierks Bentley song, “Home.” The slightly upbeat song was in her wheelhouse, and she seemed very comfortable and relaxed singing it. Nicki was asked what she’d bring to the competition, and she said, “You came alive today. This is one of the bests you’ve ever looked and sounded.” She predicted Janelle will be a huge country star.
- The next girl through was Candice Glover, who jumped up excitedly. She wore bright red pants, a silver top (that she had to keep tugging at, because it rode up) and a black jacket with princess sleeves. She sang the Mary J. Blige number, “Goin’ Down,” a good vehicle for her smoky, soulful singing. Randy said, “This girl can really, really sing. And in case anyone is wondering, this is a singing competition.” She joined the other finalists on the couch for hugs all around.
- Ryan then announced that Angie Miller was through. Ryan said that he thought the judges saw this coming. Wearing a more artistic contemporary look — a sleeveless tunic in black, earth tones and gold, with black pants — she sang the Beyonce song, “I Was Here.” Perhaps her emotions got the best of her, because it wasn’t her strongest in terms of pitch, but it was definitely heartfelt and passionate. Keith told her that all she’d ever needed was a break. “You’re so ready to go; I’m so happy for you.”
- Next to go through was Amber Holcomb. Wearing a very young-looking black and white scoop-neck fitted T-shirt with a bright yellow skirt and narrow green belt, she sang Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman.” While she was clearly in high spirits, it’s good the song wasn’t a competition song for her, because the quick melody didn’t give her enough choices to show off her vocal power. Mariah congratulated her and said, “I feel like you have everything that is everything.”
- Then, it was Kree Harrison’s turn, and she told the waiting women, “I love you all” as she followed Ryan to the stage. Dressed all in black with a midnight-blue jacket with princess sleeves, she sang “Evidence” by Susan Tedeschi, a very bluesy song about infidelity.
- This meant it was the end of the line for Zoanette Johnson, Aubrey Cleland, Adriana Latonio, Breanna Steer and Tenna Torres.
- No Wild Cards! (Randy psyched us out on Tuesday.) Next week will be a sing-off for the closest runner-up guy and girl, and viewers will vote for which of them will join the summer tour.