'American Idol:' The Top 5 Elimination Results Recap
Last night, 60 million 'Idol' fans texted, called and Facebooked in their votes for the Top 5 and tonight, we learned whose run was cut shot, but not before multiple plugs for J.Lo's new album, a Lady Antebellum performance, a surprisingly fun Gordon Ramsay segment and a shout-out to Steven Tyler's new tell-all.Before the night's festivities began in earnest, the remaining five took to the stage for another 'Glee'-wannabe group sing The Turtles' 'Happy Together.' As I watched James, Jacob, Scotty, Lauren and Haley perform, I was struck by what a diverse bunch we've got this season. Though I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool fan of any of 'em, we've got a nice cross-section of musical genres this season, with country, gospel, rock and soul all well (at times) represented. But yes, the group sing was bad. It's just proof that the Top 5 should just be left to do their own thing.
The Ford music video was a quick hit, with just five 'Idols' left to ham it up in the name of the great American motor company. No campy spy send-ups or trippy effects this time around, just the kids riding bikes and balancing paintings on their chins. Meh.
One bit of filler that was fun tonight? Chef Gordon Ramsay had the Top 5 face off against each other in a cooking contest. Jeez, even I can make a decent omelet. Turns out only Lauren (who won) and Jacob (who was way too happy to come in second place) know their way around eggs, cheese and a frying pan. Later, the two faced off against each other in a blind taste test, which little "someday Suzie Homemaker" Lauren won. Hey, there's nothing wrong with a woman (or man) who knows how to throw down in the kitchen.
Next up, Lady Antebellum took to the stage to perform their new single, 'Just a Kiss,' followed by a segment in which the Top 5 talked about song and wardrobe selection, but really it was just a Bing commercial. Between 'American Idol' and 'Hawaii Five-0,' if I'm not using Bing already, it ain't happenin'.
I've got to say, though, the kids can be funny. Scotty is easily the biggest ham, claiming he chooses his songs off a deck of cards ("it's 'Nine of Clubs' this week!"), while James wins the award for taking this whole thing way too seriously (talking about "feeling the moment and lyrics" and some such), but Lauren probably has the best idea ("I try to find stuff for girls my age that doesn't sound old-fashioned and boring"). A genius!
We also got to see Jacob's crazy test pattern jacket again, worn by the Top 5. No one can pull that thing off, not even Jacob.
At about the halfway mark, it was time to get down to business. Ryan had James on his feet to hear some comments from Jimmy Iovine on last night's pair of performances. The record industry mogul gave Durbin an 8 out of 10, noting that his voice "closed out on him" when the emotions took over. Jimmy made a great point about controlling emotions for the sake of a better vocal, a direct contradiction to Randy's praise last night for an "emotionally perfect" performance. I'm on Team Iovine, here.
Randy sent James to the far side of the stage as he called up Lauren. There appeared to be some sort of flatulent-sounding technical issue during this part of the show. I mention that only because inside, I'm still 12 years old.
Jimmy said Lauren's fear overcame her last night and predicts her slot in the bottom, tonight. Ryan asked her to stand near him, as the divide in who's at risk and who's "in it to win it" (ugh) becomes clear.
J.Lo's pre-taped performance of 'On the Floor' provided a momentary release from the tension, followed by a teaser clip from her new video, 'I'm Into You,' which seems to draw heavy inspiration from Chris Isaak's some 20-year-old 'Wicked Game.'
Jacob stepped up next, to learn that Jimmy Iovine felt both songs were off for him last night. Jacob earned a disappointing 6 out of 10 from Jimmy. Ryan had him stand to Lauren, on the side of the stage closer to the exit.
Haley followed Jacob and got lots of love from Jimmy, who commended her fearless performance of 'House of the Rising Sun' after getting slammed by Jennifer. "She came forward like a lioness" said Jimmy, who gave her a 10 for the night.
Finally, Scotty made his way to Seacrest. Jimmy said Scotty "killed it" last night, though he did come up "a bit short" on the Elvis number. Ryan assured Scotty that he still isn't in the bottom of the pack and then decided to go back to the ole' tasteless "pick the losers" tactic from seasons past, asking the country boy to stand with the safe crowd. Scotty hemmed and hawed a bit as Ryan pushed him towards Haley and James, who were then let off the hook.
It was probably right around then that Lauren Alaina started tearing up, at the possibility that she could be going home. At just 16 years old, Lauren's got a lot to learn about criticism and rejection and it seems 'Idol' has started that process. Meanwhile, Jacob, who's also known to turn on the waterworks, kept it together.
Most likely, the repeat Bottom Three-er came to terms with his 'Idol' fate weeks ago. When word came down that it was Jacob going, he stayed composed and even had fun with his send-off song, 'A House Is Not a A Home.'
As for Lauren, she appeare
d to be in some kind of post-traumatic state as she looked on. Jacob, however, seemed pleased with his run, talking about how "America fell in love with him." Uh ...Moments later, the kids all gathered round, as Jacob kept the screaming going through the credits. Lusky Stank 'till the very end!
And then there were four. How do you feel about Jacob Lusk's elimination and who are you putting your vote behind with the final 4? Let us know in the comments, don't forget to vote in the poll and for more on tonight's results, check out an all new 'Something Pitchy!'
'American Idol' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET on Fox.
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