The first live results show of the season on Thursday revealed American Idol’s top 13: ten singers selected by viewers’ votes, and three selected of five by the judges after an on-the-spot solo performance. That means five didn’t get a chance to sing for a spot at all – and those who did were fighting for their singing career amidst a ton of sound problems.
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The top 10 girls voted by America were Malaya Watson, Emily Piriz, Jessica Meuse, Majesty Rose and MK Nobilette, and the top 10 guys were Ben Briley, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Sam Woolf and Caleb Johnson.
Ryan Seacrest joked that he felt like he was on an episode of The Price Is Right, since the audience kept shouting for their favorite contestants. Johnson had the most exuberant reaction, as he lifted Seacrest into the air when he hit the stage. Harry Connick Jr. was shocked by how quickly he recovered from the spontaneous moment. “It took half a second for you to be Ryan Seacrest again,” he laughed. “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen on television!”
C.J. Harris was the first contender to fight for a spot, but both he and the band messed up. “I honestly didn’t feel any of the magic,” said Connick, but Jennifer Lopez came to his defense.
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Serendipitously, Jena Irene then accompanied herself on a keyboard for her wildcard performance and created a calm and tender moment by reprising her original song – a smart decision, said Keith Urban.
Spencer Lloyd then dedicated his performance with his guitar to “all the unordinary girls,” which got the girls screaming and his mother tearing up in the audience. “I’m not sure that that was what I would’ve wanted America to see right now,” said Lopez.
Bria Anai promised Seacrest, “Y’all gonna get a show tonight,” once she was picked to sing for a wildcard spot, full of ambition but messy in execution. “You definitely sang for your life, but Bria, it was all over the place,” said Connick, triggering a wave of boos. “I think you overshot the mark.”
Kristen O’Connor was the last wildcard fighter of the night, but was pitchy when her adrenaline kicked in. Of course, a very kindhearted Urban offered the critique as advice to up the key next time – if there is one.
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The three wildcard spots were then awarded to Jena Irene, Kristen O’Connor and C.J. Harris. Emmanuel Zidor, George Lovett, Malcolm Allen, Briana Oakley and Marialle Sellers were sent home without a chance to sing for a wildcard spot, along with Anai and Lloyd.
Who deserved a spot in the top 13, Idol Worshippers? Which singer will be the season’s frontrunner? Sound off in the comments below.
Twitter: @cashleelee, @Idol_Worship
