Like a pinata, Thursday night’s results show was packed with surprises, not the least of which were the results themselves. With over 30 million votes cast, Ryan teased that the “outcome of those votes may shock you.”
Before that, though, we were treated to a diverse array of wonderments. Like the Souplantation buffet, this show had something for everyone, including those of us who have always fantasized about punching Ryan Seacrest right in the kisser.
Also see: Our 'American Idol' Plea: Save Casey Abrams!
First surprise? Well, it seems that Mr. Jennifer Lopez — er, that’s Marc Anthony — stepped in this week as an unofficial mentor. On more than one occasion, we’ve heard contestants complain that they can’t hear themselves onstage. Anthony ran them through the art of listening to their in-ear monitors and the seminar paid off. On Wednesday’s show, Randy took “pitchy” out of his vocabulary completely.
While Anthony’s work ethic was interesting to observe, it was the insight into his relationship with Lopez that was really engaging. As he watched the show live backstage, he commented on her critiques: “I understand what Jennifer’s saying but I don’t agree 100 percent.” Then he added a stern “I think I’ll just leave it at that.” For those of us who have read the tabloid stories about his controlling nature, it was an intriguing moment.
The Top 11 started off the night with the rousing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” With the girls clad in silvery whites and the guys in suits, they exuded the glamour of Motown, albeit a day too late in my opinion.
Then — surprise! — Stevie Wonder, a 50-year Motown veteran, wheeled onto the stage, keyboard and all, to perform “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Superstars Lopez and Tyler could barely contain themselves but it got better. Wonder and the Idols broke into his version of “Happy Birthday,” as Steven Tyler was beckoned onstage and presented with a birthday cake.
The show’s sole moment of “unsurprise” came after the Ford music video when Ryan summoned Lauren, Pia and Scotty to his side and announced that they were all safe.
Next, Country duo Sugarland was in the house to perform their hit “Stuck Like Glue.” Yes, Motown is so pervasive that it has probably been an influence on every contemporary act, but they seemed a little out of place. Guess Nigel & Co. are trying to reach out to all demographics, which brings me to…
Pro wrestling fans? Yes, apparently Paul and James are huge fans of pro wrestling, even staging mock fights in the mansion with couch cushions. Hey, it beats the catfights at “The Bachelor” mansion.
Ryan called them up together to learn their fates and delivered the news with an ominous tone: “The nation has spoken and both of you guys are not safe tonight … I mean you’re really not safe tonight.”
“Eye of the Tiger” blared and Hulk Hogan appeared. A genuinely shocked James was overwhelmed. Hogan announced that both guys were safe before turning his attention to Seacrest. “And the bad news is you, Mr. Ryan Seacrest … you’re not safe.” PUNCH! Ryan played the part of good sport and went flying into the audience. Though we all know it was fake, it was still oddly satisfying.
Up next in the hot seat were Jacob, Thia and Stefano. Jacob was sent to safety right away and Seacrest announced that both Thia and Stefano were in the Bottom Three. This was not that surprising, as Stefano was a Wild Card pick and Thia has gotten more boring as the weeks have progressed.
With only one seat left and Naima, Haley and Casey remaining, Seacrest gave away the results: “Interesting night, folks. Make sure you stay with us for the entire show.”
Uh oh. It wouldn’t be that interesting if Naima or Haley landed in the Bottom Three, as they’d both already been there, so that left only … No, it couldn’t be! The judges have lauded Casey as the strongest all-around musician that “Idol” has ever seen.
Ryan sent Naima back to safety immediately and announced that the person taking the last stool in the Bottom Three was Casey, giving him two titles – best all-around musician and first “Idol Shocker” of Season 10.
As the results sunk in, Seacrest announced Jennifer Hudson, mistakenly referring to her as “our only ‘Idol’ winner with an Oscar.” (She finished seventh in Season 3.) She performed her new single “Where You At” with back-up from fellow Season 3 contestant George Huff. At the end of the song she humbly professed that it “feels good to be home.”
Then it was time for the final results. Ryan immediately sent Thia back to safety and got right to it: “The person with the lowest number of votes and in danger of leaving us tonight is … Casey.”
An amazed Randy could be seen uttering a jaw-dropping “Wow” as Stefano comforted his fallen friend with hugs and expletives.
If there were ever a time to use the Judges’ Save it would be now, though it seemed like a long shot so early into the competition. Regardless, Casey was prepared to sing for his survival and launched into a professional, confident performance of “I Don’t Need No Doctor.”
Then — surprise! — not even halfway through, Randy waved for the band to stop and Ryan had to get Casey’s attention. “We know who you are, Casey. We don’t need to hear you sing anymore, do we, Steven?”
Steven announced, “This is crazy wrong. We made a decision here to keep you on.”
Talk about a moment that will go down in “Idol” history! A stunned Casey, so poised and professional seconds prior, practically fell to his knees shaking and cursing. Somebody get that kid some insulin, stat!
He went directly to the judges’ table asking, “Why would you do that?” As the crowd chanted his name, he hugged Ryan around the waist and sat down on the stage before running into the audience to embrace his tearful parents.
Prompted by Ryan, he clarified his thought process. “I knew that if there was someone that got cut tonight I thought that they wouldn’t use the Save because there’s 11 people. So the fact that I started singing and the fact that you cut it … it scared the stuff out of me.”
The judges advised Casey to “get back to being the musician that he is” but I don’t think that’s his problem. Casey has had strong performances week after week and that could lead voters to think that he’s safe. This just goes to show the importance of voting. With the new Facebook option, there is no excuse.
In light of tonight’s events, two contestants will be eliminated next week. And — surprise! — the traveling tour group of 10 Idols will now be the first-ever traveling group of 11.
