‘American Idol’ recap, season 11: the rest of the top 24 (and a twist!)
Contestants find out their top 24 fate. Are they in or out? CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
I was late posting my recap because I was at the Kelly Clarkson concert at the Fox tonight. (My recap for that concert will post Friday morning.)
We return for the final 20 singers and their fates. But since we only have a hour, a few folks get completely snuffed out or are barely seen.
Some of the stronger talent is highlighted tonight, including Jeremy Rosado, DeAndra Brackensick, Shannon Magrane and Hollie Cavanagh. There is definitely some debate about the inclusion of Skylar Lane over, say, Lauren Gray.
Among the final two guys, it was a tough call between Eben Franckewitz or David Leathers Jr. The judges chose Eben, but Nigel Lythgoe pulls off a new twist. The judges pick a 13th guy but we won’t find out until Tuesday. For the first time, we have a top 25, not a top 24.
The choices for that 25th spot? David Leathers Jr., Richie Law, Jermaine Jones or Johnny Keyser (who wasn’t even in the top 42!).
I am a huge fan of Johnny but I think David Leathers Jr. has the best shot to make it through. Then again, the departure of Jermaine caused J. Lo to tear up. I was shocked Johnny was cut out of the top 42 in the first place so I’m glad he’s back, a bit like Carmen Rasmussen, who Simon Cowell plucked out of the earlier Hollywood rounds season two.
So mark your calendars: for next three weeks, we will have three nights of “Idol,” starting Tuesday with the 13 guys, Wednesday for the 12 women and Thursday the results to eliminate four (or five?) of them.
Here are the details of the final ten slots:
Soulful Adam Brock, who tearfully explained how he need to sing, is put through. Chances of making it through to the top 12: not great
Jeremy Rosado. He’s part of the crew with Ariel, David and Eben. A bit chunky, he doesn’t look much like an “Idol” but he has an angelic voice. His final performance closed the deal with some amazing high notes. He got a well deserved standing ovation from the judges. Arguably the prettiest male voice out of the 12. J. Lo calls him “transcendental” when she meant “transcendent.” (Then again, maybe he is good at math.) Chances of a top 12 spot: virtual lock
Shannon Magrane. She’s worried because she forgot her words during the group round. She “sang for her life” with Kelly Clarkson’s “The Trouble With Love Is” (which I just heard live in concert a little while ago!) She has an impressively strong voice. She’s just 16 but seems much older – in a good way. (Or in a Steven Tyler way, as in “hot, humid and happenin’ “) Chances of a top 12 spot: no trouble in my mind
Scott Dangerfield. A Jennifer Lopez favorite from season 10 had to pull out of the competition. (Did we know why?) He’s back. I don’t remember much of him. He’s yet another jazzy/R&B white dude. Unfortunately, we have too many of these. And he was cut. My guess it was a close call. “It happens,” he said. “It is what it is.”
Bad news for three singers who don’t even get named. (Harsh!)
Skylar Laine. She landed in the hospital for dehydration during Hollywood but survived. She is more Reba than Carrie with her down-home throaty vocals. Skylar wasn’t happy and had doubts making it through. But sometimes, personality helps. And she has a distinctive feel about her. I’m sure she was a close call but she makes it through. Chance of her making it to the top 12: consider her gone.
We then get some quick yesses with no singing: Hallie Day (part of the blond ladies who sing well but blur together in my mind so I give her a 25% shot at making the top 12); country crooner Chase Likens (barely seen to date so chances of making the top 12 are slim unless he blows us away next week). Atlanta’s Aaron Marcellus Sanders. (his chances are comparable to those of Chase: poor. He has gotten very little airtime to date. He and Chase were both “montaged” in Pittsburgh, too.)
There are three slots left and just nine singers left.
DeAndre Brackensack, Mr. Falsetto with a bit of Jason Castro in him, returns to the final round before the semifinals again. I don’t know if we’ve ever had someone who works the falsetto that much. He has a bit of Aaron Neville in him. He’s distinctive and he apparently improved from a year ago because he makes it through. Chances of making the top 12: almost as high as his voice.
There are only two slots left (unless they add a 13th) so things don’t look so hot for Jermaine Jones, the man with the lowest voice in the top 42. I get the impression his final sing for your life performance didn’t really move the judges. And being one of the last singers to be called, he falls apart a bit. “I don’t wan to disappoint my mom,” he said tearfully. Steven Tyler said his performances were inconsistent. Sadly, he doesn’t make it through.
I have accounted for 40 singers with five left in the room. Weren’t there 42 or am I miscounting?
There are three women left for one supposed slot: Shelby Lynn Twetan, Ariel Sprague and Hollie Cavanagh. Hollie and Shelby are part of the many many blonds this year. But Hollie is the one that stands out the most vocally for me. Her “sing for your life” performance was impressive and impactful. She deserved a spot. Chances of a spot in the top 12 for Hollie: very very good
The final two men are actually teens: David Leathers Jr. and Eben Franckewitz. Both are very appealing and both are very good.
So here are my predicted top 12 based on what we’ve seen so far. The men appear to be stronger.
The six guys:
Joshua Ledet
Reed Grimm
Heejun Han
Eben Franckewitz
Jeremy Rosado
DeAndre Brackensack
The six women
Brielle Von Hugel
Jessica Sanchez
Shannon Magrane
Hollie Cavanagh
Jen Hirsh
Erika Van Pelt
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
146 comments Add your comment
Annie
February 24th, 2012
7:14 am
I should have used another word besides interesting in my post. To rephrase it, this group looks bland and boring.
Highlander
February 24th, 2012
7:26 am
Shades of Simon Cowell and X-Factor! I think the whole “cliffhanger” over bringing back another male singer is a sham! I’ll be really surprised if they don’t bring back David Leathers after all the time they’ve spotlighted him so far.
AI just pulled an Amaro on us to put back someone they had no intention of losing in the first place!
Highlander
February 24th, 2012
7:35 am
I would not have put Chase Likens or DeAndre “Mili Vanilli” Brackensack through. I would have put Jermaine through just for the variety of having at least one male singer who doesn’t sound like he belongs in a boy band!
On the girl’s side, I like Skylar’s personality and spunk but not so much her voice. I wouldn’t have put her through.
Mercedes S.
February 24th, 2012
8:12 am
Haven’t had a chance to look at last night’s Idol recording yet. Honestly: do I need to?
Sam-A
February 24th, 2012
8:40 am
I love Eben – what a lovely voice that kid has. Do NOT like the dreds dude with the voice of a 3 year old girl.
Baritone dude – glad he’s gone (though he will probably be the one they bring back) – I can’t stand whiny men who blubber in public. Same for the other big old crybaby who did get thru. Man up and act like adults – this isn’t quite like your Mom or baby dying in your arms!
The 16 year old who sang Kelly was pretty good – not Kelly caliber, but took a lot of nerve, and she did a credible job. Glad she’s thru.
Also liked the last blonde – Holly I think.
I felt sorry for the young boy (self proclaimed “Ladies Man”) who was the last eliminated. Not a bad singer, and very gracious about Eben’s beating him. Wouldn’t mind him being #13.
Why is it there will be 13 boys, but not 13 girls? The show always seems so skewed towards the guys.
C’mon RoHo and K&CF – give us the lowdown on Kelly’s concert.
Sam-A
February 24th, 2012
8:53 am
Great pix from the concert on the front pg of AJC.com Kelly looks fab.
Deirdre
February 24th, 2012
8:57 am
Morning!
Kind of early here so I thought I’d say hello. I think as long as Josh Ledet is in the boys group, I’ll be happy. IMO, he is major…as in Clarkson major. I’m also looking forward to seeing where Reed is going to take us. I think Heejun will stick around for awhile and Eben just for the purity of his voice
A 13th boy, who won’t be announced until next week????? Come on, Idol, I know the ratings are down but that’s just cheap.
I’m looking forward to seeing one of the girls step it up in the same way Haley Rinehart did last season. At least one of these girls needs to surprise us.
Judge Joe Brown
February 24th, 2012
9:03 am
Man up. You don’t like Dreds because he’s a queen.
Pitchy
February 24th, 2012
9:04 am
@Sam-A – I really like Eben as well. I feel you on the blubbering like that in public, but sometimes it’s really hard to hide disappointment (even for a man). Remember, he did say he was a “mama’s boy.” Most mama boys I know are “moist” (lolol).
And, the 16 year old girl can truly sing.
Rickster
February 24th, 2012
9:21 am
If they bring back Cowboy… it’ll be the biggest mistake they could make since…. well…. since sending him to Hollywood in the first place!
Rickster
February 24th, 2012
9:23 am
No surprise about Scott Dangerfield. After all a Dangerfield “don’t get no respect.”
ashley
February 24th, 2012
9:34 am
Was surprised that Neko (sp?) did not make the top 24 – thought he was one of the better male singers!
Sam-A
February 24th, 2012
9:34 am
Judge: Hard for me to “man up” – I don’t have the balls for it (literally). I think dreds are nasty, hideous apendages that detract strongly from anyone’s looks. That was my only problem with Crystal 2 seasons ago – they just give a dirty look to anyone. And I don’t look forward to a season listening to a voice so high-pitched it sounds like he’s a squealing pig.
And if you’re implying I’m anti-gay, just guess again. I am strongly for gay marriage rights, and have sent many emails regarding that to my (deaf!) congressmen. I find gay men, in many cases, to be the best friends a gal can have, and as neighbors, they are considerate, kind and neat. And finally, just about my favorite poster here is a gay woman – from what I garner here over the years, she seems just like the kind of person I’d have as a best friend.
Rodney Ho
February 24th, 2012
9:35 am
New blog entry up: my take on Kelly Clarkson’s rockin’ concert last night at the Fox Theatre!
soul man
February 24th, 2012
9:36 am
Phillip Phillips will be the next american idol. He has IT!!!!!!
Sam-A
February 24th, 2012
9:41 am
New post – re Kelly’s concert. And a pic of Roho and K&CF!
lee
February 24th, 2012
9:46 am
Rodney you seem to forgot how strong the country contestants are! You left out Colton Dixon, BAylie Brown and I think Skylar will make it. Eben is not strong enough or ready to be in the top 12. Phillip Phillips will do well! Show some love for the Georgia boy.
I'm just saying
February 24th, 2012
10:04 am
Not one Black female was good enough to make the top 24? Wow! I guess Idol isn’t looking for anymore Fantasias or Jennifer Hudsons.
Deirdre
February 24th, 2012
10:22 am
So what are you “just saying:”? That because there were no JHud’s or Fantasias(thank you Lord)that the judges are racist? Randy Jackson( a man of color) and JLo(a Hispanic woman) are racist? Really?
And how about the African American males(one of which I think could take home the prize) in the group?
JTesla
February 24th, 2012
10:27 am
Deirdre, you knew this was coming. If African-American’s don’t make up more than 25% of the contestants there is racism afoot. Never mind that Hispanic and Asian Americans have always been under represented (and also I don’t think they are going for skin color representation, just going for a variety of talented singers).
Lurker
February 24th, 2012
10:36 am
Where is the diversity this year????? Looks like Idol knows who they want to win already….That is why i am watching the voice and xfactor, idol is so Mayberry.
G
February 24th, 2012
10:44 am
@IJS. There’s something to be said about your comment, but I’ll just leave it alone for now.
There are around 6-8 guys that I feel have the chops to take it all the way. Kind of dissappointed about Leathers not making it, but maybe he’ll be invited back.
Like I said last night, shake the country girls in one bucket and the pop girls in another, then you get the same thing. Outside of Jessica, none of the girls have made themselves distinguishable.
I’m still going to stick to my formula of voting for who sounds and performs the best. I could care less about the personality, looks, and background sob stories to sway my vote. It’s not like we’re voting for a BFF. LOL! Stick to business.
tab
February 24th, 2012
10:45 am
Why is it that all the better singers get to go home,I notice that that now for the 4th season!!!It’s time for Idol to go off the air,because it is not really about choosing the better singer!! Next year I’m hoping something else better will be on in that time slot!!Go bye idol!!!
tab
February 24th, 2012
10:52 am
I am so sorry,I am saying GOODBYE Idol!!!
Sam-A
February 24th, 2012
10:54 am
Time to move on to the new entry – “Kelly Rocks the Fox”
Spade
February 24th, 2012
11:31 am
I didn’t get to watch Idol last night. After reading this article, I’m in shock David wasn’t picked. I mean David has real talent. What the heck are the judges thinking about or is it the producers? Someone doesn’t like David. I’ve noticed that after his initial audition, they haven’t showed much of him. However, they put in a lot of camera time for the other contestants. I want David on the show or I’m not watching this season!
G
February 24th, 2012
11:34 am
I’ll take a small crack at I’m Just Saying (IJS). Really can’t speak for why the judges aren’t going for African American women; that would be a fair question in an interview with the judges.
Just my personal observation on African American female singers; The best talent bar none take part in the show Sunday’s Best (BET). They don’t have to compromise their talent for a pop show that frowns upon “unrestrained” performances. The winners for every season have all been African American females. The nuances that are characteristic of some gospel singers are usually frowned upon on Idol. The same can be said for Sunday’s Best in terms of contestants singing a “restrained” version of a song. The judges on SB like to see and feel the emotion of the vocalist, but without losing the quality of the voice.
Also IJS, if your reference is in terms of African American females that sing soul and R&B, you don’t have to be of a certain race to execute a soul and r&b song. Haley from last year was a pop singer trying to put a soul spin on certain songs. Jessica (this year) seems to be a soul/r&b singer. I hear a bit of gospel in her voice too.
Atlanta Native
February 24th, 2012
11:47 am
Jen Hirsch is awesome. Passion. Voice. Audienc connecttion. Real.
But I question the judges’ choices overall this year. Not enough true star-quality contendors.
And just curioius, where are the black female contendors this year?
Deirdre
February 24th, 2012
11:48 am
Where is the diversity???????
Jessica Sanchez, Heejun Han, Joshua Ledet, DeAndre Brackensack.
Oh wait, I get it! There’s only diversity if it’s African-American.
DanJ
February 24th, 2012
12:40 pm
Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet are my favorites going in but that’s subject to change. I do think there’s too many country singers. I don’t know if thats because they’re trying to cater to a particular audience or if they were the best singers. I don’t think race played a part in who was picked unless you consider country music a white genre. If I’m not mistake there’s at least 6 maybe as many as 8 singers who will end up singing country.
LG Fan
February 24th, 2012
12:44 pm
Still shocked Lauren Gray did not make it
Lurker
February 24th, 2012
12:51 pm
G, you have a great point, idol likes a vocalist to be restrained. They want AA singers to be molded into a catagory that THEY think is mainstream. I dont think the realize the impact AA singers have had on the music industry. Changing tradidtional singing has bought us Rock and Roll, R&B and hip hop (of which a majority of buyers are white people).
Rodney Ho
February 24th, 2012
1:07 pm
Just saw the 18-49 ratings for Idol last night: an early estimate of a 4.4. Yeesh! A year ago, it was a 7.0. More than 1/3 of the 18-49 audience has disappeared! Big Bang Theory beat Idol in every demo and overall viewers.
Rodney Ho
February 24th, 2012
1:07 pm
Makes me think I should start doing Big Bang Theory recaps instead!
Lurker
February 24th, 2012
1:10 pm
Are you surprised, Rodney? I look for the numbers to go down even more with this pool of so called talent they have.
DC
February 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
Big bang theory is amazing…you should do recaps on that…
Fred
February 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
Season 11, has pick up where they left off at last year. This crap is not worth even watching, i’m done, can’t wait for X-FACTOR. If they are going to keep bringing AI back, please get some better judges. Randy and J-Lo both sucks, Steven was better last season, but is starting to fade. This top 24 should have been the top 10 instead.
Annie
February 24th, 2012
3:32 pm
Talent wise, last year was fine, but reminds me of the season 9 contestants. I hope that the do something to change that perception, but I don’t think that they will. There’s an amazing lack of diversity, everyone, no matter their race or sex, seems to sound the same. They are all nice singers, well except two or three people (mainly Heejun and Phillip Phillips), but none of them are unique, or seem to realize that this is about more than singing in the high school chorus or glee club. I hope next week proves me wrong.
Annie
February 24th, 2012
3:33 pm
Ugh, that should read “this season reminds me of the season 9 contestants.”
Julie
February 24th, 2012
9:06 pm
I really liked it before when you got to put the top 2 men and girls though until you have your top 24 that way if someone has a bad night they have a chance to redeem themselves. I thought it was fairer.
Seth T
February 25th, 2012
12:41 am
If this link works – this is by far the best group performance= Eban, Reed, Haley, Elise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxivyPSwxOU&feature=related
Seth T
February 25th, 2012
1:00 am
Also, Lauren & Wendy were both robbed. Lauren was one of the most unique, an Adele type of singer, but the vocal coach from hell didn’t like her due to some personal, not professional reason – I think it was her input to the judges/producers that caused them to let her go.
They should have kept 13 girls …and wait… 14 girls, 11 guys for their now top 25!
Seth T
February 25th, 2012
1:05 am
Maybe that vocal coach is another little factor in the reason why some people quit watching. Fire her, and ratings could improve a little.
Highlander
February 26th, 2012
8:34 am
If “unrestrained” is a euphemism for “over-the-top-all-the-time” then I get it!
Jubie
February 26th, 2012
1:37 pm
IMO, we have some great talent this season!! Looking forward to it.
blkshepherd
February 28th, 2012
1:55 pm
You mean to tell me that after thousands of contestants this is what the Top 24 in an entire nation consist of? You mean to say not One black female made it to the Top 24? and only one black male? Ok..i see where AI is going.
How is it that the contestants on the Voice are far stronger singers than those on AI? And the judges picked several black contestants and the judges are actually Talented..Something AI lacks because if you think Steve Tyler can sing your ears are dirty stopped up and probably dont work too well. Randy, not singer. J-Lo..most of the contestants can Out sing her. sooooo..
How is it that several black contestants made it to the final group in the Voice, XFactor and only one on AI and there were Several who were pretty decent? If any one thinks that AI is not a crock of sh*T your off your meds..or maybe need to get On some meds. What a total waist of Electric.