‘American Idol’ top 6 results recap: are we experienced?
Hollie Cavanagh escaped elimination tonight. CREDIT: Michael Becker/FOX
Loading ...After two surprise eliminations, the woman who was near the bottom five times before finally found herself out completely on “Idol” tonight: Elise Testone.
The oldest contestant remaining at age 28, the New Jersey native and South Carolina resident clearly knows her own voice and understands what she likes. I enjoyed her when she channeled Stevie Nicks.
But experience also meant she didn’t particularly enjoy the judging process, questioning them at times and making faces at other times. I also found her stage presence a bit remote, her vocal stylings a bit mechanical, like she wanted to show off without entertaining us.
Last night, she did an adequate job with her Queen song, then did a self-indulgent Jimi Hendrix tune that felt more fussy than inspirational. Others were equally self indulgent (notably Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet) and they got away with it.
The past two lowest vote getters, Jessica Sanchez (saved) and Colton Dixon (not), made me question who would be in the bottom three. I didn’t even pick Elise. Instead, I chose Phillip, Joshua and Hollie Cavanagh, who was indeed in the bottom two and has been in the bottom three frequently.
Skylar Laine, who has been in the bottom three once before, had the third fewest votes – or fourth most. (Ryan Seacrest noted there were 58 million votes logged, ten million more than the top 6 a year ago, despite the 25% drop in ratings, which he didn’t mention.)
I didn’t get the impression there was a lot of shock or awe when she departed. But she was classy as she sang some Led Zeppelin and gave all the judges acknowledgment. The other five survivors didn’t seem all that upset, did they?
Here were Jimmy Iovine’s thoughts. He was much more into Joshua than I was and much less so with Skylar.
Jessica: “Jessica singing Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was a plain old mistake. Then to add to it, the three faces of Jessica. It actually scared me. That was less Queen and more Stephen King. But ‘Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross was magnificent… she sang it with brilliantly. She understood her words and her audience. Clever plus real talent, that’s double the vote.”
Elise: “She picked the wrong Queen song. A monotone stadium anthem. It comes off clubby. It didn’t move me. I didn’t want to see it again. Elise chose Jimi Hendrix ‘Bold as Love.’ To me, that’s double down on bad choice for the night. It was a musical piece with a very integrated soulful blues vocal. One without the other, it falls apart. That’s what we got. She’s a great singer who made bad choices.”
Hollie: “I wonder if Hollie choosing ‘Save Me’ by Queen was a subconscious plea to the public. [I thought that, too!] She did a very good job. This was a hard one. Freddy Mercury is tough. He is so unique… she tripped up at the very end… Hollie singing ‘The Climb’ was a good choice. She caught the emotion in that song. I hope it’s not too little too late.”
Joshua: “I was really impressed with Joshua last night with ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love.’ That Gary U.S. Bonds feel with Sam Cooke singing a Queen song showed he can interpret. He can cross over to pop. Then he switches over to ‘Ready for Love.’ Emotional, restrained and just moved us all to where we wanted us. He showed with those two songs, delivering with that type of intelligence, he could make the finals.”
Skylar: “I think Skylar did a very very competent job on ‘The Show Must Go On.’ She sang it more like a pop song… Now on her second song, ‘Tattoos on this Town’ was a little self indulgent… If you are going to do a song for one town, it has to be a strong enough song to appeal to the entire country. I don’t think that song cut the mustard.”
Phillip: “Ryan isn’t the only one not feeling well this week. Phillip is really having a rough time. It’s starting to show. With him not feeling well, he’s not able to pull off that character in ‘Fat Bottomed Girls.’ Watch Jack Black and Casey do it last year, they exploded that song when they did it. I don’t think we got that tonight. It was missing something… his second song was Dave Matthews ‘The Stone.’ … I’m very curious what the audience feels about this. What he did left an opening for someone other than Phillip to be in the final.”
- The “Idols Live” tour comes to Gwinnett Arena August 5. Tickets go on sale May 11 at 10 a.m. I’ll provide more details later.
- Harvey Levin of TMZ trained the top 6 about the media. They teased Philip Phillips about his aw-shucks nice guy routine, saying he should own it when J. Lo calls him sexy. “One name; Casper Smart,” one of the TMZ dudes said, noting J. Lo’s much younger beau. “Thank you man,” Phillips said. They then teased Skylar about her “relationship” with Colton. She insisted that they are just friends. Then Joshua’s nickname “Mantasia” gets teased because there’s a strip club in New York named that.
They then get busted for being slobs and Hollie eating cereal in the bathroom. Elise wonders how to not look so mad when she’s not smiling without being fake. They had no solution for that. Jessica admitted to 200 YouTube videos. Then they mock Harvey for his bad dancing in a YouTube video, causing former dancer Nigel Lythgoe to get in the act.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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467 comments Add your comment
bbqchx
April 27th, 2012
1:05 am
Jubie, the answer to your question is: Jessica.
If you’d bother to check, she has garnered – by a very long distance among the other contestants – the most hits from the general public.
bbqchx
April 27th, 2012
1:10 am
Specifically, hits on youtube.
‘American Idol’ Recap: Another One Bites the Dust, 5 Remain – Hollywood Reporter | News Room
April 27th, 2012
1:18 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
‘American Idol’ Recap: Another One Bites the Dust, 5 Remain – Hollywood Reporter | Page3gossips
April 27th, 2012
1:20 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
‘American Idol’ Recap: Another One Bites the Dust, 5 Remain – Hollywood Reporter | News Report Now | Daily News Magazine
April 27th, 2012
1:21 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Jenny
April 27th, 2012
1:28 am
JT, that was part of my point… this season is so close that it may not show us the winner. I certainly don’t think Hollie’s going to win just because it showed her in first this week.
I was only saying that most years it shows a pattern, that’s all. I just looked, cause I was curious, and whoever claimed it predicted Lauren to win was wrong… it had Scotty in first all the way from top 11.
I just think it’s interesting. I also like whatnottosing.com, where they rate by means of data culled from many different polls. I like predictions and stats and so forth.
As I’ve said every time we’ve ever discussed it, I know they don’t break the law. I just like to be devils’ advocate. Plus, it’s often discussed how they try to manipulate… what’s the motivation for that?
‘American Idol’ Recap: Another One Bites the Dust, 5 Remain – Hollywood Reporter | Danta Report
April 27th, 2012
1:28 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Monique
April 27th, 2012
1:41 am
Was a Elise fan.. Gonna be bored next week. Why did they have to save Jessica?
‘American Idol’ Recap: Another One Bites the Dust, 5 Remain – Hollywood Reporter | Top News Now
April 27th, 2012
1:51 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Mercedes S.
April 27th, 2012
7:23 am
Morning!
Finally got to watch the expected let-go of Elise.
Thoughts:
Casey can make some extra money as Christmas-Santa.
Stefano’s “Dance of the Red Shoes” was a preamble to Katy Perry’s military maneuver – it’s not about singing anymore, people want smoke and spectacle. And noise.
How come Randy doesn’t have anything to hawk?
Sandy Batchelor
April 27th, 2012
7:29 am
Why can’t for once everyone just look at AI and let it be what it is? All of this race mess is getting very old. True talent is in the black, white and hispanic race. You all should concentrate more on getting God into your life rather than going back to all of this hatred. Joshua does not know any of you from a hill of beans yet you call him gay. If he is then so what? Skylar is pitchy– so what.Jessica is hispanic– so what. It’s a shame that you can not enjoy a tv show without all of the negativity and jealousy. Its so damn sad. People vote for who they want to. Just because you vote one way that does not mean that everyone has to follow your lead. Get it together people!
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
7:35 am
Morning!
Going back to the Dialidol discussion from last night; the results posted in season 10 would suggest that Scotty did NOT win because of crush-crazed texting tween girls. He won the old fashioned way. dial-up. However, also during season 10, Dialidol declared Pia safe on the night she was eliminated. Dialidol also declared Jacob safe when he was in the bottom 3. You cannot trust results that only measure one part of the data.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
7:40 am
Did someone call Joshua gay? I don’t recall that. Must have missed it.
I’m looking to a Joshua/Jessica finale with Phil in the top 3. However, I think there’s just as good a chance for a Joshua/Skylar finale with Jessica in the top three. That would be quite a night as both Joshua and Skylar sing really LOUD!
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
7:49 am
Next week’s theme is “British Theme” Not sure what that means. Nigel probably got complaints about calling a theme the British Invasion then allowing songs that were not during the time period. So my guess is any song by British artists that made it big here in the USA.
Results night guests have been confirmed as Carrie Underwood and Coldplay
JDawg
April 27th, 2012
8:09 am
Jessica is BUTT ugly !!!
Harriett
April 27th, 2012
8:17 am
Dropping in to say hello and Happy Friday to all before I get slammed at work again.
I was glad to see Elise go home. She hated it there, and she accomplished raising her profile in the business considerably. She won’t have to go back home to playing joints for a pittance. The kind of bookings she will get now will be much better and pay more. And, she will get a shot at recording. So, I don’t feel sorry for her.
I just don’t have a favorite this year. I did like Colton, but did not think he’d win. To tell the truth, I have not been excited about any of them, especially. I recognize the talent, but none has captured my heart or my imagination.
Oh, and I agree about the judges, D. Steven and JLo have to go. They have become predictable and boring and in no way contribute anything to the show. I like the idea of Jimmy, Randy, and Paula!
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
8:31 am
Hey Harriett! Yes, Jimmy Randy and Paula would kind of bring us full circle. I think we could be happy with them. I’d even take Katy Perry who famously announced that the show is a singing competition not a soap opera(or words to that effect) when Kara was getting all misty over someone’s sob story. That’s what we need in a judge…a “get real” kind of attitude.
Sam-A
April 27th, 2012
8:33 am
Dear Angela: Back to your post on page 1 – Dogs are the most precious gift humans have ever been given. Tomorrow is the 2nd anniversary of the loss of my precious little Poodle – so unexpected, as she was only 13 & we expected to have several more years with her. Still think of her every single day, and love her as much as ever. We were extremely lucky, within 6 weeks we had found and adopted another precious little one, who, in her own way, is just as precious and brings us unbelievable joy. I hope the same for your friends.
Rickster
April 27th, 2012
8:37 am
Not sad at all to see Elise go home. She had near-zero personality, and like I said yesterday, there was just something about the tone of her voice that I absolutely did not like.
A bit surprised to see Skylar in the bottom 3. Not so much Hollie.
If Phil can avoid the bottom 3 after those two performances… he’s a near lock for the title.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
8:44 am
Rickster, I think it was Elise’s personality that did her in. She was hard to warm up to even when Ryan tried to get the audience on her side with the sick dog story. It isn’t like the show didn’t try to warm her up a bit. I liked her singing a lot. She reminded me a little of Haley and I thought she was on that track but again, her personality didn’t come across the camera to the audience.
I hope Phil doesn’t win(I like him a lot) He needs some time off and his style really doesn’t suit this format.
Breezy
April 27th, 2012
8:50 am
I was holding my breath when Phillip and Skylar’s term for bottom 3. Glad Phillip made it this time. I feel he will eventually hit bottom three but he will survive. My guess for the final 3, Phillip, Skylar (not that I want her to be there) and Jessica. Skylar appears to have a strong fan base. I like Joshua style of entertaining, he seem aware of himself and his ability to perform. I was not surprised or disappointed that Elise was eliminated.
Atlanta Native
April 27th, 2012
8:57 am
Skylar and Joshua are kick-ass performers. End of story.
Alex
April 27th, 2012
8:58 am
Okay, so here’s how I see next week playing out.
Phil – he cannot possibly perform two worse songs than he did this week. He’ll be safe.
Skylar – her fans will rally now that she appeared in the bottom 3 last night. She will certainly be safe.
Hollie – it’s British week. Never a more coincidental time to leave than that, right?
J&J – hopefully I’ll get some enjoyment from seeing at least one of them in the bottom 3. Dream result – one of them goes home.
Woodpappy
April 27th, 2012
8:58 am
Good Morning all ! The only shock I had last night was that Phillip was not in the bottom 3. Deirdre I guess you guys were right with the Colton fans shifting to Phil. Hope he gets to feeling better this next week. Wasn’t sad to see Elise go. I didn’t like her pouty attitude but she had slowly started to warm up a little. I believe we will see Joshua and Phil in the finals. Sorry no girl winner again this year.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:03 am
Wp, I think you may be right about no girl winner this year. However, if it comes down to Skylar in the finals, I think the country fans will push her over the top when combined with the “a girl needs to win no matter what” fans.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:11 am
Also, I read an interesting theory yesterday on the WGWG syndrome. The writer believes that it has nothing to do with school-girl crushes on the cute guy and everything to do with Idol allowing instruments.
I think the first year they allowed instruments was season 7 when Cookie won, then season 8 gave us Kris Allen, season 9, off-key Lee, season 10, Scotty.
So there is a correlation between instruments and the WGWG winning. Let’s say it’s the guitar and not any other instrument that sways the audience. The only girl who played the guitar regularly was Crystal.
Not saying I necessarily agree with this theory but it is another take on the phenomenon.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:11 am
And Skylar plays a guitar, too.
Alex
April 27th, 2012
9:12 am
Hey, let’s have some fun. Let’s make up duets pairing the top 5 this year with any of the non-winners from last year. Here’s mine.
Phil and Casey – it would be cool to see who could make the weirdest face, or faces, and who would growl the best during the performance.
Skylar and Lauren – this would surely propel Skylar into the top 2 this year and maybe win the whole thing.
Jessica and Pia – the judges must have forgotten what a totally beautiful voice sounds like so Pia would help remind them.
Hollie and Naima – this would make Hollie more appealing than ever. I mean, REALLY more appealing.
Joshua and Jacob – Joshua would scream for 2 minutes, Jacob would warble for 2 minutes, and I’d be LMAO for at least 30 minutes. Just imagine the sound and visual of that duet. Oh the drama.
Breezy
April 27th, 2012
9:20 am
@ Deirdre, if that theory is right. No wonder Skylar hangs on to her guitar for dear life, even when advised by her mentor to sing without it!!
JTesla
April 27th, 2012
9:29 am
Since JDawg seems to want to make his pronouncement a daily event I’ll point out that Jessica is the most beautiful contestant remaining, and it’s been that way since the top 13 round if not before.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:32 am
I think it’s probably a combination of the 2. There’s just something about a guy playing a guitar that appeals to girls. So girls with crushes are maybe more likely to vote for the guy with the guitar. I’d have to say yes, Idol allowing instruments set it in motion.
ashley
April 27th, 2012
9:32 am
Don’t feel sorry for Colton, the guy is having a blast. He is really getting around. He has been on Live With Kelly show, the Ellen show, Fox morning show, Today show and seems to be enjoying all of this. The exposure will help him in selling records (plus making $ for appearances). Maybe even Ellen will sign him to her record label.
jonathan
April 27th, 2012
9:35 am
Randy sure can’t hide his displeasure when results are announced. When Elise’s name was announced as leaving, he had a big scowl on his face. Guess he wanted Hollie to go. The judges should not show any favoritism and JLo and STyler need to GO!!
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:36 am
High Five to JT
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:37 am
@jonathan, excuse me, why shouldn’t the judges show favoritism? Isn’t it their job to point out who they think does well and who doesn’t?
Rickster
April 27th, 2012
9:38 am
I mentioned to the lovely and gracious Mrs. Rickster last night that if Elise had consistently performed the way she did her farewell song – shw wouldn’t have been singing last night.
She moved really well around the stage. She was engaged, and genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:40 am
ashley, just want to point out that EVERY eliminated Idol makes the talk show rounds. Colton isn’t doing anything that Deandre didn’t do a couple of weeks ago.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Rickster, I think she finally relaxed. Along with feeling sad about being eliminated, it also has to be a relief.
Sam-A
April 27th, 2012
9:43 am
JDawg & JT: Jessica is neither “ugly” or “most beautiful” – She’s a cute, not particularly pretty but attractive, young girl. When her teeth have all grown in, braces have straightened them, and her body has grown so the teeth don’t look so huge and out of place, she’ll probably be a lot more attractive. She has a cute little figure, long legs for a tiny one, and nice hair. She’ll look just fine as a young woman, when she gets out of her awkward stage.
Pitchy
April 27th, 2012
9:46 am
Good morning!
Jenny, the essay contestant winners will be announced on May 15th. Thanks for inquiring.
As far as Grey’s is concerned, if any of the major characters are killed off, I may have to stop. Love, love, love Bailey! I sure wished that intern didn’t sleep with that guy (I watch every Thursday and can’t think of their names). If Jesus was so much front and center in your life, you wouldn’t have done what you did. For some reason, that pissed me off.
Now Scandal, whoa baby, my new favorite!!!
Angela, sorry your beloved pet is gone. I have never really been an animal person, but my daughter is. We are on our 3rd cat (other 2 ran away), and I love, love, love our cat. I can’t imagine my home without him underfoot.
Guess JDawg didnt get the memo re: calling contestants names
JTesla
April 27th, 2012
9:49 am
Sam-A, once she is 18 I’ll be more than happy to talk about her figure. However, in terms of cuteness or beauty I am not wrong.
‘American Idol’ Castoff Elise Testone Will Be Calling Brian May – MTV.com | News Room
April 27th, 2012
9:49 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Alex
April 27th, 2012
9:49 am
Rickster
April 27th, 2012
9:38 am
Yeah, some contestants continue to advance no matter how bad or good they perform each week while others, like Elise, have to be spot on with their song selections. I think she made poor choices for the most part after “Whole Lotta Love”. So she finished 6th. Even with the right songs I don’t think she would have advanced beyond 3rd or 4th place.
Alex
April 27th, 2012
9:51 am
Sam-A
April 27th, 2012
9:43 am
I’m over 3 times Jessica’s age. When will I grow out of my “awkward stage”?
Vast Wastrel
April 27th, 2012
9:53 am
I keep seeing people posting that they would never buy this one or that one’s CD. When was the last time most of you purchased a CD? For me it was a boxed set before Christmas 2008 as a gift for my father. The next Christmas I gave him a MP3 player.
They are probably on to something with the allowance of instruments. Almost to a man every great male pop guitarist that I’ve seen interviewed said they picked up the instrument to attract girls. It hasn’t worked quite so much the other way for the girls.
RxDawg
April 27th, 2012
9:53 am
Elise was without a doubt the right one to go out at #6. We’ll probably not hear much from her again.
It’s looking like Hollie is probably next, although she does have the chops to pull off a stunner and remain for another week or two.
Joshua will probably go at 3 or 4. He’s good, but he picks the wrong songs.
Phillip has the female vote, he’ll probably win unless his health gets to bad to continue.
Jessica should be the winner. No one can sing like she does. And if she starts receiving advice on her song selections, she can get it done. Plus, she really hasn’t sang that many ballads yet. So she could probably play that card and knock it out of the park.
Sklar is a dark horse. for some reason, she’s not getting quite the love from voters taht Lauren and Scotty did last year. I’m thinking it’s because of the overall competetion though. If Laurne or Scotty were in this years group, they probably wouldn’t make the top 5. I like Jimmy’s comments on Skylars 2nd song choice last night. It was to specefic, to hickish, to small town to generate the proper support. Like Josh, if she gets some help on song selection there is a shot. I put her and Josh right there together at 3 and 4.
The finale will be Jessica vs Phillip. Phillip probably doesn’t deserve it, but he’s got girl power behind him and that will give him the title. And yet again… we’ve got WGWG winning Idol.
JD
April 27th, 2012
9:57 am
Jnelson, none of these contestants can come back next year. I believe if you make the top 24, that’s your shot. Meanwhile we’re down to 5 and discussing the reliability of dial idol. Everyone is pretty locked in on their favorite so the primary variable is if the fans of the one who leaves continue to vote, who do they shift to? Would like to see projections from all on that like this:
1. PP voters transfer to
2. Jessica’s voters transfer to
etc.
I don’t have a clue if it should go by musical genre or sex. I do think Elise’s voters will split between Phillip and Hollie for two major reasons. Phillip and Elise seemed to get along when they did duets and Elise and Hollie appealed to voters who were upset with the judges.
RxDawg
April 27th, 2012
9:59 am
“If Phil can avoid the bottom 3 after those two performances… he’s a near lock for the title.”
Yep
Jubie
April 27th, 2012
10:00 am
Sorry Rx, but the final will be Skyler and Phillip.
Deirdre
April 27th, 2012
10:03 am
Sam JT is counter-acting a troll. Let it be. Jessica is beautiful as are they all.