American Idol 11, April 12: “Nobody’s Safe”

The episode begins with the introduction of our judges, quickly followed by Ryan’s entrance. Ryan wastes no time getting to the crux of the episode, also talking about performances from James Durbin, Jennifer Hudson, and Ne-Yo.

Before the top seven take the stage for their performance of “Raise Your Glass,” Randy reminds us all that tonight, “nobody’s safe.” Geesh, if that doesn’t make you nervous, I don’t know what will.

“Raise Your Glass” from the top seven is a nice little performance. There’s nothing absolutely spectacular about it, but the Idols sure have fun! Several contestants, including Joshua and Phillip, get crazy audience reactions whenever they sing. Clearly, they’re fan favorites.

Enough with the live performances, time to show us the Ford Music Video. This video is a strange mixture of cartoon-drawn scenes with the Idols’ heads on all the characters. Sometimes, these videos crack me up, but in a weird way.

Ryan reveals several celebrity tweets that had been sent last night after the performances and also reads real fan “snail mail.” While reading the fan mail, both Hollie and Colton receive invites to a prom and Spring Formal and read the invites out loud.

Enough with the fan mail, give us the results! Oh, I think Ryan heard me. Here comes the business. Hollie and Jessica are called center stage for the first round of results and also to hear from Jimmy. Jimmy says the two are both good technical singers, but gave opposite performances. Hollie was too stiff and contrived while Jessica was “in it.”

The lights are dimmed and Ryan sends Hollie to the right side of the stage, while Jessica is sent to the left side of the stage. (I can already see where this is going…)

The results are put on hold for a moment while Season 10 favorite James Durbin takes the stage and sings “Higher than Heaven.” What a production this is! The song is a very typical James Durbin heavy rock song and not for me at all. However, I’m still proud to see James up there. But hey, too each his own!

The results are back as Phillip and Elise are both called for their results. The recap of the two performances begins and I am reminded how much I love Elise’s voice. Jimmy says the two are both singer-songwriters. They have character and soul in their voices. Jimmy says Phillip will be in the bottom three and says Elise could be in the bottom three as well, as she may have not done as much as she could.

Ryan wishes them luck and asks Phillip to join Hollie, while Elise is asked to join Jessica… This is very interesting already. Hollie and Phillip are in one group, while Elise and Jessica are in their own group.

Once again, the results are put on hold as Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo take the stage. Jennifer Hudson is one crazy good singer. Holy cow! Her performance is great and this is much more up my alley than the previous performance from James. Go, J-Hud! The song is catchy and of course, when Ne-Yo enters the stage, the crowd goes wild and the choreography between the two begins. I love it!

Colton and Joshua are brought center stage to hear their results. Jimmy says both singers did a great job last night. Joshua’s performance was flawless and fit like a glove. Colton interpreted his song so well and Jimmy “is in” on both performers. What it means to be “in” on a performer, I don’t know.

The lights are dimmed once more and Joshua is sent to go stand with Jessica and Elise. Colton heads to Hollie and Phillip’s group. This is so weird. Something is going to happen; I just know it.

Skylar is last up. Jimmy says she is a pro and sings with great character, is also a singer-songwriter, and always performs. He doesn’t like her playing the guitar but boldly states she will not be in the bottom three at all.

Skylar is center stage with Ryan. Ryan tells her she is safe. He then tries to force Skylar to pick the group she thinks she belongs with and Skylar tells him she will not choose. So Ryan asks Skylar to stand in with Hollie, Phillip, and Skylar. This means the other group (Jessica, Joshua, and Elise) are in the bottom three…

Oh my gosh. This is wrong. Those are three of the best performers (in my opinion) in the competition and should not be in the bottom at all. Randy even says, “This is a ridiculous bottom three, America.” In Randy’s eyes, we got it wrong.

The bottom three anxiously await finding out who will have to sing for the judges’ save. Joshua is the first one to be sent back to the couches, leaving Elise and Jessica.

This is bogus. Oh my gosh. This is wrong.

It gets worse, though – because Elise is safe and Jessica will be singing for her life! The judges, audience, and fellow contestants are so confused, as well as everyone in America.

Jessica takes the mic and her performance is simply amazing. Like, wow. She soun– Oh, wait. I don’t know how she sounds. Jennifer, Steven, and Randy head to the stage, stop Jessica from singing and announce they will save her, without a doubt.

I mean, I wasn’t afraid she’d leave, but still, that was whack!

Jessica ends the show by singing anyway, even though she is safe and doesn’t need to. I’m not complaining. This girl can sing. Dang.

As for now, that’s all, folks! Peace out!

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