American Idol: Season 8

Biggest shocker in the history of American Idol. Guess what happened!

Tonight is the night we have all been waiting for. Well, if you are an Idol fan that is, or if you have a tween in the house. The total votes were announced early by Ryan Seacrest... close to 100 million last night and 624 million for the season.

The introduction of the AI judges was a fun one with a video clip of why we... um, love (?) them.

As more sound problems plague the live Idol finale, we miss the opening statements of the two finalists. Seriously, spend some money on a band and techs. A quick visit to the finalists home towns. Kris Allen's hometown of Conway, AK had a mighty crowd. Adam Lambert had a huge crowd too right there in CA.
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Tonight the American Idol finalists, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, sang 3 songs each. The night was so packed, the AI producers got approval to go long on the live show. Ryan Seacrest reminded those recording to set timeres accordingly.

The songs tonight are: 1. The Idol contestant's favorite song this season (this should be the best!) 2. A song chosen by Simon Fuller (the Idol producer/creator) 3. A song written by Kara DioGuardi (oh, that's why she's there).

Kris Allen won the coin toss and chose to go second (smart choice, as he will now close the show).

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In what some may call a shocker, Kris Allen pulls into the American Idol Season 8 finals. Danny Gokey has been the emotional favorite since the beginning, and has never fallen into the bottom three. As usually seems to happen in the final weeks of AI, America voted the correct two finalists through.

Kris Allen has been called the 'dark horse' throughout this season of Idol. Every time he has a great week, he slips back into his tentative karaoke style and takes two steps back. Kris Allen does not have the voice for karaoke. Like James Blunt, he will never sound good trying to mimic the style of anyone else. He has to be Kris Allen. If he is, he could actually win.
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Tonight was the 300th episode of American Idol. With the top 3 singing two songs each, one from the judges pick and one they chose. Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey took the stage for their Idol showdown.

Danny Gokey: "Dance Little Sister" by Terrece Trent D'arby (chosen by Paula Abdul)
Danny sounded good, finally, on this song. Though he seemed to be shouting through the beginning, he settled down at the chorus. Definitely one of Danny's best performances on the AI stage this year. It sounded the same, like Danny Gokey, but was in tune. The sax solo was very weird sounding. It sounded plastic. I just don't see the pop star anywhere in this guy.

Randy Jackson: "... let the games begin... dude, that was dope for me..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... Paula, I like that you picked that song... the dancing was a little not good for me..."

Paula Abdul:"... I thought you did a great job..."

Simon Cowell:"... I think it was the wrong song... I wouldn't have put the toy sax solo in the middle..."

Danny said, "...it doesn't matter to me, I wanna sing that song..."

The child play between Paula and Simon started very early tonight. Paula must be feeling very.... good tonight.

Kris Allen: "Apologize" by One Republic (chosen by Kara and Randy)
Come on Kris, have a good night tonight. I'm not a big fan of Kris', but he has had some really good nights. Kind of a boring song for the judges to choose. I love the song and Kris Allen did a nice job, but I don't think it will be memorable.

Randy Jackson:"... this is the kind of artist you could be... nice"

Kara DioGuardi:"...I think it was a really competent performance... you gotta be hitting it out of the park..."

Paula Abdul: "... there was a bum note there that was loud... but I'm proud of you..."

Simon Cowell:"... it was a competent version of the original... you can't blame him [talking to Kara] for not following through on your responsiblities..."

Simon continued to argue with Kara as she said she would have rathered Kris Allen played his accoustic guitar. "If you wanted him to play the guitar, then it was your job to tell him that. Don't choose a song for him, then criticize him for doing it." Ryan Seacrest asked if Simon meant that Kara and Randy had not done their jobs..."That's exactly what I'm saying...", Simon responded.

Adam Lambert: "One" by U2 (chosen by Simon Cowell)
This should be good. Simon Cowell told how he called Bono on Saturday afternoon to ask permission for Adam to perform the song (it's Simon's favorite). I did not really care too much for Adam's performance tonight. Or should I say the interpretation.

Randy Jackson: "... you are definitely still in the zone... a little bit off the melody.."

Kara DioGuardi:".. you're a strategist... you can change up a song and make it yours... see what I mean Simon..."

Paula Abdul: "... it was one brilliant song... and one American Idol that I'm staring at..."

Simon Cowell: "...great song choice... you performed it brilliantly.... if you are not in the finals next week it will be one of the biggest upsets in this show..." "outrageous" Paula yelled.

The 'half time' show was Carrie Underwood with an update from Idol Gives Back. She reported from Angola, Africa. Idol Gives Back is fighting malaria there. Giving out bed nets to prevent the mosquito bites at night. It was sad to see the kids cry because someone took their bed net.
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Not even a killer closing duet with Adam Lambert last night could save Allison Iraheta on American Idol. Though both of Allison's performances were better than Kris Allen and Danny Gokey, AI is a popularity contest. At least Allison Iraheta can consider herself in good company finishing in fourth. Joined there by the likes of Tamyra Gray and Chris Daughtry.

Speaking of Chris Daughtry, he and band took home an award tonight on the Idol stage for selling over 5 million copies of their debut album. Daughtry also debuted his single from his next effort, "No Surprise". The band and Chris sounded great.

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Rock night with Slash as a mentor on American Idol. That's a sentence I thought I'd never type. The year of Adam Lambert continued with his performance of "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin.

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After 47 million votes, the most of Season 8, Adam Lambert found himself in the bottom two tonight. Of course there is no way of knowing if we were told the correct order of the results. In the end it was Matt Giraud who left the American Idol stage in 5th place for Season 8. Ironically, had front-runner Adam Lambert gone home tonight it would have been due to the judges saving Matt two weeks ago. Breathe easy Lambert fans, he is safe in the final four.

There was some good entertainment tonight on the AI stage. Natalie Cole, Taylor Hicks and Jamie Foxx all performed for the young audience. Natalie Cole looked fantastic.

Taylor Hicks brought his Soul Patrol back from Season 5 American Idol. With his new single "Seven Mile Breakdown" and a new CD, The Distance. Taylor Hicks is one of the least successful AI winners, through no fault of his own. He always sounds good. The problem is that he doesn't fit in any genre. So you have to be great. Or outrageous... see Adam Lambert.
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Jamie Foxx was a pleasant surprise tonight as the guest mentor on American Idol 8.
Lets get right to the vocals of the night.

Kris Allen: "The Way You Look Tonight" by
Jamie Foxx loves Kris Allen, he said he wants to do an album with him. Kris Allen said "my voice doesn't match up to any of the others' (Idols)"...showing his humbleness. Kris Allen lit up the stage. Crooning for all he was worth. I really loved the first slow part. He tends to get pitchy when the tempo goes up. I really hate the 'Lyle Lovett' parts Kris puts into every song. We get that you have a falsetto, don't overwork it.

Randy Jackson: "...this is your best performance to date...you took your time..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...you have set the technical standard so incredibly high..."

Paula Abdul: "...sophisticated gentleman..."

Simon Cowell: "...I thought it was good... I thought it was a little bit wet... you're like taking a well trained Spaniel for a walk..."

Allison Iraheta: "Someone to Watch Over Me" by
Allison turned 17 yesterday. Jamie Foxx told Allison to feel the song through her family, explaining that she is too young to know what love is really like with a man. I think that's what Allison Iraheta needs, a passion behind her songs. Her vocals were great as usual. I really liked the performance overall. She did not overact the role.
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Allison Iraheta flirted with elimination tonight on American Idol. In a double elimination, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai leave Season 8. Find out what happened and who the top five are.

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Tonight the final seven American Idol contestants had a lot on their hands. Disco songs to contend with and the ever present reminder that tomorrow...two will leave. Due to the saving of Matt Giraud last week, the field will be cut to five.

Lil Rounds: "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan
Well, I'm glad we got the karaoke out of the way for the night. Hopefully at least. The beginning again dragged for Lil Rounds and started to finally take shape in the middle. This was a better performance, but I won't be fooled again.

Randy Jackson: "...it sounded so wild to me... it still didn't really show us what you can do as an artist..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...I'm not sure it was worth the wait... tonight you still din't tell me who you are as an artist..."

Finish review here: American Idol Dreams

Check out more articles on American Idol disco night:

Adam Lambert Performs "If I Can't Have You" on American Idol Disco Night

Kris Allen Spins "She Works Hard for the Money" on AI Disco Night

Unbelievably Lil Rounds did not earn the least votes tonight. Matt Giraud had to sing for his life. Please don't make us listen to this whole group again next week. The only bonus would be to get rid of two next week. That is a dangerous gamble. Matt tried to tone down the vocal rolls, but you could tell it was a struggle for him. He was very pitch-y at the end.

The crowd went wild chanting "Save Save Save". Simon Cowell laid it on the line asking Matt how many times he has been in the bottom three. Matt told him twice. With Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi hanging on Simon (literally) he told Matt Giraud the news was good. That's all he had to say. The stage erupted and all the contestants ran out to hug Matt for being "saved".

Simon Cowell quickly pointed out that there will be two contestants going home next week. Oh and it's Disco week.... ugh.

So from here on out the American Idol contestants must rely on fan base votes. Remember to call and support your favorite!
Check out the full story at: American Idol Results Matt Giraud Gets Saved

Kicking off American Idol tonight, Ryan Seacrest went right to a rule change. Not really a rule, but due to the overrun last week, each contestant will only be critiqued by two judges instead of all four.

Quentin Tarantino was the guest Idol mentor tonight. A perfect choice for the theme "Songs of the Cinema". Quentin also is an avid viewer of AI and has been vocal about his feelings in the past. He was a guest judge for Season 3. He was excited about this American Idol group.

Allison Iraheta: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
I wish Allison had picked a different song since song has been done so many times. The start was a little shaky, but worked up to the rock ballad Allison Iraheta does well. This is not her best night. The middle drug, but the ending was decent.
Finish article now at: American Idol Dreams

Scott MacIntyre actually sounded much better tonight without the guitar. You could see Simon Cowell scanning the audience for number of fans and support. I think they were on the fence with Scott. Then he hit the worst note I've ever heard. I thought that may have sealed his fate. He's not just not that great. The judges were split 2-2 on Scott MacIntyre's fate. Ryan Seacrest tried to small talk with Scott while the judges fought. Simon Cowell had the obvious final decision. Finally the decision was made by Simon and Scott MacIntyre had to go home.

The American Idol Top 7 are:
Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud.

Read the full story at American Idol Dreams.

Tonight's American Idol theme is 'songs from the year I was born'. This should be interesting since the oldest song will be from 1980, Danny Gokey's birth year. We also get to see baby pics of the Idol contestants and the judges. This included Ryan Seacrest. All very cute.

Here's how the night went down:
1. Danny Gokey - born 4/24/1980 "Stand By Me" by Mickey Gilley
Another great song choice for Danny Gokey. This was a good vocal for Danny, though it was a little boring. He just repeated the verse over and over till the big finish. I liked it, but it was not fantastic.

Randy Jackson: "...I didn't love the arrangement, but I did love you..."

Kara DioGuardi:"...at the end you just killed it..."

Paula Abdul: "... all I can say is wow...you've set the bar so high..."

Simon Cowell: " ...the beginning was good, the middle was lazy and the ending was great, so overall great..."

2. Kris Allen - born 6/21/1985 "All She Wants To Do is Dance" by Don Henley
Kris told us that he wanted to be a Taxi driver growing. Playing guitar in the audience tonight. This just doesn't do it for me. I don't like the contemporary Kris Allen. I really enjoyed the injured moody Kris Allen last week. Not this one.

Randy Jackson: "...I lost you..."

Kara DioGuardi:"... that felt like jazz/funk homework..."

Paula Abdul: "...you have to be one of the most likeable contestants..."

Simon Cowell: "...it was indulgent, boring, forgettable... so am I, but it's not about that... it was a stupid, stupid song choice..."

3. Lil Rounds - 11/14/1984 "What's Love Got to Do With It" by Tina Turner
Seemed like a good choice for Lil Rounds to finally show us something. The beginning was just awful. Lil tried to pick it up in the middle. I just don't think this is the singer I thought she was. Surely the judges won't stand behind her again.

Randy Jackson: "...we all love you... you're not listening to us..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... it is about making that leap from a singer to an artist...."

Paula Abdul: "... you look very hot tonight... you needed to lead Ricky and the band...I don't think you did...."

Simon Cowell: "... we're not looking for a second or third rate Tina Turner... it's literally like we've lost you...you've got to start becoming original...."
I'm so glad they finally came down on Lil, she is not what they played her to be. Not her fault, but come on.

4. Anoop Desai - born 12/20/1986 "True Colors" by Cindy Lauper
Anoop started by apologizing for his attitude toward the judges comments last week. He is a good guy... can he perform though? Anoop is the only one who chose to wear colors tonight. He did a nice job vocally. Again it was a bit boring. He's gonna get zapped by the judges for being forgettable.

Randy Jackson:"...congratulations to NC... you can actually sing..."

Kara DioGuardi:"... tonight you controlled the song... that's what it's all about..."

Paula Abdul: "...you choice of song, flawless..."

Simon Cowell: "... you're like a singing yo-yo... I don't think it was fantastic... you don't have to apologize for reacting to us, we can be horrible to you and you can be horrible to us."

5. Scott MacIntyre - 6/22/1985 "The Search is Over" by Richard Marx
This time Scott was standing in front of the microphone with an electic guitar. It was not a bad performance. I just don't know what to think of Scott MacIntyre. I would not buy one of his records based on his Idol performances.

Randy Jackson: ".... it was just all OK...it didn't show you as a star..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...you had some good moments... and some were too over ambitious..."

Paula Abdul: "...I give you credit for playing guitar... I was confused by the electric guitar..."

Simon Cowell: "... Scott, I would suggest you go back to the piano next week... the song was horrible... the guitar playing wasn't much better..."

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Also catch my latest write up here.

Megan Joy Corkrey appeared ready to leave the American Idol stage tonight. So much so that she told the audience she didn't care when Ryan Seacrest announced that she was the lowest vote-getter last night. For that, Simon Cowell told her to consider this her American Idol swan song. Cowell said, "...we don't care either...", sad since he was her biggest backer throughout the Idol contest. You could see the disappointment on his face.

Joining Megan in the bottom three tonight were Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta. I was surprised Allison's fans did not back her more, she was weak last night. Anoop should be the next to go. He just can't get the pop star image going.

David Cook took back the American Idol stage to perform his latest single and receive his platinum record. Last year's Idol winner said he had cut a solo album a year before he auditioned for AI and sold 1000 record in a year. It was unreal to him to sell a million records in 3 months. That is the American Idol machine.

Lady Gaga came out for an entertainly weird show stopper. I'm not a big fan, but it was a good production. I have to say the zipper on her eye was... strange. Maybe it's always been there.

Next week Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud all need to step it up several notches to remain in the running. The top three performers continue to be Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and (after last night) Kris Allen. Lil Rounds may also be in danger, however she seems to have all of the judges in her camp. I have no doubt they would save Lil if she were eliminated.

This week was as good as any to let Megan Joy Corkrey go. She did not seem to have the will to go all the way. The American Idol stage is too big for some. You can still catch Megan on the AI Top 10 tour this summer. This will not be the last we see of Megan Joy, there is still just something about her.

Tonight belonged to the front-runners of Season 8 again. Adam Lambert did what we expect from him. Danny Gokey got his act together. Kris Allen surprised me by taking my 'performance of the night award'.

The night did not get started until about halfway through, again. The disappointments included Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds. Any one of these American Idol hopefuls may be in jeopardy tomorrow night.

Check out the full run down of tonight's show here: American Idol Dreams

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After a record setting night of voting, over 36 million votes were cast on American Idol, it was not a shock to see Michael Sarver singing for his life at the end of the hour. The shock was Matt Giraud standing next to him. Michael put on a powerful last performance and the judges feigned indecision until Simon told him it was over. Michael Sarver's American Idol dreams were dashed.

Matt Giraud seems to have suffered from "going first syndrome". His version of "Let's Get It On" was just too mellow to remember. If you are going to be mellow, you have to be as weird and memorable as Adam Lambert. It's all about attention.

Your American Idol: Season 8 top 9 are: Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre, Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Megan Joy Corkrey, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen.

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Tonight was Motown night on the American Idol stage. Two contestants, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta, were the standouts of the evening on the positive side. Smokey Robinson took the role of mentor to the contestants.

There was a lot of bad Motown going on tonight. Not in a good way. For music that really started rock and roll, these AI contestants seemed clueless for the most part. I really expected more this week, this is a talented group.

Megan Joy Corkrey and, surprisingly, Lil Rounds seemed completely overwhelmed with their songs. Megan Joy sang Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life". I thought it would be good, but it came off like a cruise ship singer. She has to slow down her songs for her voice to be effective. Randy Jackson told Megan Corkrey as much and Simon Cowell said he was afraid for her this week.

Lil Rounds has been uncharacteristically off for a couple of weeks now. We know she can sing, as the judges insisted we understand after her performance of Martha and the Vandella's "Heatwave". I was shocked at the choice, it just didn't seem right. It was not, she hurried and shouted her way through it.

Adam Lambert performed as a Kurt Russell look-alike tonight. He wore a suit and sang Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears" in front of the man himself. It was an unplugged version done mostly in a falsetto. It was amazing. Theatrical or not, there is no denying it was the best of the night... again. I still don't see him having a bad night. Adam Lambert appears to have 'perfect pitch', something you just can't teach.

Allison Iraheta was not intimidated at all and closed the show with The Temptations "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Again Allison does not seem to know how good she really is. Maybe she knows and is in awe of it like us. Singing with heart and soul seems to come completely natural to Allison Iraheta. She even looked the part of a detached kid tonight... keeping in theme with her song choice.

Though there were several disappointments tonight, the worst was Michael Sarver. He just did not get hold of The Temptations "Ain't to Proud to Beg". Man you got really feel that song, and he just didn't. Paula Abdul showed one of many odd reactions, almost crying while telling him how bad he was. Simon made it much easier, quick like a band-aid.

The bottom three American Idol contestants tomorrow night should be: Michael Sarver, Megan Joy Corkrey and... gasp... Lil Rounds.

For the complete blow-by-blow of tonight's performance check out American Idol Dreams

Photo courtesy of abbiexcites

Alexis Grace was the casualty tonight on American Idol. After being a front runner coming out of the top 13 it was a bit of a shock. The judges tempted Alexis with the possibility of using their 'save' on her. Alexis Grace gave an attempt at "Jolene", but her voice was just not strong enough. The judges cut her from the AI Season 8 top 10.

The final American Idol Season 8 top 10 are: Anoop Desai, Megan Joy Corkrey, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver.

Brad Paisley performed his new single "Then" tonight on the AI stage. It was a slow song and kept the young Idol fans from screaming too much in excitement. There were a few yells and yips but nothing like Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud got.

Carrie Underwood proved again why she is the most decorated American Idol winner in the shows history. She is up for Country Music Entertainer of the Year for 2009. Performing the duet "I Told You So" with Randy Travis, Miss Underwood now has the look of any seasoned professional. Randy Travis however sounds as if he caught was Megan Corkrey had last night. His voice was terribly strained and he didn't even attempt some notes. He is still Randy Travis though, you have to like him.

For a detailed account of tonight's show check out my blog American Idol Dreams.

Photo courtesy of Tennessee Wanderer

Tuesday night means American Idol! Tonight the Top 11 AI contestants sang country songs. Not a favorite for the pop oriented show, but a necessary evil based on the mammoth success of Carrie Underwood.

The standouts tonight were a bit of a surprise. Anoop Desai stepped up and gave a moving performance of Willie Nelson's "You Were Always On My Mind". Anoop definitely showed he can compete, but it may not have been enough after last week's disaster.

Adam Lambert lit American Idol up again tonight. This will truly be a love/hate performance. Adam put a middle eastern spin on Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire". It's been done before, but not Adam Lambert style. Randy Travis and Simon Cowell absolutely hated it. Randy Travis seems completely baffled at Adam's success and almost scornful of it. Simon may just be acting.

Matt Giraud also closed the show well. Matt is growing on me weekly. I knew he was good, but he was really good this week.

For a full play by play of what went down this week including all the judges comments, check out my blog: American Idol Dreams

Michael Jackson took a toll on the American Idol contestants last night. Everyone knows you can't perform a Michael Jackson without changing it up substantially. Those who did not know that paid the price tonight on American Idol during the eliminations.

Of course, there is the popularity factor. This year there are a few twists added. Last night Simon Cowell announced a change in the elimination process. Tonight Ryan Seacrest explained that this season the AI judges will have one 'save' for this season.

Here's how it works:
The American Idol judges can choose to save one contestant that has failed to garner enough votes. No one will leave AI that week, but two contestants will leave the following week.

Now the AI hopefuls who find out they did not get enough votes have to sing while the judges decide their fate. It's not going to be pretty.

Poor Jasmine Murray kept it together long enough to get through her song. Then she reacted like any heart-broken 16 year old. In tears as Ryan Seacrest comforted her. Jasmine will still go far.

Jorge Nunez was more of a surprise. It was between him and Anoop Desai for the overall worst performance last night. Anoop won hands down, but we hope that was just bad judgment. Jorge looked overwhelmed last night on the big stage. I think he needs more time.

Kanye West gave an exciting show of "Heartless". Hopefully the AI contestants learned that it's not just about singing (Kanye is not near the best), it is about performing. He looks tired after a song. Leave it all on the stage or don't bring it.

Kelly Clarkson showed her new single "My Life Would Suck Without You". Kelly is a better recording artist, I think. Her voice sounded really strained tonight, probably from all of the promotion on the new CD.

So now we are left with the Top 11:
Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey, Megan Corkrey, Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver.

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Well American Idol invested in an announcer this year. Ryan Seacrest said, "Simon wanted to make a dramatic entrance...". It did seem more professional and the crowd was definitely pumped up for the first final of American Idol: Season 8.

Tonight the Top 13 perform songs from Michael Jackson. Let's get it out of the way early. It will either be great or suck with this library. The Idol contestants have to change the arrangements to stand out at all.

The Top 13 are: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Danny Gokey, Michael Sarver, Jasmine Murray, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Jorge Nunez, Megan Corkrey, Adam Lambert, Matt Giraud, Alexis Grace.

Simon immediately announced that 2 AI hopefuls will leave tomorrow night during the results show. He said it is good to put pressure on all of them tonight.

For the full review and video of each performance go to American Idol Dreams