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American Idol 8: Top 7 Results, the Sequel

American Idol Top 7

For the second Top 7 results night of , there was a grim feeling in the air. Two, rather than the usual one, would sing their final Idol note at the end of the evening. But which of them would it be?

It is not the first double elimination Idol has ever done; nor is it the first late-season double elimination to occur. The show pulled a similar stunt for the first year of Idol Gives Back.

The first clip of the night featured the Top 7 with , who taught them the choreography for their group number this week. They all wore sunglasses and weird fashions, but this was actually one of the better group numbers I’ve seen. The choreography was quite good - and never has it been said that I’m a fan of Paula Abdul. We have to give the devil her due on this one - Abdul did a better job than all the others who have choreographed the group numbers this season. “I’m so proud of you guys!” She smiled when it was all said and done.

The Ford video featured different occupations - pastry chef, construction worker, dog groomer - and was as poor as I’ve come to expect.

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American Idol 8: Top 7 Perform - Again!


The second Top 7 performance round of 8 opened with a tribute to Matt Giraud and the judges’ save. Now, two performers from Tuesday’s songfest will be sent home on the following results night.

spoke of this and not much else as he made quick introductions. He then stepped aside and left the stage to the evening’s first performer.

It was disco night on Idol, and Lil Rounds kicked it off with Chaka Khan. She sounded a little off right at the start, but soon enough Lil found her stride. This song has been performed on Idol in the past and it’s almost always a mistake. I’m not sure Lil’s placement and vocal performance will help her when it comes to the results show. However, she looked absolutely stunning.   thought she “got the party started” but felt Lil sounded “a little wild.” Kara DioGuardi agreed with Randy. Paula Abdul jumped to Lil’s defense, pointing out that only the day before the performance she was on vocal rest. “It was a remarkable recovery,” she enthused. “Oh, Lil, you look so sad,” Simon Cowell sighed. Lil grinned back that she “had fun tonight.” “I think this is gonna be the last week we’re ever going to see you,” Cowell voiced a grim prediction.

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American Idol 8: Top 7 Results

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The Top 7 results show of opened with a movie trailer-like collection of clips, set to rousing music while an announcer narrated.

“I think America’s going to have a tough call…but I think I know who’s going to leave,” Quentin Tarantino, the week’s mentor, told the camera.

announced an “all-star” line-up for the night’s performances, which included pre-recorded performances from Disney’s golden child Miley Cyrus and Oscar-winning Idol alum Jennifer Hudson.

The Ford video featured the song “Freeze Frame” and showed Idols on faux magazine covers, a concept I’m pretty positive we saw back in Season 6. These videos are becoming almost unbearable. The Top 7 then sang “Maniac,” each making a big entrance from various places in the theater. This was one of the better group performances of the whole season. For once, the number seemed polished and practiced - at least, more so than it has seemed in weeks past.

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American Idol 8: Top 7 Perform

American Idol Top 7

‘s Top 7 got to study the week’s theme under Quentin Tarantino, truly one of the greatest directors in cinematic history. I expected really great tunes from really great flicks. I got a bunch of tired love songs, many of them unrecognizable as part of any cinematic soundtrack.

chatted up the band, which has been moved to the stage. He then turned to the panel to say hello, a time-wasting tactic that was quite misplaced considering Idol almost always runs late. He called it “an historic evening.” Simon Cowell called it “unfortunate.”

“Tonight, we have to talk two at a time,” he explained. Idol is, as usual, having time constraints.

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American Idol 8: Top 8 Results


The intro for the Top 8 results show of 8 was highly dramatic, replete with clips of judges’ comments and images of the contestants. Paula Abdul wore opera length gloves for the evening; Randy wore his usual cardigan and Simon Cowell was, as always, in a black v-neck.

To re-visit the theme of the evening, a song from the year American Idol was born (1959) played out on the Idol big screen. The song was from Frankie Avalon, who then appeared on the big stage singing the same joint. The crowd - and Paula - seemed genuinely surprised and delighted.

I wasn’t. I spend every results show thinking “just get to it, already” - to no avail of course.

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American Idol 8: Top 8 Perform


The theme on Tuesday was songs from the year each contestant was born, which (considering the age restrictions on the show) really doesn’t create the biggest range in songwriting history. But it does mean baby photos, always a nice development.

Photos of the judges in their younger days were also shown, but for this night (the first hour-long performance broadcast this season) there was very little time for chitchatting. The pics of the judges were shown; even a baby photo was slipped into the slide show. But with little delay, it was time for the singing to begin.

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American Idol 8: Top 9 Results


The Top 9 results show began, appropriately enough, with a montage. The remainder of the episode would feature much more of the same, as it always does.

As eliminated contestant Alexis Grace watched, Ryan Seacrest announced that 36 million votes were tallied to bring us the Wednesday results. The host spent a few moments talking with on the subject of song choice. “Maybe it was too wide,” said Jackson, referring to the theme of Tuesday’s performance round.

“For me, it’s about knowing who you are, and delivering that confidence with conviction,” stated. “Go for it!” She advised the Idol group. “Anoop, Matt, Megan,” Simon Cowell went through a list of those he thought might want to worry about the upcoming results.

The Ford video (clip above) followed, another poorly-done attempt at entertainment set to music. Seriously, these are growing steadily worse as weeks progress.

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American Idol 8: Top 9 Perform

American Idol Top 9

Ryan Seacrest’s opening monologue on concerned rising stakes and building pressure. Though these Top 9 are safely on the summer tour, they are not safe on the show by any means. One of them will be eliminated this week. One of them will win the coveted reality title. And, if they’re very lucky, some of them might become stars.

Sure, there’s plenty of pressure.

Seacrest asked for his thoughts on the Top 9. “The competition’s just getting tougher, dude,” the judge offered. Kara DioGuardi defined her concept of artistry next: “I think artistry is taking those songs that you’ve heard a million times, and doing it in a way that’s unique.” DioGuardi used the word several times during performances last week.

The theme for the week was iTunes, making it a veritable free-for-all and a clever sponsor plug. Good one, Idol.

I’m just being sarcastic. It’s not much of a theme at all, but you don’t need me to tell you that.

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American Idol 8: Top 10 Results

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Over thirty-six million votes were logged in to determine the contestant who would be eliminated at the end of the Thursday night results show. This group of Top 10 is on the tour, sure, but only nine will be on the show next week.

opened the show by asking Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul about their shenanigans during the Wednesday performance round. He then reminded the audience about the judges’ save, the Get Out of Elimination Free card which will be used on one lucky contestant this season.

And perhaps…on this results night?

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American Idol 8: Top 10 Perform

American Idol 8 Top 10 and Smokey Robinson

It’s Motown week for the Top 10 performers of 8. It’s this group that we’ll see again and again throughout the season and even after the finalist is named. They will all return to tour through the summer; some of them may even go on to have successful careers. But at least a few of them, we’ll never hear from again. For one of them, that topple from reality TV supremacy could begin as early as tomorrow night.

Paula Abdul bid the remaining contestants to “surprise us,” for the night’s performances. “The point, tonight, is what you do to make these songs original,” Simon Cowell advised.

To celebrate the theme, the Top 10 took a trip to Detroit, where Motown Records was established. There, they were greeted by a dozen or so screaming fans and iconic recording artist Smokey Robinson, who just happens to be the mentor for this week.

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