At least there was no repeat of last year.

It was at this point in Season 10 we lost one of the true talents of the 2010 American Idol competition — Pia Toscano. Her unexpected departure sent off a tidal wave of complaints from American Idol fans. Pia was voted off the island instead of Stefan Langone, who most figured had his bags packed before the results show even started. There were calls for an all-out overhaul of the Idol voting system, then there were rumors that Pia would be recalled and Stefan actually would get the boot … but neither materialized and we had to put up with Stefan for another two weeks.

Whew! Glad we won’t have to go through something similar this time around.

Thursday night we lost Heejun Han. It was time for him to go, but if there was a positive to the ouster it was that he went out with his best overall showing of the season. He brought some life to the early part of the season with his crazy antics during Hollywood Week. He had simply gone as far as he could have — or should have.

The judges, of course, did not use their lone save on Heejun, who obviously knew the end was coming. He handled it with a lot of class. Future contestants could learn a lot from Heejun.

Heejun Han

And yes, Heejun was no Pia. There will be no scandal.

LOOKING AHEAD

With Heejun’s departure, that leaves us with Colton Dixon, Elise Testone, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Deandre Brackensick, Phillip Phillips, Skylar Laine and Hollie Cavanagh. Skylar and Hollie were the others in the bottom three Thursday night.

A few weeks ago we handicapped who was left. Here’s our latest update on who we think has the best chance to be the 11th American Idol:

Joshua Ledet, 3-2 odds: Liek I said Wednesday, Joshua might be more of a Jessica Hudson-type post-Idol star, but he will definitely be a star. If he winds up in the pop genre, look for a reincarnation of  the Otis Redding/Wilson Pickett style of soul.

Jessica Sanchez, 2-1 odds: She might be the best bet for pop stardom. Her voice, at 16 years old, is incredible. She may have the best chance to break the five-year run of guys winning this competition.

Elise Testone, 3-1 odds: Less than a month ago, Elise had no chance. Listing her as a longshot would have been kind. Now, she has a chance to win it all.

Phillip Phillips, 3-1 odds: I don’t feel America has fully embraced Phillip yet, but there is still time. He is no danger, for at least a few more weeks.

Colton Dixon, 8-1 odds: He has been gaining momentum, but not at the rate of those listed ahead of him.

Hollie Cavanagh, 25-1 odds: Hollie probably has three weeks left.

Skylar Laine, 150-1 odds: Two weeks left for Skylar. The country vote will keep her around for awhile.

Deandre Brackensick: 200-1 odds: Enough said.

LOOKING BACK: ONE YEAR AGO: THE FINAL 8

Overall, the talent (surprisingly) seems about the same:

Paul McDonald: I still think he was the class of the field.
Scotty McCreery: Well, next to Scotty.
Lauren Alaina: Whatever happened to her?
James Durbin: And him.
Haley Reinhart: I know she’s still singing. I saw her on Idol last week.
Jacob Lusk: The comment on this blog that compared Joshua Ledet to James Lusk simply was not accurate.
Stefano Langone: Not a real surprise that he faded into oblivion.
Casey Abrams: I kind of thought we’d hear something from him, but … wrong again.

ONE YEAR AGO AT THIS TIME: TOP 10 PERFORMANCES

Can you remember a year ago at this point in the competition? These had been the best individual efforts:

1. Paul McDonald (“Maggie May”), *MOMENT*
2. Pia Toscano (“I’ll Stand By You”), *MOMENT*
3. Haley Reinhart (“Piece of My Heart”), *MOMENT*
4. Jacob Lusk (“God Bless the Child”), *MOMENT*
5. Paul McDonald (“Tracks Of My Tears”), *MOMENT*
6. Lauren Alaina-Scotty McCreery (“I Told You So”)
7. Paul McDonald (“Come Pick Me Up”), Week 2 of finals
8. Casey Abrams (“With A Little Help From My Friends”)
9. James Durbin (“Living For The City”)
10. Pia Toscano (“Where Do Broken Hearts Go?”)

Stevie Nicks

For me, one of the real highlights of Wednesday night’s American Idol show was Stevie Nicks as the guest mentor. I can’t quite put Stevie in the same class as Rod Stewart in “Steve’s Hall of Fame Favorite Singers,” but she is as close as any.

In her prime, Stevie was a magnificent singer and an equally magnificent performer. When you heard or thought of Fleetwood Mac, who or what did you think of first? If you said anyone or anything but Stevie Nicks, I simply don’t believe you.

Stevie’s 63 now, and obviously her best years are behind her as an artist, but in a setting like this she was perfect.

And now, back to Idol …

ELISE … WOW!

Elise Testone continues her amazing turnaround on this show and delivered a killer “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. This is the the girl who only a few weeks ago I wanted thrown under the bus. Now, I think she has a shot at challenging Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez for the Idol title.

Elise’s “Whole Lotta Love” was our fourth *MOMENT” of the season and unofficially won her the night, but more importantly pushed her to No. 3 in our season rankings. This season is on the way to being one of the best ever. I cannot wait until next Wednesday night.

MORE IDOL THOUGHTS

There were some other surprising developments I did not see coming on a night when the Idols “sang their idols.” Many times in the past, this category has proved to be disastrous — but not on this night. While I didn’t care for some of the song choices, the majority of the contestants made me want to listen — and that’s important. Because if I am hooked, how many of the voters felt the same thing?

Here are some more important things I took away from Idol on Wednesday night:

– Heejun  does have a serious side. Why did we have to wait until now to see it?

– Skylar was not horrible and was wearing great boots.

– One week after I was ready to jump on the Deandre bandwagon I want to push it off a cliff.

– Jessica is incredible.

– Joshua is so gifted. There is n0 question he will be a star in some genre. He might wind up being the male version of Idol alumni Jennifer Hudson.

No. 1 Joshua Ledet

– Jennifer Lopez has great eyebrows.

Here’s how my season rankings look after Wednesday night.

IDOL NATION SEASON RANKINGS
(Last week’s rankings in parentheses)

1. (1.) Joshua Ledet
Song: “Without You,” by Mariah Carey.
Comment: Right now, there are four people who can realistically win Season 11, and Joshua remains atop that list, but he is being pushed — and pushed hard. Joshua continues to prove he is something special and such a pleasure to watch — and listen to — each week. I cannot see how he won’t be in the finals. Mariah Carey had to be smiling when she heard his take on her classic. She just had to be. This was a borderline moment.

2. (3.) Jessica Sanchez
Song: “Sweet Dreams,” by Beyonce.
Comment: Breathtaking. Simply breathtaking. One of the keys when watching this show and separating the talents is how much you anticipate hearing a specific contestant. Jessica is one of those. I can’t wait for her to sing each week.

3. (5.) Elise Testone
Song: “Whole Lotta Love,” by Led Zeppelin. *MOMENT*
Comment: Where do you start? Talk about a breakout performance. Elise brought the house down with this Robert Plant piece of history. This was going to be a make-or-break performance. There would be no middle ground, no in-between … and Elise brought the freaking house down. Great job. No, awesome job!

4. (2.) Phillip Phillips
Song: “Still Rainin’,” by Jonny Lang.
Comment: Stevie and Jimmy Iovine  nailed it when they said Phillip looks like a young Lindsey Buckingham (Stevie’s former squeeze with Fleetwood Mac).  Another solid performance by Phillip, but … I’m ready for some sort of change-up from him. He’s beginning to sound the same every week.

5. (6.) Hollie Cavanagh
Song:“Jesus Take the Wheel,” by Carrie Underwood.
Comment: I love this song. It’s my favorite from Carrie Underwood, and I was worried it was too big of a number for Hollie to attempt. And it wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t Carrie … but it was still mighty good. Hollie is at her best when she is belting out those power choruses, and this song permits her to do that. She should have nothing to worry about Thursday.

No. 3 Elise Testone

6. (7.) Colton Dixon
Song: “Everything,” by Lifehouse.
Comment: A magnificent effort from Colton, who was able to introduce many people  to what the contemporary Christian worship music sound is all about. I was interested in how the judges would react — and they loved it. And well they should have. This was a quality performance from a guy who — as Randy likes to say — is in it to win it. I had been a borderline fan of Colton’s until this performance. Now, I’m all in.

7. (9.) Heejun Han
Song: “A Song fo You,” by Donnie Hathaway.
Comment: Without question, Heejun’s best performance of the season, but it might be too little too late. The Asian Sensation may have waited too long to show us his serious side, but make no mistake about it, this was a quality showing.

8. (10.) Skylar Laine
Song: “Gunpowder and Lead,” by Miranda Lambert.
Comment: Skylar is always shaky at the beginning of her songs, and this was no exception. She did, however, rally for her best performance in probably a month. Is it enough to save her Thursday night? I have to think she will be in the bottom three — the rest is always a crapshoot. On a positive note, I loved her boots. Those were her best of the season.

9. (8.) Deandre Brackensick
Song: “Sometimes I Cry,” by Eric Benet.
Comment: Sure, Deandre has the passion, but let’s be honest. Is Deandre going to sell many records? Does Deandre have a chance to win this thing? Will Deandre survive the Thursday night results show? Answers: No. No. Probably not.

TOP PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR

1. “When A Man Loves A Woman,” Joshua Ledet. *MOMENT*
2. “I Will Always Love You,” Jessica Sanchez. *MOMENT*
3. “Whole Lotta Love,” Elise Testone *MOMENT*
4. “The Power of Love,” Hollie Cavanagh. *MOMENT*
5. “Edge of Glory,” Erika Van Pelt.
6. “Vienna,” Elise Testone
7. “Without You,” Joshua Ledet.
8. “Sweet Dreams,” Jessica Sanchez.
9. “What About Love,” Erika Van Pelt.
10. “You Pulled Me Through,” Joshua Ledet.

SEASON NIELSEN RATINGS

1. American Idol (Wednesday), 20.4 million viewers (season average)
2. NCIS, 19.8
3. American Idol (Thursday), 19.3
4-tie. The Voice, 18.6
4-tie. Dancing with the Stars, 18.6.
6. NCIS: Los Angeles, 16.6
7. Two and a Half Men, 15.8
8-tie. Criminal Minds, 13.7
8-tie. 60 Minutes, 13.7
10. CSI, 12.8.

Erika Von Pelt’s elimination from American Idol was inevitable. She had the great voice, but for some reason was never able to make that connection with those who voted each week.

And that surprised me, so I tried to sift through old shows and notes to try and figure out why one of  the talents I originally felt could make a deep run came up disappointingly short.

More than anything else, I think America may have sensed a lack of confidence in Erika herself, who seemed to search from week to week with the image she was trying to project. Her “chops,” as J-Lo (and Kara DioGuardi before her) likes to say in describing a contestant’s vocal abilities, were never the question. But looking back, I think we all wondered what Erika was trying to be — or do.

Erika went through three different hair colors and assorted styles and dress makeovers. Yes, I understand the need to be fresh and different each week but she seemed to go from one end of the Bell curve to the other. I was, and will remain, one of her fiercest supporters, but I was questioning myself in recent weeks if I had overestimated her. I think I had more confidence in Erika than Erika did in herself.

Two of the many "looks" we received from Erika.

I’ll miss Erika, mostly because I think she deserves to still be in the competition on talent alone, but like so many before her I think it was all of the peripheral items that ultimately brought about her downfall. Skylar Laine, who I feel should not even be in the finals, is a prime example of understanding how this game is played. Skylar carries a tremendous amount of confidence and that is obvious to the viewing audience. Skylar knows who she is and what she wants to do with her style. Talent-wise, there is no comparison between Erika and Skylar, but as much as Skylar bugs the heck out of me every time she sings I always feel she is in control of what she is trying to present.

I never had that feeling about Erika.

WHO IS NEXT TO GO?

I can’t see Heejun Han lasting much longer, and I think he expected to be put out of his misery Thursday night. Heejun and Erika were the bottom two, and judging by the look on his face when Erika got the boot I thiunk he was shocked it was not him.

In some ways, Heejun reminds me a lot of Jason Castro, who a couple of years ago was ready to be ousted and was not the least bit disappointed. “I didn’t know any more songs to sing,” he said on the night he was voted off the show. I think Heejun has reached a similar point. He’s a lovable guy, but he plateaued a few weeks ago and I don’t see his magic returning.

I’m not sure what was most interesting about Wednesday’s performance show was, the idea of using the Billy Joel songbook or having Tommy Hilfiger offer some much-needed fashion advice to the contestants.

In the end, Hilfiger’s fashion hints probably carried more overall weight than the performances. There were a few solid showings, most notably by Joshua (of course), Phillip (again), Jessica (another “wow”) and Deandre (finally).

Helped the most in a fashion sense were Elise, Hollie and Skylar.

Here’s how I rank the contestants for the season to date:

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON RANKINGS

1. Joshua Ledet
Song: She’s Got A Way.”
Comment: This kid is just magic. This was not even close to his best performance of the season, and yet it still had the “wow” factor. He’s so far and away No. 1 the only battle here remains for No. 2.

Elise Testone looked great, and sang even better.

2. Phillip Phillips
Song: “Movin’ Out.”
Comment: I think the brilliance of this guy is beginning to grow on America. Phil could easily be a protege of Bruce Springsteen. He sings songs that I don’t like and makes me like them. This was another case. Brilliant. Just brilliant. I know it’s way, way early, but wouldn’t a Joshua vs. Phillip finale be one sweet ride?

3. Jessica Sanchez
Song: “Everybody Has A Dream.”
Comment: Guest mentor Diddy made Jessica believe less can be more when it comes to her big vocals — and the advice was spot on. Jessica took us to a new place with her newly subdued voice. She can still win this thing if she can ever pull that entire package of talent together.

4. Erika Von Pelt
Song: “New York State Of Mind.”
Comment: Tommy Hilfiger suggested she cut her long hair off — and she did — and then she dyed it Joan Jett black. Her new look dominated her performance, which was probably a good thing. The song is not one of my Billy Joel faves and Erika was rather pedestrian with her vocals on this night. She might be in trouble, considering how low she has been in recent votings. I’m beginning to lose faith in the girl who was once my pick to win it all. Her slide down these rankings could come quickly.

5. Elise Testone
Song: “Vienna”
Comment:  I have crossed over with Elise. She rocked my world with this song. She just might be this year’s Haley Reinhart. This effort had everything some of her past performances did not. If she is in the bottom three Thursday night it will be a crime. (Speaking of Haley, she was in the house Wednesday night and will be performing on the Thursday results show.)

Colton Dixon

6. Hollie Cavanagh
Song: “Honesty.”
Comment: Hollie has set the bar so high in recent weeks, but came up a little short in this effort. I think she needs to stay away from the monster ballad every week. Drop it down a notch, Hollie. Just for a week.

7. Colton Dixon
Song: “Piano Man.”
Comment: I’m a sucker for a slower, classic ballad, and this was right in my comfort zone. I take a lot of grief for liking Colton, but it’s performances like this that I think will allow me to have the last laugh.

8. Deandre Brackensick
Song: “Only The Good Die Young.”
Comment: My all-time favorite Billy Joel song! And Deandre shocked the crap out of me with his rendition. He got rid of that ridiculous falsetto and gave us his natural, semi-raspy voice — and it was tremendous. Deandre definitely is saved for another week. He also started to climb in these ratings.

9. Heejun Han
Song: “My Life.”
Comment: Performance-wise, one of the best of the night in a zany sort of way, but Heejun’s vocals were a little on the “yikes” side. Heejun’s nuts in a great way, but the ice may be getting a little thin beneath those high-tops he was wearing.

10. Skylar Laine
Song: “Shameless.”
Comment: She looked her best of the season, but her performance left me flat. The song itself was flat and — dare I say — “pitchy” in many spots. I think she might in serious trouble.

TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON

1. “When A Man Loves A Woman,” Joshua Ledet. *MOMENT*
2. “I Will Always Love You,” Jessica Sanchez. *MOMENT*
3. “The Power of Love,” Hollie Cavanagh. *MOMENT*
4. “Edge of Glory,” Erika Van Pelt.
5. “Vienna,” Elise Testone
6. “What About Love,” Erika Van Pelt.
7. “You Pulled Me Through,” Joshua Ledet.
8. “Only The Good Die Young,” by Deandre Brackensick.
9. “Superstition,” Phillip Phillips.
10. “Movin’ Out,” Phillip Phillips.

Shannon Magrane

Well, the American Idol judges do have that one save to use again this year. We found out Thursday night when they did not use it for Shannon Magrane, this week’s lowest vote-getter.

As usual, Idol keeps us in the dark about most rules (and rule changes). There was never any mention about the save until Thursday. Oh well, I guess the mystery is part of the reason we have always loved this show so much. Idol is a lot like NASCAR. The rules for both shows are a lot like the weather — if you don’t like it this week, don’t worry because it could all change by the next race … err, show.

There was never any doubt that Randy, J-Lo and Steven would hold on to that save when it came to Shannon, who had realistically gone about as far as she could have. But what if it had been Elise Testone or Erika Von Pelt, also in the bottom three and both favorites of the judges?  I still don’t think they would have used it at this point. They’ll keep it in case there’s a weird week when Joshua or Jessica or one of the elite contestants falls trough the voting cracks.

Likely to be voted off the island next week: Heenun, Deandre, Skylar.

HILFIGER WILL HELP

Tommy Hilfiger has been hired to help mold the remaining Idols’ images. That’s great news for some. The fashion icon should definitely help Heejun, Skylar, Hollie and Deandre.

ODDS ON BEING THE 11th AMERICAN IDOL

Here’s how I see the final 10 stacking up going into next week. These are not my rankings from the previous blog, but how I would list the contestants on the big board in Vegas:

Joshua Ledet
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: Even.
Comment: Right now, it’s Joshua’s world and the rest of the contestants are merely providing backup.

Jessica Sanchez
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 2-1.
Comment:She;s going to be tested in the coming weeks, but right now she has moved to the head of the female line.

Phillip Phillips

Phillip Phillips
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 7-1
Comment: Somehow, he has to emerge from Joshua’s shadow.

Hollie Cavanagh
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 10-1
Comment: My one negative toward her is she comes across so rigid. Loosen up, show us you can have some fun like Jessica.

Erika Von Pelt
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 25-1
Comment: I still love everything about her, but am disappointed in America’s response. She needs one *MOMENT* to break through — and it had better come soon. She was in the bottom two this week.

Colton Dixon
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 50-1
Comment: He might make the top five, but first he will have to break out of his alt-indie comfort zone.

Elise Testone
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 50-1
Comment: Like Erika, Elise needs a *MOMENT*.

Heejun Han
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 150-1
Comment: He had America in the palm of his hands heading into the finals, and then he decided to sing the same kind of song each week.

DeAndre Brackensick
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 175-1
Comment: That falsetto is going to get real old real soon.

Skylar Laine
Idol Nation Odds of Winning: 175-1
Comment: Nice girl, no chance.

Joshua Ledet

Until Joshua Ledet and Hollie Cavanagh sang near the end of the show, the highlight of Wednesday’s American Idol might very well have been guest mentor will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas describing diva-in-waiting Jessica Sanchez as a “Swaggernaut.” That, he told us, is someone in outer space with swag. He also told us “Gun-try” was “ghetto country”

Now that was funny, and gave me reason to smile — which is more than I can say for most of the performances.

There were some downright dreadful showings on this night? Who, you ask? Geez, just take your pick from the likes of Deandre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Heejun Han, Skylar Laine … After Joshua and Hollie, there was not much to write home about.

DYNAMIC DUO

Joshua and Hollie were so far above the rest of the competition on this night it would be a crime if either are anywhere near the bottom three Thursday night. How Joshua was among the bottom three boys a week ago is still a mystery, but there is no way that happens again. I guarantee it. If it were to happen, I might have to consider switching to The Voice. (Nah, I’m just kidding. I hate that show.)

Joshua is an incredible, incredible talent. I can’t wait to see what we’ll be hearing down the road from him. Joshua, Hollie, Jessica and Erika have separated themselves from the pack, although EVP has yet to be taken to heart by most of America. I hope that changes soon. It would be a shame to see her eliminated before her time.

STRANGE, VERY STRANGE

The dismissal of Jermaine Jones from the show was handled in an uneasy way. Never before in Idol history had a contestant been shown being kicked off the show. Jermaine was called in by Idol officials and told he had four outstanding warrants against him and by law he had to be let go.

Two things here. One, I don’t think it was necessary for Idol to show any of this. Just make the announcement to American and that’s it. Secondly, how stupid was Jermaine? Did he think these things would just disappear? Strange, very strange indeed.

THE FINAL 10

The dismissal of Jermaine and the loss of this week’s lowest vote-getter means we’ll be down to the final 10 after Thursday night. The final 10 will also be on this summer’s Idol tour, which should be one of the show’s best.

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON RANKINGS

1. Joshua Ledet
Wednesday’s song: “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton. *MOMENT*
Comment: J-Lo said this performance was the best thing she has ever seen on American Idol. She might be right. This was astounding. As you read this, I guarantee you I am still shaking my head, wiping the tears from eyes and standing up and clapping. Joshua took us to church, my friends. He took us to church.

Jessica Sanchez

2. Erika Van Pelt
Wednesday’s song: “Heaven” by Bryan Adams.
Comment: EVP could sing the phone book and I’d be satisfied, but she did get kind of swallowed up in the over-the-top arrangement for this classic.

3. Jessica Sanchez
Wednesday’s song: “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan.
Comment: Does this girl own the stage or what? Trying to follow up last week’s “I Will Always love You” by Whitney Houston was going to be tough, but she gave us an admirable effort. It was not a repeat of last week’s *MOMENT* … but it was still mighty, mighty good.

4. Hollie Cavanagh
Wednesday’s song: “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion. *MOMENT*
Comment: OK, it’s time to give Hollie her props. She can blow it out of the box (as The Dawg likes to say) and officially needs to be considered a serious threat. Thank heavens for Hollie and Joshua. They saved an otherwise horrendous night.

5. Colton Dixon
Wednesday’s song: “Broken Heart” by White Lion.
Comment: Have you noticed how much more comfortable he is getting each week? He made me like a song I had never heard before. Not love, but honest-to-goodness like. One of the few mild highlights on this rather weak night.

6. Phillip Phillips
Wednesday’s song: “Hard to Handle” by Black Crowes.
Comment: Even when he is ailing (kidney stones), he still manages to put on a good show. I’m starting to believe more and more in Phil the Thrill.

Heejun Han

7. Shannon Magrane
Wednesday’s song: “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boys II Men.
Comment: This song had disaster written all over it, but give the kid credit. Shannon bounced back from last week and showed us some of the range that was missing the previous week. She should be safe in the voting.

8. Heejun Han
Wednesday’s song: “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx.
Comment: Umm … Heenun, still one of my faves, is beginning to be a little too predictable. He is sounding the same each week, and sadly, he gets penalized with a drop in the rankings. (I think this was the first time we’ve ever heard a Richard Marx song on Idol.)

9. Elise Testone
Wednesday’s song: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green (Tina Turner cover).
Comment: Poor Elise is trying so-o-o hard, and it’s just not working. Am I alone here? The judges loved this performance and I thought it was horrible. I loved the raspy voice, but that’s about it. But as weak of a performance as this was, it was still better than what Skylar and Deandre gave us.

10. Skylair Laine
Wednesday’s song: “Love Sneakin’ Up On You” by Bonnie Raitt.
Comment: Just not a fan of Skylar. I think she’d be great to eat pizza and watch a movie with, but she needs to go home. Her voice makes me want to change the channel.

11. Deandre Brackensick
Wednesday’s song: “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.
Comment: Deandre singing a ballad-esque number like this is a struggle. He comes across as rather stilted. Deandre needs to be moving around. You could tell by the look on his voice at the end he knew he had bombed.

TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON

1. “When A Man Loves A Woman,” Joshua Ledet. *MOMENT*
2. “I Will Always Love You,” Jessica Sanchez. *MOMENT*
3. “The Power of Love,” Hollie Cavanagh. *MOMENT*
4. “Edge of Glory,” Erika Van Pelt.
5. “What About Love,” Erika Van Pelt.
6. “You Pulled Me Through,” Joshua Ledet.
7. “Superstition,” Phillip Phillips.
8. “I Believe In You And Me,” Erika Van Pelt.
9. “Turn the Beat Around,” Jessica Sanchez.

Jeremy Rosado: See ya.

For me, the big story from Thursday’s first finals elimination was not so much that Jeremy Rosado got the boot, it was how he got the boot. I’m convinced American Idol would be an even better show with the experimental format we were shown — and here’s why:

– The audience remains a major part of the process by setting up the bottom two.

– The judges, after 10-plus years, finally get a role in the finals other than a few throwaway lines on performance nights.

In case you missed it, the bottom guy and bottom girl in this week’s voting were presented to the judges to determine who would leave the show. In the previous blog I wondered if this was a sign of things to come, if not this year maybe next. Let’s hope so.

BON VOYAGE, JEREMY

Jeremy leaving was not a surprise. His star had started to fade. And Elise Testone as the bottom girl was no surprise either, but I was glad the judges gave her another chance. If she bombs again next week I doubt if she gets another pass. Elise has an intriguing voice, she simply needs to listen to Jimmy Iovine instead of Steven, J-Lo and Randy.

SURPRISES

That Joshua Ledet (No. 1 in our rankings) and Erika Van Pelt (No. 2) were in the bottom three for the guys and girls could make a case for taking the vote away from the audience all together. If one of them had been ousted, it would have been the biggest travesty since the early eliminations of Asia’h Epperson or Amanda Overmyer, or Lee Dwyze winning the whole thing.

Phillip Phillips: No. 5

BEST PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON

OK, I changed my mind. I said in Wednesday’s blog we’d start the top 10 performances next week, but I didn’t want to wait. There have been some tremendous efforts the past two weeks, so why wait?! I think there have been six noteworthy performances to date, so we’ll begin there and build the list to 10 next week.

1. “I Will Always Love You,” Jessica Sanchez. *MOMENT*
2. “Edge of Glory,” Erika Van Pelt.
3. “What About Love,” Erika Van Pelt.
4. “You Pulled Me Through,” Joshua Ledet.
5. “Superstition,” Phillip Phillips.
6. “I Believe In You And Me,” Erika Van Pelt.

Jessica Sanchez

The revelation that the judges will determine who goes home this week, deciding between the bottom girl and bottom guy in the voting, is so un-American Idol-like … but I like it. It has never made any sense to have the judges be jury and executioner all the way through until the finals. Hopefully, this idea moves from experiment to part of the rules package.

The guys sang the best of Stevie Wonder and the girls tackled the late, great Whitney Houston on Tuesday night. Overall, the great performances were few and far between, which is normally the case during the first live show of the finals. Things should get better next week.

One of the performances, however, deserves a special kind of praise. Jessica Sanchez wowed us with Whitney’s signature piece, “I Will Always Love You.” It was our first *MOMENT* of the season. I still have goose bumps. What a great, great effort.

Here’s my top 10 for the season following Tuesday’s program (and starting next week we’ll resurrect our top 10 individual performances of the season and keep updating those each week, too):

AMERICAN IDOL  SEASON TOP 10

1. Joshua Ledet
Song: “I Wish”
Comment: This guy continues to amaze me. I’m not even that big of a fan of Stevie Wonder music, but he made me LOVE it. And Joshua is already a great performer, thanks to those Gospel roots of his. This could be one of those rare talents who comes along once in a decade. There have been very few Idol contestants who have created this kind of buzz this early in the competition.

2. Erika Van Pelt
Song: “I Believe In You And Me.”
Comment: Guest mentor Mary J. Blige says Erika “has so much rasp and rock going on,” and that’s why we love her. But this was not my favorite Erika performance. It was solid, just not spectacular. I still think this girl can be the reincarnation of Dusty Springfield. The tone of her voice is addictive. Is this the top female candidate since — can we say it — Carrie Underwood?

3. Jessica Sanchez
Song: “I Will Always Love You.” *MOMENT*
Comment: Far and away the star of the night. This tribute to Whitney was genuine and it was stirring. So very, very beautiful. And she just killed the big notes. I would have moved Jessica into No. 2, but I felt Erika’s entire body of work so far should keep here in the runner-up posiiton. But Jessica’s coming, America. This Jess is no mess. We have a great competition in the works.

4. Phillip Phillips
Song: “Superstition.”
Comment:I hate this song. Absolutely hate it. But Phillip made me at least like it. He’s a different kind of performer, and he’s slowly getting me hooked.

Hollie Cavanagh

5. Heejun Han
Song: “All Is Fair In Love.”
Comment: He remains the most surprising voice in the competition. He took, for me, what was essentially a tremendously boring song and made it downright interesting.

6. Hollie Cavanagh
Song: “All The Man That I Need.”
Comment: Next to Jessica and Joshua, Hollie may have had the top individual performance of the night. This was spectacular. Hollie’s stock is definitely on the rise. I may have greatly underestimated this girl.

7. Colton Dixon
Song: “Lately”
Comment: Colton continues to remind me more and more of David Cook with his interpretation of songs. He appears to be starting to build some momentum. Originally, I thought he would be little more than also-ran, a field filler. He just might be the real deal.

8. Jermaine Jones
Song: “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”
Comment: Jermaine had a few pitch issues, and as much as I like the big guy, this was a rather pedestrian performance for me — borderline boring, if you will.  J-Lo nailed it in her analysis, noting there was feeling lacking from this song.

9. Jeremy Rosado
Song: “Ribbon In The Sky.”
Comment: Jeremy about put me to sleep with this one. Not what I was expecting from him in the first round of the finals. He might be in danger.

10. Skylar Laine
Song: “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.”
Comment: Skylar was my whipping girl last week for that awful rendition of “Stay With Me,” but I enjoyed this performance — so much so that she made a decent  jump in the rankings. Very nice, Skylar. But what was the deal with the green fingernail polish?

On the bubble

Shannon Magrane
Song: “I Have Nothing.”
Comment:  There were some struggles with this song, but I don’t think America will give up on her this early.

Deandre Brackensick
Song: “Master Blaster.”
Comment: This was the first night I actually semi-enjoyed Deandre, but he’s still got a long way to go to think he can last more than a week or two

Elise Testone
Song: “I’m Your Baby Tonight.
Comment: Elise’s voice is best suited to the ballad genre, which allows the smokiness to come through. This was not a good choice.

Elise Testone

The finals are set.

American Idol’s first  results show of the season — following 33 million votes this week — left us with the final 13 for the 11th season of the greatest show in TV history. (Well, next to The Walking Dead, Justified and NASCAR, of course.)

One of the highlights of the night was the return of Jimmy Iovine to properly critique the performances as they replayed snippets from the Tuesday and Wednesday night programs. Was he a breath of fresh air or what? (Memo to Idol: Make the guy a judge next year.)

Before we get to my first Finals Top 10 of the season, here are some quick thoughts:

I was surprised these contestants did make the final 13: Skylar Laine, Elise Testone.

– I will admit that after replaying Elise’s “One And Only” by Adele it did not creep me out the way it originally did, but I’m sorry, I still don’t feel she deserved to be in the finals. I’m keeping an open mind with her. Maybe she will be this year’s Haley Reinhart, who I detested at first in 2011 but grew to love. That’s why veteran blog reader Kelly Wilson refers to me as a renaissance man.

– I have not changed any bit of my mind, however, about Skylar. She was a disaster. I’m sure I’d enjoy having Skylar living next door and babysitting my grandkids, or bringing her parents over some evening for a euchre showdown. But this girl in the top13 is a travesty.

I was surprised these contestants did not make he final 13: Only one — Jen Hirsh. I can’t figure this one out, especially when even the judges failed to put her through in the wild-card round. Oh well, Idol can be as frustrating as it is fantastic. By this time next week , we will have forgotten all about Jen, which is kind of sad because the girl certainly can sing.

 WILD CARD ROUND

This worked out very well, picking six of those who did make the final 10 and allowing them “to sing for their life.” Some excelled, some did not.

Jeremy Rosado blew me out of the water. And then Erika Van Pelt blasted me into outer space with Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory.”  Jen Hirsch also did well, but the final of the three wild cards went to DeAndre Brackensick, who will make a quick exit once the finals get under way next week.

Jessica Sanchez

Brielle Von Hugel and Reed Grimm did not deserve to be in the final 13 and demonstrated why. I’m sure they are both quality people, but they weren’t finals worthy.

AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10

1. Joshua Ledet: Jimmy Iovine says it will be important that Joshua does not turn into “Sister Act III,” which is a legitimate point. (Or even worse, Jacob Lusk II.) Honestly, I don’t think we have anything to worry about with this guy. He’s going to be with us for a long time.

2. Erika Van Pelt: How in the world America didn’t vote her into the top 10 will be one of this season’s mysteries, but the judges came through and saved her with the wild card. I would not be disappointed if the show skipped forward to late May right now and gave us a Joshua vs. Erika championship round.

3. Jessica Sanchez: It’s already being hailed as another “Year of the Guy,” but we have two girls in the top three. This little package of dynamite can win it all, according to Jimmy Iovine.

4. Heejun Han: I’m tellin’ ya, America loves this guy. And with good reason.

5. Jeremy Rosado: OK, Jeremy, no more tears for awhile.

6. Colton Dixon: Something tells me he could be this year’s sleeper.

7. Phillip Phillips: One of the most unique performers in series history.

8. Shannon Magrane: The more I see of her, the more of a chance I think she has for a top-five finish.

9. Elise Testone: I’m all about second chances. Elise, the stage is yours.

10. Jermaine Jones: The new Ruben Studdard?

ON THE BUBBLE: Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, DeAndre Brackensick

IDOL THOUGHTS

– Did you find it ironic Ellen DeGeneres was in one of the JCPenney commercials that aired during Thursday’s show? Easily the worst judge in Idol history, I would think Ellen would want to distance herself from further embarrassment. But give the lady some props. The commercial was hilarious, which is more than we can say about her one, lo-o-o-o-o-o-ong year on Idol.

– The new X Factor commercials have started and they are much, much more low key than last year’s pompous offerings.

– Props to the producers for an up-tempo results show. We were bored to years with meaningless filler. The suspense kept building at a proper pace. Too bad it won’t be the same in the not-too-distant future.

– Next week the guys sing songs of Stevie Wonder and the girls pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.