Thursday night (March 24) on the “American Idol” results show will go down in their history books as being staged and wacky like a wrestling match. Sure, someone staged this crazy event which didn’t make sense, but whether certain people were in on it remains to be seen. Of course I am getting ahead of myself. One thing’s for sure it was not your typical same old, same old results show. There were other surprise guest stars who showed up at various intervals. I guess a good place to start would be at the beginning.
Group Number with Stevie Wonder and Happy Birthday to Steven Tyler
Naturally the Top 11 did a nice tribute to Motown with featuring the songs “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and for the second number when they performed Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” out comes from behind the stage playing on his keyboards was the one and only, Stevie Wonder. It took everyone by surprise, especially the finalists. Afterwards, Stevie Wonder called out Steven Tyler and started singing “Happy Birthday.” I thought this was fitting since it was my birthday too. They had a cake and a colorful painting of Tyler. That was such a nice gesture for this immensely popular judge.
Shocking Results for Paul and James Turns to a Surprise Guest Wrestler
The results started off as predictable as you could get. Scotty, Pia and Lauren were brought out and deemed safe. They were the first three finalists for the 2011 American Idol Summer Tour. Before Paul McDonald and James Durbin were brought out they showed a really funny clip of Durbin’s obsession with pro wrestling. This guy literally lives and breathes it. He was using poor Paul as a wrestling sparring partner the whole time.
When they were brought out to the stage Ryan told them they were not safe. There was shock and disbelief for those two, who are mega popular with the crowd, would be in the bottom 2 until James’ hero, Hulk Hogan, made his grand entrance. It was complete chaos then. Hulk Hogan informed the two they were safe and going on tour. Ryan was not safe from the hands of Hogan though.
Sugarland
I’m not familiar with this country-pop duo, but they performed their hit “Stuck Like Glue.” However, their performance was completely being overshadowed by the results drama that was still unfolding. Stefano Langone and Thia Megia were then brought out and both in the bottom 2. One more group was called that included Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams. Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart were then sent back to the couches and on the tour. Now it was Casey, along with Thia and Stefano, culminating the bottom 3. This was very hard to believe. Something shocking was bound to happen I thought.
Jennifer Hudson
It was good to see the Season 3 finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, promoting her latest album “I Remember Me.” She sang her recent release, a ballad, titled “Where You At.” You can always expect a great performance from Hudson’s strong emotional connections to any song she sings. Her fellow Season 3 finalist, George Huff, was singing backup. Ryan spoke briefly with Jennifer. She said it was good to be back home.
The Absolute Shock of the Season – Casey in the Bottom Two
Now came the moment of truth on who wasn’t making the tour or would they after all? This didn’t sound like a legitimate bottom three. In the end Casey Abrams was informed he was not going through. He sang a completely different song for the judges. Shortly after he got started Randy Jackson interrupted him saying he didn’t have to prove himself. Casey Abrams was then saved by the judges. Everyone in the Top 11 was going on tour. For a moment I truly thought Casey was going to pass out or get sick or both. He could not believe his new found fate. It was quite a stunning moment, but it all worked out perfectly for everybody. This was a very nice birthday present for me.
SOURCES:
American Idol – Official Site for Videos, Photos and Community, American Idol.com
Gil Kaufman, “Casey Abrams Saved On ‘American Idol'”, MTV.com
