Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol isn’t all about Wednesday night performances and the judging that follows.

It’s about personalities and mentors and gimmicks and backstories and all the other devices the show’s producers use to keep us watching.

Here are my picks for five best moments on American Idol Season 10 that weren’t judged … well, at least not for votes in the case of #5.

For my selections of the top 10 performances of Idol Season 10, go here.

5. “Moaning” by Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart

In one of season 10’s better changes, producers ditched some of the result show group numbers, splitting the contestants off into duets and smaller groups instead. It never worked better than when Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart performed “Moaning” on the Top 8 results show. That performance might have marked the beginning of Haley’s ascent as a contender for the Idol crown. Shame it’s not available on iTunes.

4. Scotty McCreery meets Lady Gaga

Just the thought is interesting, right. Then Gaga told him to make love to his microphone, as though it was a girlfriend who threatened to leave him if he didn’t shove his tongue down her throat. Scotty’s response: “It better be a good looking microphone.” Gaga came away saying Scotty might be a little more conservative than she thought. Scotty came away feeling like he’d better kiss the cross he wears around his neck. “Lord, it’s not my doing,” he said. Sorry, but you’ll have to watch until the 3-minute mark to see Gaga and Scotty. See the bottom of this blog for a special bonus on this one.

3.  Best Backstory

Anyone who has watched an Idol audition espisode knows this shows loves its backstories. And this year, it stumbled upon one of its best ever. The show introduced us to Chris Medina, 26, of Oak Forest, Ill., who was making plans for his wedding when his fiance, Juliana Ramos, was involved in a tragic accident that left her wheelchair bound and with brain damage. Chris and her mom became her caregivers. “What kind of man would I be if I wasn’t there for her when she needs me most?” Chris said. Chris made it to Hollywood and then to Vegas, but was cut prior to the semifinals in a decision that moved Jennifer Lopez to tears. In fact, Idol ended one show with Jennifer breaking the news to Chris, then breaking down? “Will Jennifer be able to go on?” the show asked. Turns out she could and, apparently, so can Idol, without Chris Medina. He wasn’t invited to the finale; he couldn’t even get a ticket to sit in the audience. But he did find time to visit a children’s hospital on a recent trip to Memphis to perform at a wedding. Way to use them and lose them, Nigel.

2. James Durbin’s exit

He might be a metal head, but he’s also a rocker who wore his heart on his sleeve. And with a heck of a backstory. Lost his dad at age 9. Overcame autism and Tourette’s. Was struggling pre-Idol to support fiance Heidi and son Hunter. He was in tears even before getting the news that he was being eliminated in the Top 4 round. He was overcome with emotion as he sang his farewell song, “Amazing.” Then he proclaimed the whole experience “amazing” when he stopped singing, yanking off his vest and hurling it into the crowd. Rock on, James.

1. Casey Abrams’ Save

A tiny part of me wonders if this was staged by Idol. After all, absolutely nothing changed as a result. But there was no staging Casey’s reaction. He started singing what was sure to be his farewell song. He was interrupted by Randy Jackson. He was told he was being saved. First he nearly collapsed. Then he rushed to the judges’ table to make sure he’d heard correctly. In a later interview, he admitted he needed to be helped off stage that night. It was only the third show of the season, and he was convinced judges wouldn’t use their save that soon.

Other golden moments from Season 10

* James Durbin says he feared a Pepsi moment after his flaming piano performance. Ryan Seacrest looks stunned. Coca-Cola is one of Idol’s biggest advertisers.

* Scotty McCreery sinks a shot in basketball, from the balcony of the mansion the Idols are living in. Just the All-American boy showing off his skill at sports.

* The Idols rush to leave aforementioned mansion. Turns out the roof leaks when it rains. And it was raining a lot in L.A. Lauren Alaina slips and slides down a stairway on her tush. But don’t worry, Nigel, her voice wasn’t hurt. Wow, with all the money Idol makes, the show can’t afford a waterproof mansion?

Now, the promised bonus …

Jimmy Kimmel’s take on Lady Gaga mentoring Scotty McCreery

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of blogs looking back at Idol Season 10. Others include my picks for the top 10 performances, my suggestions for 7 ways to improve Idol, and a look at how this year’s finale compares to Idol’s first nine. Coming tomorrow: A look at how the final 2 match up, plus the better alternative for TV viewing Tuesday night.