Tonight, we meet the rest of the contestants who will be vying for our votes a week from now on American Idol.
And, apparently, we’ll get in on the action early, helping determine the last male singer into the semifinals from between a pair of yet-to-be named contestants.
C.J. Harris and Casey Thrasher await word on who will advance to the American Idol semifinals. (FOX Photo)
But Idol needs to pick up the pace, which means we’ll also probably hear a lot less singing tonight.
Last night, in a two-hour episode, the show introduced us to 17 semifinalists.
That leaves 14 to go, and only one hour to do so.
For those who like to review what’s happened so far, eight gals are already in the semifinals. They are: Andrina Brogden, Bria Anai Johnson, Emily Piriz, Jessica Meuse, Jillian Jensen, Kristen O’Connor, Malaya Watson and M.K. Nobilette.
Nine guys have made the semis: Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Emmanuel Zidor, George Lovett, Jordan Brisbane, Malcolm Allen, Maurice Townsend, Sam Woolf and Spencer Lloyd.
Two more are about to join though … OK, that’s just a hunch. But my guess is that last night’s cliffhanger, with C.J. Harris and Casey Thrasher waiting to hear their fate, will wind up not being such a cliffhanger after all and both will advance. Told you. So that’s three country guys in the semifinals.
Marrialle Sellers: The 17-year-old from Detroit slayed “Wrecking Ball” during her final Hollywood performance. There’s no way they could cut her after that performance. And, let’s not forget, Idol showed us her audition twice, so she must be one of the favorites. She’s semifinals bound. Grade: B+
Jena Asciutto: The 17-year-old sat behind the keys and performed an original song during the final Hollywood round. Harry calls her “the sleeper.” Wish they’d shut up and let us hear more of the performance, but it sounded very good. Grade: B
Caleb Johnson performs during Hollywood Week on American Idol. (FOX Photo)
Caleb Johnson: The guy who nearly made it to the semifinals on Season 11 was one of the group round standouts. The 22-year-old from North Carolina sang “Radioactive” for his final Hollywood performance, and turned in another solid performance. Listen to that great glory note at the end. Proof he’s learned the Idol way. And Caleb makes it, too. Grade: B.
Ethan Harris: He sang “Amazed” for his final Hollywood song, and that was easily the weakest of the performances we’ve seen so far. But he’s heading through. Grade: C–
David Oliver Willis: The 22-year-old from Florida got robbed when he didn’t make the semifinals last year. And he’s not advancing again. We didn’t hear enough of his Hollywood finale to know if he got robbed again.
Majesty Rose York: She advances to the top 30, even though she blew the lyrics in her final Hollywood performance. Huh? Remember how great Keri Lynn Roche did last night. Wow. There’s probably a reason Idol isn’t showing us more of these final performances.
Briston Maroney: He covered “Let Her Go” in the final Hollywood round. Not loving his rendition or the tone of his voice. But Briston goes through at age 15. Grade: C–
Brandy Neelly: Dang, we only heard a couple seconds of Brandy’s final Hollywood round, but it sounded fabulous. Brandy and Briana Oakley are getting their results together. She advances. Grade: B+
Briana Oakley: She sang “My Kind Of Love” for her final performance, and nailed that final note. The rest of the song: so-so. And so does Briana. Grade: C+
Kenzi Hall: She was fabulous on the first day of Hollywood, performing “Can’t Hold Us.” Didn’t sound like her final performance of “Your Song” went so well. But she made the semifinals. Didn’t hear enough of that final performance to grade it.
Austin Wolfe performs during Hollywood Week on American Idol. (FOX Photo)
Savion Wright: This guy has been one of the outstanding performers so far in Season 13. And he walks into the judgment room playing the ukulele. The 21-year-old from Texas appears to have performed an original on the final night of Hollywood. We only heard a few seconds, but I’d agree with Harry that it wasn’t one of his best vocals. But that’s partly because the ones that preceded it were so good. And he doesn’t make it. Grade: B–
Austin Wolfe and Sandy Lee: They’re in the running for the final spot. Sandy? This might be the first time we’ve seen her. Austin sang “Radioactive” again in her final Hollywood performance. That’s the same song she auditioned with. But she sounded great both times. And only Austin advances.
Ben Briley and Neco Starr: Ben sang “Stars” for his final Hollywood performance. It came off as just a touch overbaked to me. Neco sang “Halo.” Apparently he wasn’t feeling well for that final performance. Hmm, sounded as much like shouting as singing. Here’s where Idol is going to force viewers to choose who advances. In that shocking twist that Ryan just announced.
This is so much bull. Like there’s never been a tough decision to pick the last semifinalist.
Meanwhile, the rundown on who advanced tonight:
Gals: Brandy Neelly, Briana Oakley, Jena Asciutto, Kenzi Hall, Majesty Rose York, Marrialle Sellars
Guys: Briston Maroney, Caleb Johnson, Casey Thrasher, C.J. Harris, Ethan Harris. Plus Ben Briley and Neco Starr vying for the final spot.
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