Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Hold on tight.

Tonight, we get two episodes of American Idol in one — an Idol Gives Back special, and a results show.

And Idol is promising us a banner night of entertainment with performances by Alicia Keys, Elton John, The Black Eyed Peas, Jeff Beck, Josh Stone, Annie Lennox, Mary J. Blige and Carrie Underwood.

My only question: Where are the Idols?

Sure, Carrie’s on the list of performers. But that’s it?

I mean, we’re going to see footage of Kris Allen during his visit to Haiti, David Cook during his visit to Ethiopia, Elliott Yamin during his visit to Angola.

Why aren’t they performing tonight?

Seriously, sometimes this show seems to disrespect its own history.

Last week, Idol executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said some performers couldn’t make it because of other commitments.

Well, anyone who has followed the great cigarette controversy knows Kelly Clarkson is performing out of the country right now. And Taylor Hicks is busy in Hershey playing Teen Angel in Grease for the millionth time.

But I can’t imagine Idol couldn’t have pulled together an all-star cast of former contestants.

Oh, well, maybe next time.

Several Idols did contribute memorabilia to the Idol Gives Back auction. The item that fetched the highest bid among those donations — a leather jacket worn by Adam Lambert last season. If you missed it, here’s a link to a blog that includes the winning bids.

As for the results show portion of tonight’s show, my prediction (and hope) is that Sonestown, Pa., teen Aaron Kelly and his country twang will be heading home.

But I imagine several contestants are dealing with a bad case of nerves right now, particularly Tim Urban and Siobhan Magnus.

Well, come to think of it, pretty much anyone who isn’t named Crystal or Lee, who came out of Tuesday’s inspirational song night with rave reviews.

Nice seeing all the Idol finalists back together for the group number, even if I’m not a big fan of these group numbers. And everyone looks so classy, decked out in all white. Except for Siobhan. Why is she wearing sleeves full of holes for the occasion?

Interesting that the first two segments featured needy children in America. Proceeds from past Give Back specials have been split 50-50 between programs in the U.S. and programs in Africa.

Frot-Coutaz said a higher percentage of the proceeds will go to domestic needs this year, though she didn’t provide percentages.

OK, I’m going to try not to be too grumpy tonight and stay in the spirit of the event, but …

Complaint #1: “Rock That Body?” As the first song from a guest artist on this year’s Idol Gives Back. Did someone forget to tell the Black Eyed Peas why they were performing? I mean, I love the song. But it fits tonight’s theme how? “One Tribe” would have been a much more fitting song selection.

Complaint #2: What’s up with the sound system? When the Black Eyed Peas hear that play back, they’re going to wish they were lip synching.

Ah, maybe they’re using this George Lopez comic interlude to fix the sound system back in Pasadena. I did love the line about no cute male being safe with Kara at the judges’ table.

Now some results.

Casey James is in the bottom three. Holy cow. Didn’t expect that.

Aaron Kelly is in the bottom three. As expected.

Crystal Bowersox is safe.

Lee DeWyze is safe.

And now, more music, courtesy of Josh Stone and Jeff Beck. Well, the sound sounds better. But clearly I was mistaken. There’s apparently no need for the guest artists to stick to this week’s inspirational song theme.

Somehow, this mix of saucy songs, comedy, results and these film clips demonstrating need in Africa and here … well, it all seems quite disjointed to me.

Now we get Alicia Keys singing “Unthinkable.” Hmm. Another perfect song selection, right?

It’s official. Whoever scripted this mess of an episode should be fired.

Finally, a song that fits the occasion — “Change” from none other than Carrie Underwood. It’s one of the better songs off her “Play On” album. And she’ll be donating a portion of each ticket sold during her tour to charity — 36 cents. Doesn’t sound like much, given the cost of a concert ticket. But considering the crowds Carrie draws, I’m sure it will add up.

Look at that, Idol. One worthy performance an hour and a half into the program, and it comes from one of your own. What does that tell you about next time?

Now some more results:

Siobhan Magnus: She’s safe.

Michael Lynche: He’s safe.

Tim Urban: He’s in the bottom three.

That leaves Aaron Kelly, Casey James and Tim Urban on the bubble this evening.

Hey, very nice film clip featuring David Cook’s visit to Ethiopia. The musical performances have struck a strange chord tonight. The comedy segments seem out of place. But the film clips are well done. That’s one of the best so far. And we got to hear David sing a snippet of “Heroes.”

Hmm, would have been nice to hear him perform that live tonight, Idol. Just saying.

So, after not two, but two and a half hours, we finally get down to the final results.

Aaron Kelly is safe, leaving Casey James and Tim Urban in danger of going home.

Could we be in for one of those Idol shockers.

Nope, Casey James is safe.

And Tim Urban’s luck on Idol runs out. He makes Idol history — the first contestant ever eliminated on an Idol Gives Back episode.

Check back later for a photo gallery of tonight’s show (featuring more photos of Fergie; I promise) … and for a recap blog.

Tomorrow, check back for the exit interview with Tim Urban.