Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The biggest news tonight had nothing to do with the results.

I mean, come on, we all knew Ashthon Jones was in trouble. I said as much the minute I saw the singing order for the top 13.

But Casey Abrams back in the hospital. That’s an unfortunate piece of news, because he’s established himself as a pretty clear frontrunner already in Season 10.

And we’re in the finals now. There’s no room for juggling schedules like Idol did last year in the semifinals, having the guys and girls sing on different nights than planned because Crystal Bowersox fell ill.

Get well, Casey. Seeing you on stage is a blast.

On with the recap.

Deserved her fate: Ashthon Jones released an EP filled with R&B dance numbers before Idol. I’ll forever believe she would have done better on the show had she gone young and fun rather than the diva route. No way was she going to sing Diana Ross and shine Wednesday night when her performance was preceded by Casey Abrams and Lauren Alaina and followed by Pia Toscano and Paul McDonald.

Very, very lucky: Naima Adedapo belonged in the bottom three Thursday based on her Wednesday night vocal, but had the fortune of singing last instead of early in the show like Ashthon. If Idol follows recent form, he or she who sings last one week often sings first the next. If that’s the case, you’d better prepare something better than an “Umbrella,” Naima.

Also lucky, any male contestant who makes the Idol finals. You didn’t see any of them in the bottom three, did you? Anyone surprised? Cute Guy Idol rolls on. Wonder how many girls we’ll lose this season before a guy is eliminated?

Stock rising: The guy who impressed me the most Wednesday — and did it again during the group number Thursday — James Durbin. By singing “Maybe I’m Amazed,” he took the focus off the shriek and reminded us what a great voice he has. Not to mention more control than Jacob Lusk.

Stock sinking: Karen Rodriguez received rave reviews from the judges — especially, J-Lo — during the semifinals. She received some of the worst feedback Wednesday when precious little negative was said by anyone sitting in a judges’ chair. Another sleepy performance could spell her demise. Does she have a fun side?

Special note to Lauren Alaina: Relax, girl. You were a bit off Wednesday night. But your stock did not sink to the point where there was any reason for concern Thursday. Hey, look at it this way. Last year, that rendition of “Any Man of Mine” would have been an Idol highlight.

On the bubble: Haley Reinhart, apparently. Shame. She’s lovely. She’s got a husky voice. She’s the bluesy singer among the remaining gals. I far prefer her to at least three of the other females remaining in the field. I think the judges had some wise advice, Haley. Try singing some Stevie Nicks next week.

Another plug: If you haven’t checked out the studio tracks available for download, go to iTunes and listen to the free snippet of Paul McDonald’s “Come Pick Me Up.” Guaranteed, you’ll be impressed. You might even be tempted to download it.

Coming this weekend: New rankings for the remaining 12.

A last look at this week’s grades: (Song by song blog here)

Casey Abrams: “With a Little Help from My Friends” — A-
Pia Toscano: “All By Myself” — B+
Scotty McCreery: “The River” — B+
James Durbin: “Maybe I’m Amazed” — B
Lauren Alaina: “Any Man of Mine” — B-
Paul McDonald: “Come Pick Me Up” — B-
Haley Reinhart:”Blue” — C
Stefano Langone: “Lately” — C
Naima Adedapo: “Umbrella” — C
Ashthon Jones: “When You Tell Me that You Love Me” — C-
Jacob Lusk: “I Believe I Can Fly” — C-
Thia Megia: “Smile” — C-
Karen Rodriguez: “I Could Fall in Love” — D+