Aired 3/11/09
We are here at the first “real” American Idol results show, where the top 13 will most likely be cut down to 11.
As always, Ryan introduces Randy, Paula, Simon, and the new judge, Kara DiAccordion. I am so incredibly annoyed with Randy's obnoxious booing every time Simon is introduced. It's beyond ridiculous.
We've all been waiting to hear what the new “twist” is for Season 8. (Well, those of us who don't read spoiler sites have been.) Ryan lets us in on the secret right away. The “Judges' Save” is introduced. Judges can save one contestant from elimination, but it has to be unanimous, and it can happen only once per season. On the week they use the save, no one will be eliminated. The following week, two will have to leave. So now there's even more judge/producer control and manipulation. Yeah. Great. Is that a flushing sound I hear? Although I have to admit, it's within the realm of possibility that they will use it to save somebody that America also wants to save. Maybe.
We see a clip of the contestants' excitement while exploring their Idol mansion, complete with bowling alley, pools, theater, hot tubs, you name it. They've gotta be wondering if this is the only week they get to stay there.
The group number is a medley of Jackson Five hits. Okay, this is more like the cheesy group numbers I'm accustomed to. I'm watching Scott most of the time to see how he does with the choreography. His dancing is so cute.
Then it's recap time with a reminder of Paula's “Gobert” prediction for the finale. Let's hope she's never been more wrong. Ryan asks Michael how it was to be in the new Ford music video, which is then played, set to “We Will Rock You.” It didn't seem to require anything from the singers but to stand and sing in a studio so their images could be projected later onto city buildings and cars, but it's okay.
Michael Sarver is asked to stand up first. He is safe. Then Allison Iraheta is told she is safe as well. Next, Jasmine Murray. The wah-wah-wah Idol tones accompany her as she is directed to stand center stage. Matt Giraud tries to follow her but is told to sit back down, as he is safe.
Time for Kris Allen, who remains standing at his seat as Megan Corkrey rehears her critiques from last night. Kris is safe, and Megan joins Jasmine as a possible goer-homer. Finally Ryan reveals that Megan is safe. Whew!
Will the judges use their save on Jasmine? Is Simon wearing something fashionable? Does Ozzy Osbourne speak English?
At least they let her sing before she knew 100% for sure she was going home. But I think she knew 99% already. She's a cute kid with a good voice, but just not ready for the bigtime. We hear the Carrie Underwood song “Home Sweet Home,” 
over Jasmine's goodbye clip.
Kanye West performs his song “Heartleh.” Hey, where did the judges go? I'm jealous—they get to skip this performance.
Now it's the bottom row's turn. Scott MacIntyre is safe. So is Alexis Grace. How about Danny Gokey? Do you think he will make it through? Oh, boy, I don't know, I don't know ...
Anoop Desai knows he's headed for center stage, and Ryan confirms it. However, does Adam Lambert make it? Again, I don't know, I don't know ...
Lastly, Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds are up. Jorge is in the same boat as Anoop, and Lil is safe. How many shocks can a person take in one night? My poor blood pressure.
The above three paragraphs are sarcasm, in case you weren't sure.
I am happy to see that Kelly Clarkson seems to no longer be distancing herself from American Idol. She and Ryan make some mostly awkward small talk and then she sings “My Life Would Suck Without You.” I don't think her vocals are at their best tonight, but she is terrific and I wish her the best with her new album.
After another commercial, Ryan reveals that 33 million votes were cast, and the result is that Jorge is ... going home.
So two very sweet and unassuming contestants are headed for home, Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez. I'm guessing a lot of Ju'Not Joyner fans are howling mad right now that the one who bested him is out already. However, it is the right decision.
SCORES
Bunny: 1 out of 2
Right about Jasmine Murray
Wrong about Megan Corkrey
(Bunny's Bomb: 0 out of 1)
Burke: 2 out of 2
Right (as usual, King Friday) about Jorge Nunez and Jasmine Murray
(Burke's Turkey: 0 out of 1)
Prognosticats: 0 out of 2
Wrong about Alexis Grace and Danny Gokey
(Hairball: 0 out of 1)
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{ 2 comments }
Jasmine was BOOOORING……..AND she committed the Cardinal Sin on AI: never sing one of the “Diva” songs (Mariah, Whitney, Celine) unless you plan on creating a whole new version (ie “making it your own”).
She didn’t do that, her performance of “I’ll Be There” was Mariah Karey-oke………nothing to write home about!
In the case of Jorge Nuñez— his problems with learning songs in English would have become more obvious as the season wore on.
Megan Joy = saved by VFTW
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