American Idol Recap: Idol Loses a Sponsorship

Were you all under the impression that tonight was going to be a results show? I definitely was. However, I’m pretty sure there were last minute changes in programming with the events in Japan and Papa Nigel decided to hold an impromptu Idol Gives Back. Now, don’t all go turning on me and say I’m some heartless fool on the internets who doesn’t want to support Japan. That’s not what I’m saying. I just didn’t get the memo that tonight will be a mini telethon without the silly celebrity appearances. Oh wait, Marc Antony and Pit Bull were there. They had everything. The only thing missing was the stage performance that had everyone wondering WTF is going on in the background? What was Idol thinking? Oh wait, they had that too. The Black Eyed Peas performed. Ok, Ok. I’ll give them more credit. They actually were more entertaining and watchable here than during the Superbowl, but I guess the Idol stage isn’t as intimidating. Ryan needs to work on his intimidation factor.

Anyways, the show opened tonight with what all of America has been pondering since January – what did the Idol contestants want to be when they were children? Well, we only got a glimpse of a few chosen ones, and – well, ladies and gents, hold your breaths – Lauren wasn’t showcased! I’m pretty sure they edited that portion of the show without running it past Mr. Lythgoe. Maybe he was off doing SYTYCD auditions with Mary Murphy on the hot tamale train. Idol continued with its 2nd obligatory filler portion of the night’s program – the always dreaded group performances. And what did AI decide to try this time? Well, channel their inner-Glee, of course? If there’s anything that could try and save those performances, it’s work it like a Glee mash-up … and that they did. “Born to be Wild” (sung by the guys) and “Born This Way” (by the girls) were mixed, mashed, and regurgitated on LIVE TV for your viewing pleasure. What’s more? Idol decided to veer from the lip sync route and actually do this one live. Well, technical difficulties and “pitchy” problems will probably steer them back for next week.

Next up on obligatory fillers, American Idol 10th Anniversary compilation album. Ya, I’m starting to sound like Ryan, right? I don’t think I’ve mentioned any contestant names yet this recap, have I? Wait, I did say Lauren’s name, of course. I’m telling you, this wasn’t really a results show. It was an imposter!! Anyways, back to the important matters. The compilation album, blah blah blah, Idol has reached 250 million digital downloads, blah blah blah, let’s watch the Ford music video (4th obligatory filler), blah blah blah, let’s learn which contestant wants to learn which language (5th obligatory filler), blah blah blah. THEN … finally … “Dim the lights!” April fools!! Oops, wrong holiday. Cue, Irish jig music, green lights and clovers on the Idol screen. Psych!

Ok, fine, if you all insist, we’ll get to the results. Ryan’s pattern was easily discernible tonight. Call up 3 contestants, save them all. Call up 2, save 1. Call up 3 contestants, save them all. Call up 2, save 1. Call up last two, save 1. Well, after all was said and done, you all voted (or didn’t) Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, and Myspace Sponsored Karen Rodriguez to the Bottom Three. I called 2 of the 3, somehow Thia Megia escaped! Insert musical interludes by reigning Idol Lee Dewyze and mega superstars Black Eyed Peas (obligatory fillers #6 and 7). I will say, however, DeWyze still rocks it on that stage, I don’t care what anyone says. Bringing back Mama Bowersox later this season will also be a much welcomed gesture. (Hello Nigel, you hear that?) Also, nothing against the Peas. If you’re bringing superstars to the Idol stage, why not make them a little more relatable (yes, I made up that word) to the contestants. How about Sara Bareillis, Adele, Jason Mraz, The Script … You know, people who can give advice that the contestants can apply later in their career. The Peas are mad talented, but no one on that stage will be forming a 4 man (and woman) hip-hop group anytime soon. Anyways, minor gripe. (My obligatory filler #1).

Now, due to my obsession with Napoleon and Tabitha from SYTYCD, I have to make note of that commercial we all caught a glimpse of tonight. Mobbed. Those amazing choreographers put together a flash mob for some dude to propose to his wife. Somehow Howie Mandel was invited. Interesting and extremely random concept. Now, Fox, where’s my paycheck?

When all was said and done, Naima is safe and back to the benches. Apparently, she’ll also be getting some sort of help from Mr. Lopez, Marc Antony. JLo was telling her something he would come help to do this week and my little ears couldn’t catch it! Moving on, Haley’s also safe. For those of you with great deductive skills out there, Karen picked up the lowest number of votes and was given the chance for the judge’s save. Not my choice for who would have been eliminated, but close enough, huh. No matter how cute yo momma is, that’s no free pass to win Idol. Looks like her sister isn’t meeting Nick Jonas anytime soon. The judges were NOT unanimous after her “Hero” – save – me performance and Ryan had to remind the studio audience to stand and clap at show’s end. Since this is an Idol recap, I should probably critique her performance. The Spanish infusion already has lost it’s effect for me and the nerves associated with the “save me” plea brought the pitchy factor up a couple notches. My bet’s on JLo who pulled to keep her around. No offense to Karen, but I’m pretty sure people next week will be asking who we lost this week. Sweet girl, just not made for this competition. And with that, Idol can no longer tout its MySpace sponsorship.

That said, what did you think about tonight’s show? Were you happy with the bottom 3? Who did you want to see leave the competition? What’d you think of Karen’s desperate attempt to stay in the competition? Will you watch Mobbed? What’dya think of Lee’s latest single?