American Idol 10 Top 8 - The Results!

Paul McDonald is eliminated from American Idol

I put all 20 of my pool points on Paul McDonald to leave this week. I didn’t think his performance on Tuesday was very good–actually, I believe the quirky Americana singer peaked in Hollywood. But, dang if I didn’t feel a pang when I heard Paul’s name called out for elimination.

Dude was definitely entertaining, and very…breezy. Maybe too much so. He had the habit of calling his Idol tunes “cover” songs. Yeah, I know that’s what they are, but it always felt as if Paul was taking one for the team–slumming a bit so his band, The Grand Magnolias could have a higher profile His attitude was both refreshing and a little off-putting. Sometimes it felt like Paul wasn’t putting as much effort into the competition as he could be.

I don’t think Paul’s attitude is totally to blame for his petering out too soon. So much has been made of Casey Abrams’ colitis and James Durbin’s Tourettes–what most casual viewers don’t know is that Paul was diagnosed with throat nodules early in the competition. His vocals were shot, and getting worse. Leaving the competition now at least gives him the chance to rest before the grueling summer tour, where, I’m not gonna lie–I look forward to his performances.

I also look forward to whatever original music Paul and his band puts out. If you think Paul sounds terrible on his iTunes recordings, check out his work with the Grand Magnolias. You will hear a big difference. I swear, Jimmy and his team had no clue how to record his vocals.

I’d feel less conflicted if either Stefano or Jacob had gone home this week, even though, technically, they performed better than Paul. Stefano is working his butt off, but I’m not seeing these huge strides the judges’ claim he’s making. He seems as cheesy and disconnected as ever. And Jacob. Uh, his performance was pretty good this week, but I just can’t deal with the OTT vibrato and yes…I’ll say it…the stanky attitude.

I mentioned this in our Something Pitchy podcast tonight–we’re at the Top 7 and I still don’t have a horse. First. Time. Ever. It feels so weird.

Loved me some Kelly Clarkson tonight. What a voice on that girl. Can’t wait for the album. And I was knocked out by the Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams duet! Without the interference of the PRODUCERS the duo came up with an organic, assured performance of “Moanin”.

Haley’s got it in her, she really does. She needs to follow her own instincts and stop letting the producers and judges tell her who she is…

I’ll be live-blogging the results right here tonight!

One contestant goes home. The kids sing song in duets and trios. Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean sing “Don’t You Wanna Stay” and Rihanna performs.

Whoa Jennifer Lopez is wearing an itty bitty gold lame dress, with her hair in a big ole braid.

Over 53 million votes last night.

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery sing together AGAIN. They sing “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum. Do you think TPTB are trying to drum a possible final two into our heads?

Results next!

Back from break. Before the results, a behind-the-scenes video from the Ford music video. ZOMBIES!

And the Ford MusicVideo featuring “Animals”.

A jazzy duet featuring Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams singing “Moaning”. This is actually pretty awesome. The judges go apeshit. “Thank you for whipping that out on us” – Steven

RESULTS!

All 4 take center stage. Ryan reviews the deets. Scotty is SAFE. One is in the B3. Lauren is SAFE. Haley is in the B3 Casey is SAFE.

Rob Reiner drops by to repeat the “there’s more talent than there’s ever been” meme and also mentor the kids. Casey admires Jack Black. That was really funny.

Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean are next. Kelly looks so pretty! Show the kids how it’s done Kell! Kelly yells at Ryan for rephrasing her tweets. She calls Casey “delicious”.

Jacob Lusk, Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone and James Durbin sing “Sounds of Silence”/”Mrs Robinson” from The Graduate. It’s a trainwreck. These voices do not sound good together.

Kieran….DIM THE LIGHTS! Ryan runs the deets for the four. James is SAFE. Stefano is in the B3. Jacob and Paul are left. Jacob is SAFE. Paul is in the B3

Chakha Khan and Anita Baker in the house!

Rihanna takes the stage to sing “California King Bed”.

RESULTS!!!

Haley is sent back to the couches first. The all-girl elimination streak is broken. Who is going home? Stefano is SAFE. Paul is ELIMINATED. He takes it in stride.

After Paul’s goodbye video, Jennifer requests that he sing out with Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May”. He does, with a big smile. The contestants take the stage to hug him. And we’re OUT.