‘American Idol’: Lazaro Arbos And His Pink Shirt Shine As The Top 10 Men Perform

Tuesday night, the Top 10 female contestants on American Idol performed in Las Vegas, and for the first time in the competition the outcome of their fate will be determined by America’s votes on Thursday. Wednesday night, the Top 10 men perform. By the end of the week, half of the men and women will go home.

Keith Urban‘s keeping it casual in a t-shirt. Nicki Minaj sports a blond, banged wig and a honeycomb dress. Randy Jackson continues to be dressing goofy and Mariah Carey is barely concealing her giant breasts beneath some hardworking pink fabric.

But enough about them — let’s check out the competition!

Elijah Liu (aka Baby Bruno Mars) is the first contestant up, and he sings Rihanna‘s “Stay.” He is cute in his military-style jacket. I would have preferred to hear something more peppy from the little guy, but we’ll see if Nicki’s still obsessed. Keith likes the song and says he had good control. Nicki still a fan. Randy likes him, but, he feels that Elijah never kicked it up a notch. Mimi calls it one of his “better performances.”

Cortez Shaw is up next. He steps out in a denim vest and his choice is Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven.” His version is very upbeat and I suspect the judges will be happy. Also, I just Googled Keith Urban and learned he’s actually originally from New Zealand, guys. All this time, I thought he was Australian. How embarrassing for me!

Keith was not as big of a fan of the song as I was. Nicki likes the charisma and confidence, but disses the denim vest. Randy gives some critique that I as a layperson, don’t totally understand. Mariah liked the upbeat song, but says maybe he tried to sing too high. Or at least that’s what I think she meant.

Goofy Charlie Askew is back. He’s sporting some very new facial hair. Like VERY new. Good lord, this child is experiencing adolescence in front of our very eyes. Oh my. He’s wearing a strange, tie-dye tank, feather earring and has his hair pulled back in a ponytail. It’s a little odd. His voice seems strong, though.

Keith tells Charlie he feels the performance was “disconnected.” Nicki says, “I feel like someone stole my kid.” Poor guy. She’s not feeling the look. Randy didn’t like the beginning and calls it “terrible.” Charlie’s looking like he’s going to burst into tears. Mimi tries to be as gentle as she can. Chin up, little Charlie!

In his exit interview, Charlie tells Ryan Seacrest, “All I can say is that I needed to vent.” Ryan is very kind to him and, oh my God, I want to hug little Charlie, who is clearly going through some deep shit. He needs to go backstage and plunge his face into some serious Zoanette cleavage and not come out for days.

Nick Boddington is also sporting some wispy facial hair, as well as a porkpie hat. Ryan gets Nick to admit that he’s doing the hat because his hair is thinning. It’s an American Idol exclusive! He sits down behind a piano and croons the Goo Goo Dolls song, “Iris.”

Keith calls the song choice “perfect” and loves him at the piano. He calls it “beautiful.” Nicki says it was “pretty” and also liked the piano. Randy thought it was “solid.” Mariah says his confidence didn’t really shine until the end.

Burnell Taylor is up next. The judges loved him last time, so the pressure is definitely on this time around to impress. He’s in a retro outfit of whitewashed denim jacket, totally rocking some Fresh Prince of Bel-Air style. The judges love his repeat performance of the song he first sang for them from The Color Purple. Randy praises his command of the stage. Mimi says she had “a tearful moment.”

Paul Jolley made it to the Top 10 after a tie-breaking vote swung his way. His little hips sway with lots of feeling during his performance. Keith asks how Paul see himself. Paul answers “pop country.” Again, Keith wants Paul to tone down the theatrics. Nicki finally gets Keith to admit that at times, he didn’t find Paul believable. Nicki calls it “a solid performance.” But she also manages to give Keith props. Cute. Randy gives some critique about Paul’s tone. Mimi says in a roundabout way that she liked it.

Lazaro is back, and in case you had any question in your mind, his favorite color is pink. In a white dinner jacket, he warbles “Feeling Good.” The audience goes crazy. Keith compliments the way Lazaro connects with the crowd. Nicki loved it as well, but also because they share the same favorite color. Randy also cheers for him. Mimi’s only critique is for him to sing a little higher.

Next, Curtis Finch Jr.! He’s coming on the heels of a fantastic sudden death performance from last week. Curtis sings a sassy version of R. Kelly‘s “I Believe I Can Fly.” Ol’ C.J. squeals with the spirit in his soul before practically dissolving into tears at the end. Talk about bringing the drama!

Keith tells him, “I believe you can fly.” Nicki basically tells Curtis that his voice affirms her belief in God. Randy raves about the performance. Mimi thanks him for singing to them. Again, Curtis blesses them all. This is some biblical shit, y’all.

Devin Velez wears his best red sweater and black bow tie, and bears a distinct resemblance to Tintin. On the heels of his well-received bilingual version of “Listen” last week, he again switches into Spanish halfway through his performance. Keith calls him “gifted.” Nicki launches into Spanglish before congratulating him en inglés. Randy says his loves his tone. Mariah calls his performance “incredible.”

Vincent is back with Boyz II Men‘s “The End Of The Road” and I am instantly transported to middle school because yes, I am that old. Except for a crazy, super flat note at the end, he seems to do well. Keith blames the note on nerves because he’s such a big fan. Nicki loves the choice but thought he didn’t “come alive” in the song. Randy thought it was good and hopes he goes through. Mimi feels the same way and calls out “moments of brilliance.” And by this point, I think they are purposely cutting her off her critique with that Idol theme music.

Well, the performances for the week are done and I hope you all voted. Because if you don’t, then you really have no room to complain. Thursday, we meet the official Top 10 American Idol contestants for season 12. Whee!