‘American Idol’: Sam Woolf & MK Nobilette Make The Top 13 Finalists
It’s been a very busy week for the American Idol contestants and celebrity judges, with three live shows taking place to pare down 20 singers to the top 13. Everybody sang for their supper Wednesday and Tuesday nights. After voting opened to the general public, Thursday night’s “Rush Week” results episode revealed the identities of the chosen 13.
Following a brief rehash of Tuesday and Wednesday night’s performances, host Ryan Seacrest quickly gets to the main event, which is the results of America’s votes. All the contestants sit to the side of the live show stage, looking at the 13 empty stools just waiting for their seats to be filled with the excited rear ends of the remaining competitors.
But first, the judges make a grand entrance. Jennifer Lopez looks divinely geometric in a cutout black dress and tight bun atop her head, flanked by her fellow judges, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
One by one, Ryan lists off 10 contestants who are safe. Each of them pretty much lose their shit as they make a beeline for their reserved seat on the stage. In order, they are:
- Malaya Watson
- Ben Briley
- Emily Piriz
- Alex Preston
- Jessica Meuse
- Caleb Johnson
- Dexter Roberts
- Majesty Rose
- MK Nobilette
- Sam Woolf
But there’s still hope for all those remaining on the side of the stage when Ryan announces that five “wild card” contestants hand-picked by the judges will be given a final opportunity to stay in the competition with a last-minute performance before the panel.
C.J. Harris is first and brings his new hat and guitar with him to the stage to sing, “Bring It On Home to Me” by Sam Cooke. Harry says it wasn’t his best performance. Jennifer is pretty and says something forgettable and again, Keith basically says what Harry says, only nicer, which is kind of his thing.
Next is Jena Irene, who sits at a keyboard and delivers an original ballad that is well received. Spencer Lloyd is called to the stage for his rendition of “Ordinary Girl.” It is at this point that my roommate points out that he “is basically a photocopy of a photocopy of a photocopy of John Mayer.” His mother watches from the wings, her face covered in glittery tears.
Wearing her trademark brightly-colored lipstick, Bria Anai belts “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World,” but again fails to impress Harry, who says it was “all over the place.” Unfortunately for her, too much time was taken up by the pre-song banter, so she’s left to ponder that sole feedback.
Kristen O’Connor is the last to hear that she has last chance to stay. He selection is “Unconditionally.” Keith tells her she needs to “go for it more,” before she’s dismissed to allow the panel to deliberate during the commercial break.
Ultimately, Jena, Kristen and C.J. get the good news that they have filled the last open slots in the top 13 and the joyful survivors rush the stage to celebrate. In case you thought this week felt like a bloodbath, it certainly was, with 17 unfortunate contestants learning the sad news this week that their dream had to be deferred. At least, until next season.
For everyone else, let’s meet back here next week for some more Idol chatter, shall we?
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