This week’s results show had more than a few tricks up its sleeve, including a surprise guest and some unexpected results. Plus, season nine winner Lee DeWyze and season ten finalist Stefano Langone returned to perform on the Idol stage.
After it was revealed that the two divas, Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb, were the bottom two contestants, and country girl Kree Harrison, who struggled this week, was among those who received the most votes, host Ryan Seacrest announced that they would not be eliminating anyone this week.
Ryan mentioned in Wednesday night’s episode that there would be a twist in the results show, and most everyone suspected that it would be that no one would be eliminated. The judges never used their save by last week’s deadline, and if they progressed with the elimination as usual, this would leave Fox with one less week of Idol to air. Already struggling in ratings, they wouldn’t want that, so after going through all the dramatic rigmarole, Ryan revealed that all four girls would be returning next week.
The top four ladies exercised their girl power with a group performance of Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire,” in a performance that would make Ms. Keys proud. The girls really seemed to be enjoying themselves, and their harmonies sounded great. It’s great to see four incredible female vocalists singing such an empowering song, written by another successful female artist. It really is a refreshing change for Idol.
We learned some more fun facts about the top four when they played a game called “5 Things in 20 Seconds,” in which they had to name five things America doesn’t know about them, in 20 seconds. It was a little redundant since they have been revealing fun facts about the contestants in video packages throughout the season, but we did get to find out who loves neon green, rap, eyelashes, and olives, and who hates the color pink, and being bitten by snakes.
Stefano Langone was the first Idol alum to take the stage, but beforehand he recounted his memories of his Idol experience. Unsurprisingly, it changed his life, and gave him the platform and opportunity to pursue his dream of making music. He’s been signed by Hollywood Records, and his album What I Am, originally scheduled for release last spring, will be coming out next month. Stefano performed his new single, “Yes To Love,” off of What I Am.
Season 10’s Idol Lee DeWyze performed his new single “Silver Linings” off of his upcoming album, and looked pretty snazzy while doing so. More of a jeans-and-tshirt guy during his time on Idol, he took the stage tonight in a shirt, vest, and blazer. He also spoke about what he’s been up to since his Idol victory, including marrying his wife Jonna, who appeared in his video for his debut single, “Sweet Serendipity.”
After not getting great reviews for her version of Drake’s “Find Your Heart” last night, Ryan brought Candice center-stage to listen to an audio message from the rapper, telling her what a wonderful job she did, how beautiful her voice is, and how he wished she had been in the studio with him to record the song. But then the walls parted and Drake himself walked out onstage, and massive Drake fan Candice lost it. Even her fellow contestants were on their feet cheering with excitement for their friend. Drake’s friend and Idol judge Nicki Minaj is to thank for this special appearance.
Tune in next week when the top four take on the theme “Now and Then.”