photo: fox
Top 11 Results
Original Air Date: Mar 24, 2011
Patricia Morris Buckley – Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com
When Ryan said the results would be surprising — well, we’re used to him saying that a fairly regular basis. But this time he really was TELLING THE TRUTH! It turned out to be one of the most surprising, heart-warming and entertaining results shows ever.
The evening started with Marc Anthony giving the contestants advice on how to use their earpieces. According to Ryan, they haven’t been able to hear themselves on stage, which is why they’ve been so pitchy. Oh sure, that old excuse.
Then the Top 11 sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and the only fun part was seeing James in a tux. Actually, not bad. Then Stevie Wonder came out and sang “Signed, Sealed, Deliver” in honor of Steven’s birthday. A cake and Andy Warhol-like portrait of the Aerosmith frontman followed.
Then Lauren, Pia and Scotty were told they were safe and made the tour. That was no surprise. Next, Sugarland sang a version of “Stuck Like Glue” that went on and on, sort of like glue drying.
A short clip showed James and Paul getting the others interested in wrestling. Turns out James is a huge WWF fan. Then Ryan brought them up together and said neither was safe. What? Oh, he meant from Hulk Hogan, who delivered the news that they’d made the tour. James practically peed in his pants (or he might have really done it). I preferred watching Ryan get smacked in the face by the Hulk, even if it was fake.
Next Jacob, Thia and Stefano stepped up for the news of their fates. Thia and Stefano were sent to the Stools of Doom. No surprise there. Then Adaima, Haley and Casey came up and — total shock — Casey was in the Bottom Three!!!!
We paused to hear Jennifer Hudson sing her new single “Where You At,” but how could we concentrate when Casey was in danger? Our Casey!!
And then the unthinkable happened — Casey received the axe. All the other contestants started crying. But Casey gamely got up there to sing, before the judges stopped him after one verse. “This is crazy wrong,” said Steven. And they awarded him the Judges’ Save.
Up to now, we’ve never seen the really emotional side to Casey, but we saw it tonight. He totally broke down, kissed the judges, hugged his mom in the audience and collapsed on the stair of the stage. Jennifer warned him he had to go back to doing what impressed audiences in the beginning.
Then Ryan said that when the Judges’ Save was put in place, it was determined that if it got used on this night, then the Top 11 would go on tour. That set Casey crying even more.
But, there is a backlash to the rule: Next week, two contestants get sent home.
Did you think Casey deserved the save? How did he get in the Bottom Three to begin with (perhaps going first)? And how did Thia, Adaima and Stefano get more votes than him? Give us your TwoCents…
TheTwoCents 
You know what’s crazy? I just read this:
**Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” performance — it was pre-taped, folks! Not sure if you could tell that from your couches (and I’m confused about why they try to play off that it isn’t pre-taped to the viewers at home?), but Sugarland actually took the stage in the Idoldome last night with last night’s audience, after the live episode aired. If you know a thing or two about the behind-the-scenes workings of American Idol, the practice of having musical guests pre-tape their performances — especially if the staging is complicated or if there are multiple guest performers in one night, like there was last night — is rather common for the show.**
So…we didn’t have to put up with it? UGH. Either way, I only watched because some NASCAR drivers went (they got a shot during Stevie’s performance but no name on the screen). One is a Ford driver and I totally thought one of the big things Ryan kept Tweeting about was going to be him in one of the videos or driving his car on the stage. But alas, it was Steve and Hulk.
BTW, Ryan should stick to hosting, not acting. Blargh.
Did you watch long enough to see the shoutout Ryan gave them? 🙂
I thought this result’s show was one of the more entertaining we’ve had throughout the life of the show. First, I loved Sugarland’s performance. But then again, I am a country fan, and have seen them in concert twice. So maybe, I’m biased… but I certainly didn’t think it was more akin to glue drying. Jennifer Hudson however, I didn’t like at all. But each to their own…
I think Haley should have been in the bottom instead of Casey. However, I think he fell into what I call the “Chris Daughtry” clause. His performance on Wednesday was solid. There wasn’t anything super special, but it was solid, and therefore he should have been safe. However, he was solid enough that fans thought he was safe, and used their votes to save their second favorites. Personally, I have a top 2 favorites this season (James and Scotty) and I vote for them both regardless of how well they’ve done. However, a lot of people don’t necessarily vote that way, putting the solid performers in jeopardy.
I understand why the judges saved Casey, I just hope that it wasn’t too early in the season. I’d hate to think that Pia, Scotty, or James got the boot because the judges used the save too early. I like Casey, he’s a good entertainer, but I don’t see him winning the whole thing.
BTW, I Loved seeing Hogan fake punch Ryan. That was entertaining! However, I thought James was going to pass out when he saw him. I was a bit concerned for a second!
All in all, as I said the BEST results show in Idol history!! For once, I didn’t switch channels until the last 5 minutes, because it was boring.
Did Casey deserve the save? Over Thia, Naima, Stefano? You bet! I think that’s what really did it for me. If everyone else was more talented than him, then 11th place was fine.
I think the judges know he won’t win, but also know the higher he finishes, the better chance he has at a major music career.Being on the tour just gives him more exposure. I would have used the save.You rarely hear of anyone lower than 10th place getting a record deal.
But if that knocks out Pia, Scotty or James, I would be pissed!! I truly believe that will be the final three. It’s a strong group this year.
I can’t believe how teary-eyed I got to Casey’s reaction. Did that happen to anyone else?
I’m not even a fan this season and I got teary-eyed. But I also think part of his reaction was because he was sick. I am still confused as to what exactly it is that he has.