The Idol Top 13 will be cut to the Top 10 this week and go on the summer tour. Who will make the cut and who will be eliminated? - Fox photo

Good but gone are Karen Rodriguez, Tim Halpern and Lauren Turner - Fox photo

Pia Toscano has been the most consistent performer - Fox photo

Video Beat EXTRA Part 2 - AMERICAN IDOLS CRUNCH TIME

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

This is the first season that ALL of the contestants are enjoyable to listen to albeit they may not be singing your preference in a style of music - The question now is who will be eliminated this week and not make the cut to go on the Idol Summer Tour…. - Recommended TV Listings

Wednesday March 23, 2011

WHO WILL GO ON THE TOP 10 SUMMER TOUR?

No matter what they say all of the American Idol contestants want to win the title but winning doesn't guarantee success. The other aspect is that losing doesn't designate one to failure as Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert have exemplified with their post Idol resumes.

This has certainly been a tough year for one to compete as there are so many truly talented contestants. This is the first season that ALL of the contestants are enjoyable to listen to albeit they are singing you preference in style of music or not.

What is coming into play is that having talent and having a great voice are two different things as most notably exemplified in Casey Abrams who has a tremendous amount of talent and bubbly personality but not a great voice. He is an excellent musician and has the personality to be a great actor.

He survived when other contestants with better voices in the Top 24 failed to qualify. That list includes Lauren Turner, Julie Zorrilla and Tim Halpern. Some had a bad case of nerves at the wrong time and others simply made a poor song choice for their performance.

This is the most critical week off all with the Top 11 being trimmed down to the Top 10 who will go on tour. For the 9 of the Top 10 what fail to win going on the Idol tour this summer can be the experience of their lives for some and for others give them the experience of performing in front of huge live audiences and traveling giving the a taste and the experience of what the entertainment business is all about.

Through the audition stages it was difficult to see who had the most talent as much of the material used on those shows were of the people who were cut and their reaction which gave Idol the comedy aspect of the program. Now with only 11 remaining it's down to serious business.

From the Top 24 the most consistent and strong contestant to emerge with great performance and showing a professionals calmness in their performances is Pia Toscano. She has selected songs that have complimented her voice and she shows signs of confidence when she performs. Her voice has strength and quality to compliment her good looks. At this point she is our front-runner.

Though the judges have been tough on her 16-year-old Lauren Alaina has made a strong showing. Her voice is strong and she has good stage presence particularly for her age. Being basically a country singer may work in her favor as in past seasons a country styled vocalist receives a tremendous of fan support. She and Thia Megia are the two youngest talents in the contest may work in her favor.

Rocker James Durbin is making a good showing. He possesses a strong voice but the problem we have with his talent is he comes off as an Adam Lambert clone when he sings his high screeching notes. As he progresses he seems to be settling into his own identity with his choice of material varying from week to week. That versatility is a strength that may work to his benefit.

Our top choice for having the best voice Jacob Lusk seems to be feeling the pressure and is trying too hard. In doing so he's taking away the quality of his voice and not sounding as good as he has earlier in the competition.

Paul McDonald continues to charm everyone with his offbeat voice that is somewhat similar to a soft Rod Stewart style. His quirky dance steps are captivating everyone including the judges. Their positive comments can't hurt his chances. At this point Pia Toscano is our favorite singer but from week to week based on their performances is subject to change.

Cut from the Top 13 are Ashthon Jones and Karen Rodriguez and only one spot remains. The question now is who will be eliminated this week a not make the cut to go on the Idol tour this summer…. STAY TUNED…

NOTE:

JACKSON SMACKSON - LET UP BRO

Though this is the best season that we've reviewed on Idol (since season 4) and there has been several major positive changes to make the show better one thing remains that is getting old. That is judge Randy Jackson blowing his own horn telling everyone how great he is and all of the experience he's had in the business.

Yes Randy… after 10 seasons we know that and it's time to let it go and get on with it. We know who you are you have sold yourself. Stop feeling so insecure.

When you put it into perspective contestants Lauren Alaina and Thai Megia have bee hearing those stories since they were FIVE YEARS OLD!!!

# 13 - ASHTHON JONES

# 12 - KAREN RODRIGUEZ

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