Shannon Magrane was eliminated from American Idol @ # 11 - (FOX photo)

Jermaine Jones was embarrassed in front if an International television audience - (FOX photo)

Video Beat EXTRA EXTRA Part 1 - AMERICAN IDOL CHOPS SHANNON MAGRANE

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

There was a strange atmosphere during the results show the day after Jermaine Jones was embarrassed in front if an International television audience regarding four outstanding warrants on him. The theater was like a room of gloom and the opening group sing was eliminated. There were few smiling faces and American Idol disgraced itself in the manner in which they handled the Jones affair - Recommended TV Listings

Friday March 16, 2012

DOWN TO 10 AND COUNTING

It was a strange results show after American Idol did a sniper job on Jermaine Jones when they embarrassed him in front of an International television audience by revealing his background that he failed to tell them there were warrants out on him. That must have had an impact as the opening song by the contestants was eliminated as host Ryan Seacrest immediately went into announcing the results.

The rambling went on as there was a strange vibe about this show. It appeared that the judges weren't as chipper as in the past. There was a gloom in the room as if guilt played a part in the depressing atmosphere. Basically this was one of the most boring and uninspiring results shows ever. Basically the show came off like a funeral ceremony.

When all was said and done 16-year-old Shannon Magrane was eliminated resulting in the Top 10 that will participate in Idol's Summer Tour. The daughter of a former professional baseball player will never have to worry about her future as she comes from a solid family and has talent, looks and personality. She is a special person.

What she lacks is maturity, experience and confidence. Her voice is good but often broke on some high notes. Idols in house mentor attributed that to nerves and trying too hard. As she matures and gets to know herself her voice will settle down and she will improve. Given her comfortable background it is doubtful she will become a professional singer. She lacks the experience of pain and suffering that is the makeup of most successful vocalists.

In our previous column we listed our choices of the contestants that we feel have the best voices. Given the voting results they don't agree.

Jessica Sanchez 16 is our favorite. She has a great sound and power, excellent projection and a sparkle in her eyes. As Iovine said in the results show, "If she goes home WE ALL SHOULD GO HOME."

Our second choice is Jermaine Jones who was booted off the show the day before the performance program. He and Sanchez by far have the best voices in the contest. After he was embarrassed on camera by Idol's executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick they praised his voice and commented that what they heard at rehearsal was magnificent.

When they sent him on his was they showed the video of Jones performance and it was mind-blowing. You could see how he was more relaxed and his voice was more settled down than in the past. Had he remained on the show and continues to improve he would possible have been the greatest singer ever on American Idol. Jones has major talent.

The petite Hollie Cavanagh 18 is our third choice and has had strong performance throughout. She has power in her voice and could win it all as she progresses through the contest and improves as did Lauren Alaina last season.

Erika Van Pelt 26 is our fourth choice. She has been in the bottom six since the show began and is a wild card selection survivor after not qualifying for the voters Top 10. The Rhode Islander has a strong rich voice that is not appreciated by the voting public who seem to be voting for looks and youth. She is the second oldest contestant in the competition behind Elise Testone 28. We like Van Pelts rich full sound. It is doubtful that she will win but she has one of the Top 4 quality voices in the competition.

The opinion is based on what Iovine said about Jones' voice, "I can listen to an entire album of that voice. Our Top four selections have that easy to listen to quality. The reality is different strokes for different folks.... country loves country, rock loves rock etc.

As the weeks progress our opinion will change sine some of the contestants will improve and become more confident as did Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart last season. Others will fold under pressure and their nerves will get the best of them as they get closer to the end.

The way the voting is going it raises questions what is the demographics of the voting public? How old are they and what do they know about talent? What do they do other than spend their time testing messages all day? Some of the results thus far are disturbing and American Idol could be on its way to a burn out, tune out phase.

NEXT: Why decisions were made on the best voices 5-13

THE BUZZ: Internet reports note that many fans are upset in the way Idol handled Jones dismissal. Many feel they should not have televised it. Some accuse Idol of knowing of Jones history prior to the Top 24 selections and called him back with the intention of doing what they did in eliminating him on the show while being televised in order to boost sagging television ratings.

AMERICAN IDOL'S TOP 10 Finalists

* DeAndre Brackensick (born October 21, 1994) is from San Jose, California, he is 17 years old. He auditioned in San Diego, California. He originally auditioned for American Idol season 10, but he was cut in the Sing for Your Life round.

* Hollie Cavanagh (born July 5, 1993) is from McKinney, Texas, she is 18 years old. She auditioned in Houston, Texas. She originally auditioned for season 10, but she was cut in the Sing for Your Life round.

* Colton Dixon (born October 19, 1991[40]) is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, he is 20 years old. He auditioned in North Charleston, South Carolina. He originally auditioned for season 10, but he was cut in the Sing for Your Life round.

* Heejun Han (born April 20, 1989) is from Flushing, New York, he is 22 years old. He auditioned in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

* Jermaine Jones (born November 3, 1986) is from Pine Hill, New Jersey, he is 25 years old. Portland, Oregon. He was called back after the top 24 selection filming, making him the 25th semi-finalist and thirteenth male semi-finalist. - Disqualified @ # 12

* Skylar Laine (born February 1, 1994[41]) is from Brandon, Mississippi, she is 18 years old. She auditioned in Houston, Texas.

* Joshua Ledet (born April 9, 1992) is from Westlake, Louisiana, he is 19 years old. He auditioned in Houston, Texas.

* Shannon Magrane (born October 21, 1995[42]) is from Tampa, Florida, she is 16 years old. She auditioned in North Charleston, South Carolina. - ELIMINATED @ # 11

* Phillip Phillips (born September 20, 1990) is from Leesburg, Georgia, he is 21 years old. He auditioned in North Charleston, South Carolina.

* Jeremy Rosado (born March 24, 1992) is from Valrico, Florida, he is 19 years old. - ELIMINATED @ # 13

* Jessica Sanchez (born August 4, 1995[43]) is from San Diego, California, she is 16 years old. She auditioned in San Diego, California. Before Idol, she was first known for her appearance on the first season of America's Got Talent.

* Elise Testone (born July 29, 1983) is from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, she is 28 years old. She auditioned in North Charleston, South Carolina.

* Erika Van Pelt (born December 12, 1985[44]) is from South Kingstown, Rhode Island, she is 26 years old. She auditioned in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Part 1 - JESSICA SANCHEZ ROCKS AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10

Part 2 - AMERICAN IDOL CHOPS QUICKLY TO TOP 13

FEB EXTRA - IT'S ON!!! - AMERICAN IDOL'S TOP 24

MARCH EXTRA - JEREMY ROSADO VOTED OFF

MARCH EXTRA Part 2 - AMERICAN IDOL CHANGES GIVE JUDGES TOO MUCH POWER

SPECIAL - AMERICAN IDOL EXPLOITS JERMAINE JONES

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