This time I neet to get to 12. To make it mean so much for me.
I mean, being on that big stage would be the highlight of my life.
This is the most important night of your career.
This is the time to shine.
That was one of the best vocals I heard all night.
One of my favorite moments this season.
That was fantastic!
Ellen was giving me a hug, kidding me?
- Tonight was not the night to do that. - I could be going home.
This may have been a mistake for you.
I never cried after hearing something like that.
Oh, my god.
You are the one to beat now.
Yo, dude, this man can sing.
Every week this competition is getting harder and harder.
100% nailed it.
Any one of us can be the next American Idol.
I think this could be the end of the road.
I just want it so bad.
But who did you want in the top 12?
We could be in for a surprise or two.
Are you ready?
This is American Idol.
Hello, hello.
Welcome.
I'm Ryan Seacrest.
Good to have you with us.
Tonight is the big event.
Over the next hour we'll find out who has made it into the top 12,
but the downside is four people will leave the stage tonight.
Plus, we have a duet from last season's Matt Gerard and Scott Mcintire.
Let's say hello to our judges.
Ladies and gentlemen, Randy Jackson.
Ellen DeGeneres.
Kara DioGuardi.
And Simon Cowell.
Boo, boo.
Boo, boo, boo.
You were really great last night, Simon.
- You know, I thought the same thing. - I know you did.
You were on your game, giving charitable.
You told Alex Lambert to envision something, to ditch his nerves.
I figured we all went to bed last night, closed eyes and saw that.
- It was a good advice. - It meant a lot.
Is that from your home collection, Ryan?
It's a spring postcard from Randy there.
We've got big news coming on the next second.
On stage right now with Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet,"
This is your top 16. American, let's go.
# I'm not surprised #
# not everything lasts #
# have broken my heart so many times, I stopped keep trying #
# talk myself in #
# I talk myself out #
# I get all worked up then I let myself down #
# I try to learn hard not to lose #
# I came up with a million excuses #
# I thought I thought of every possibility #
# and I know some day that it will all turn out #
# you'll make me work so we can work to work it out #
# and I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get #
# I just haven't met you yet #
# I might have to wait #
# I'll never give up #
# I guess it's half timing #
# and the other half's luck #
# wherever you are #
# whenever it's right #
# you come out of nowhere and into my life #
# and I know that we can be so amazing #
# and baby your love is gonna change me #
# and now I can see every possibility #
# somehow I know that it will all turn out #
# you'll make me work so we can work to work it out #
# and I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get #
# I just haven't met you yet #
# they say all's fair #
# and in love and war #
# but I won't need to fight it #
# we'll get it right #
# we'll be united #
# and I know that some day it will all turn out #
# you'll make me work to work to work it out #
# and I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get #
# I just haven't met you yet #
# love, love, love #
# love, love, love, love #
# I just haven't met you yet #
# love, love, love, love #
# I just haven't met you yet #
Okay.
Tonight the results are in.
Who gets a spot in the top 12?
Some breaking news, by the way.
The first theme on the big stage
will be the music art of the Rolling Stones. Such cool, it has fans all over the world.
And here's something new this year.
You can head to iTunes to download some of the songs
and playlists the contestants will listen to as they decide what to sing.
From the top 12 on,
you'll be able to download audio and video from all of the performances.
Now to the serious business.
Take a look there.
12 empty stools.
We've got to fill those up with your top 12.
America, let's start with the ladies.
How are you, girls?
All right.
How are you?
I'm okay.
Are you ready?
Let's get to the results.
Dim the lights and here we go.
Didi, would you join me down here on the stage, please?
Didi Benami, ladies and gentlemen.
- How are you feeling this evening? - Feeling good.
- Yeah? Excited, anxious, nervous? - Yeah.
- All of the above. Yes. - All of the above?
We met Didi in Los Angeles and you won one of the judgement in Hollywood week,
- and then struggled a little bit here, on this stage. - Yes
What happened when you first got out here on the stage, Didi?
It's kind of nerve-wracking.
It's scary.
I mean, I'd never performed in front of this many people in my life,
- So, it's ... - You did come back on the stage, though.
Let me ask Randy about consistency.
If Didi makes it into the top 12,
is consistency going to be a big issue in your mind?
Yeah, you know what, consistency is everything right now for all of these ones, Ryan.
'Cause you've got to be hot.
You've got to be dope.
It's got to be great every night.
Every night.
Didi, here we go.
After the nationwide vote, you have made it into the top 12.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
You got it.
Get down there.
Siobhan Magnus, come on down here, Siobhan.
Let's hear it for Siobhan.
How are you?
Good, how are you?
Good.
How's your gut this week?
- OK. - OK. So we met in Boston.
Hollywood week, Simon dubbed you the dark horse, I believe.
Here in the studio, some solid performances.
Are you comfortable up here? Are you having fun and enjoy yourself each week?
I'm having a blast.
I think the stage is one of the most comfortable places for me
and where I really can be myself, so ...
You're definitely one of the most unique contestants we have.
Ellen, let me ask you,
If Siobhan makes it into the top 12,
what would you like to see from her in terms of growth?
I... I... I would like to see you do exactly what you're doing.
I... And you can see that you're having fun,
and I think that is important.
I think that that's what the audience sees at home.
I love how unique you are.
So, just keep doing what you're doing.
After the nationwide vote.
Siobhan, congratulations, you've made it into the top 12.
Okay.
Let's see.
Paige, Katelyn, both of you come down here at the same time.
Paige Miles, Katelyn Epperly, ladies and gentlemen.
Well, one of you is in and the other,
I'm sorry, will be going home tonight.
Paige, in Dallas,
the judges all thought you had a great recording voice.
Song choice has been a little bit of an issue for you.
We met Katelyn in Chicago who's had solid performances
throughout Hollywood week and here in the studio.
Last week Simon said that you were back in the race.
Simon, which of these two ladies do you think
has the most potential in this competition?
If you'd've asked me this three weeks ago when we did the Hollywood round,
100% Paige.
But ever since you've been on these live shows,
you just... for me haven't got it together.
Katelyn, you had one good week
and this week was a very, very bad choice of song.
So, you know, the one with the most potential to answer your question,
is Paige.
After the nationwide vote,
Paige, you've made it into the top 12.
Congratulations.
That means we say goodbye to Katelyn.
Katelyn Epperly, ladies and gentlemen.
Paige come down here first, and come on up here.
You have worn your heart on your sleeve in this competition.
When you think about American Idol, what will you remember about it?
What have you learned?
It was definitely a great experience.
And I've learned a ton.
And I'm not stopping now.
It's just a push actually for me to go do more stuff.
So, oh, yeah.
- Thanks for being a part of the show. - Yeah.
Congratulations.
- I'll make this time for you to do it... Have you do it one more time. OK? - Sure. Yeah.
Katelyn, take it away.
# I feel the earth move under my feet #
# I feel the sky tumbling down #
# I feel my heart start to trembling #
# whenever you're around #
# oh, baby #
# when I see your face #
# mellow as the month of may #
# oh, darling #
# I can't stand it #
# when you look at me that way #
# I feel the earth move under my feet #
# I feel the sky tumbling down #
# a tumbling down #
# I feel my heart start to trembling #
# whenever you're around #
# oh, darling #
# when you're near me #
# and you tenderly can call my name #
# I know that my emotion #
# is something that I just can't tame #
# I just got to have you baby #
# I feel the earth move under my feet #
# I feel the sky tumbling down #
# a tumbling down #
# tumbling down #
# I just lose control #
Go hug your girls. Go hug your girls.
Go on over there.
Katelyn Epperly.
Friends, after the break,
who will join these ladies in your top 12?
The guys will be revealed right after this live. Hang on.
Thank you for tuning in on American Idol this evening.
We have lost Katelyn tonight, but Paige,
Siobhan and Didi are the first three girls in your top 12.
Wihc of the guys will be joining them right now?
Gentlemen, good luck to you all.
Dim the lights and here we go.
Tim, Todrick, Lee, Casey,
all you guys come down here to the stage.
Form a line for me.
Let's hear it for these guys.
Let's start with Tim.
Originally you didn't make the cut in the top 24.
Then a twist of fate, you were brought back to the show.
The past two weeks, you've taken the judges' criticism,
you've used it to your benefit.
Simon and Ellen are fighting over who gets the credit.
Tim, hang tight.
Let's go to Todrick.
The judges loved you and your original songs back in Dallas.
Since making the top 24, Simon has questioned your believability as a singer,
not a dancer.
Last night Randy called your vocal
the best he's heard in the past couple of weeks.
Lee Dewyze, one of the lucky ones to make it out of Chicago.
Had some rough spots in Hollywood.
Ellen loves your passion, loves your intensity, loves your voice.
Simon has said you have the best voice out of all the guys.
Casey, you stripped for Kara.
That was back in Denver.
The others put you through based on your voice.
These past three weeks have been sort of on and off, a little bit bumpy.
Casey, after the nationwide vote,
You made it.
You're in the top 12.
Gentlemen, slide on down a little
closer here.
Tim, back to you.
Go join Casey.
Congratulations.
You're in the top 12.
You got it, buddy.
Congratulations. Congratulations.
Okay.
Todrick and Lee.
Randy, do both of these guys deserve a stool, a spot in the top 12?
Ah... Yeah, I mean, Lee definitely deserves a spot, though.
He's been consistent.
Todrick came back last night, but Lee's been really consistent.
I can tell you guys one of you has made it into the top 12
and the other is, unfortunately, going home tonight.
The person who continues on the show is Lee.
Congratulations.
You made it to the top 12.
Todrick Hall, come on down here, Todrick.
Let's hear it for Todrick.
What's going through your mind right now, Todrick?
Nothing.
and it was crazy to see people come up and say, you know, I voted for you.
And this has been an awesome experience.
I can also sing.
Let's hear it one more time from Todrick.
Thank you.
# can anybody #
# find me somebody to love #
# whoo #
# I work hard every day of my life #
# I work till I ache my bones #
# at the end #
# at the end of the day #
# I take home my hard earned pay all on my own #
# I get down on my knees and start to pray #
# till the tears run down my eyes #
# lord, somebody, ooh, somebody #
# can anybody find me #
# somebody to love #
# he works hard #
# every day #
# I try and I try and I try #
# but everybody wants to put me down #
# they say I'm goin' crazy #
# they say I got a lot of water in my brain #
# he's got no common sense #
# got nobody left to believe in #
# yeah, yeah #
# find me somebody to love #
# can you find me #
# somebody to love #
# can anybody find me #
# somebody #
# to love #
Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute.
I feel like we should go to the judges on that one.
That was fantastic, dude. It was fantastic.
You just let him go. We're going to miss you.
Thank you for being with us. Come and hug, good one.
Okay, friends, six people...
Well, I was going to say six are safe.
I'm not so sure who's safe here.
Six people are safe and in the top 12.
Four guys and four girls are still in the dark.
Who is in and who is out?
That's on the way.
Plus, Scott Macintyre and Matt Giraud live next.
It is a very busy evening here at "American Idol" as we build your top 12.
So far every person sitting on the stools down there has earned a spot,
so congratulations to them.
Up here in the red room, there's still lots of anxiety.
Still a lot of waiting. What would you say to the
contestants as they get the news tonight?
I love them.
I'm glad I met them.
- And Seacrest, hurry up and give me my results. - Yeah, yeah.
We're gonna get to that in a few... before we do that,
we got something special for you right now.
Welcome to our stage, two piano men from last season.
With Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It",
here are Scott Macintyre and Matt Giraud, check it out.
# listen boy don't want to see you let a good thing slip away #
# you know I don't like watching #
# anybody else make the same mistakes I made #
# she's a real nice girl and she's always there for you #
# oh, yeah #
# but a nice girl wouldn't tell you what you should do #
Come on, Scotty.
# oh, listen boy #
# I know that you think you've got it all under control #
# you don't want somebody #
# telling you the way to stay in someone's soul #
# you're a big boy now and you'll never let her go #
# but that's just the kind of thing she ought to know #
# tell her about it #
# tell her everything you feel #
# give her every reason to accept that you're for real #
# tell her about it #
# tell her all your crazy dreams #
# let her know you need her #
# let her know how much you mean #
# yeah #
# ah #
# listen boy, it's good information from a man who's made mistakes #
# a word or two that she gets #
# from you could make the difference that it makes #
# she's a trusting soul, she puts her trust in you #
# but a girl like that won't tell you what you should do #
# tell her about it #
# tell her just how much you care #
# when she can't be with you #
# say you're wishing she was there #
# oh, tell her about it #
# and the day before you leave #
# pay her some attention #
# give her something to believe #
# tell her about it #
# tell her now when you walk away #
# tell her about it #
# that girl won't run away #
# you gotta tell her about it #
# before it gets too late #
# you gotta tell her about it #
# before it gets too late #
# tell her about it #
Scott Macintyre, Matt Giraud,
good to have you guys back with us.
How's it going, man?
You guys... you guys tell me.
Scotty the buddy's got an album out, right?
I do.
I have a brand-new album out, it's a full length album. Called...
Yeah, thank you.
The album's called "Heartstrings."
You can get it on iTunes, can get it on my website, scottmacintyre.com,
and it's all original musics, so excited. It's good to see you too, Ryan.
Good to be here in tears, very emotional once again.
And Matt G., how you been, buddy?
I'm good, man, how are you?
Congratulations on that number one single.
Thank you so much.
Yeah, I did a duet with Anna Wilson called "You Don't Know Me."
Which is number one iTunes jazz chart.
I'm really excited about that, just recording for the EP, everything coming out soon.
We are looking forward to it. Thank you guys both of being here.
We're going to take a quick break.
On the other side, only six spots in the top 12 remain.
More results live next.
We are back live on American Idol.
Our top 12 is still being built.
Of these eight faces, only six more will get places over there
on the stools in the top 12.
So good luck to the gang sitting here waiting.
Let's get to it.
Dimming the lights with your results.
Crystal Bowersox, would you please stand up, darling?
We met Crystal in Chicago and the judges liked her raw talent
but weren't totally convinced until she
hit the stage in Hollywood with a rendition of "Natural Woman."
Since then she has done well and been on fire.
Randy even said you are the truth.
Simon says it's yours to lose.
Crystal, after the nationwide vote, congratulations.
You have made it into the top 12.
All right.
Another seat filled.
Michael Lynche, would you stand up, sir?
You want to do it over there?
- I can work with you. - That's what Debi said I should do.
I would never argue with you.
I can do the same thing from here.
Don't worry.
Big Mike, after making it through in Orlando,
you turned up the a-game, buddy.
Brought the guitar to Hollywood,
showed the judges a new dimension.
Became a father all at the same time.
Last night you brought Kara to tears, Michael.
Kara. Why were you so emotional last night?
What struck you?
When someone sings something about what they've gone through
or are going through, they sing it in a different way.
They're connected to it.
And the person listening to it feels that.
And I felt that from you.
You know, you've been doing that from week to week.
this is your story and it's relevant for you.
And as the listener, it really, really touched me.
How badly do you want this, Big Mike?
It's everything, man.
I got a lot riding, a lot riding.
Do you think you can fit on one stool?
Yeah, man.
Go check it out.
Congratulations.
I've been on those.
They're tough.
Congratulations, Mike.
Okay.
Lacey Brown, would you please stand up, Lacey?
This year she took her second shot at Idol
finally made it past the final judgment into the top 24.
The judges have loved your look, your voice, but wonder if you
really know who you should be as an artist.
Have you answered that question for yourself?
I have.
- Yes? - Yeah.
What's the answer?
The answer is I'm just myself,
and I like to sing songs that evoke emotions sometimes
and I like to sing softer songs sometimes.
A mixture of a couple of things.
I don't think there's just one specific song that I'm good at.
I think I can ... I think there's an array of things, so maybe
that's why some people can't pinpoint it sometimes.
Come down here to me for a second.
It's tough sometimes to figure that out late in the game, you know.
After we've already gotten started.
Congratulations.
You've made it into the top 12.
Aaron Kelly, pop up, buddy.
That's fine.
Right here is fine.
Wherever you want to be.
You can't see the card.
So, Aaron, the judges loved you
and your natural country vibe since they met you.
The adoration continued into Hollywood week.
Simon, however, thinks you need more confidence.
What are we going to do about that if you stay?
I'm definitely going to bring more confidence.
The more I get up on this stage and the more I get used to being
around them, what it is is the judges.
I grew up watching this show, so...
- And they make you uncomfortable? - Watching them...
Not uncomfortable, you know.
- It's just... - Intimidating a little bit.
A little bit, but you know, I'm getting to know them more, so...
That's to be expected.
You're going to get to know them a little more, because you've
made it into the top 12.
Congratulations, Kelly.
Aaron Kelly, ladies and gentlemen.
Filling another stool.
OK, so take a look at that.
We've got two more stools left.
Got four contestants sitting up here.
This is when it gets really tough.
Let me have Alex and Andrew.
Come on down here, guys.
Let's get to you.
Good luck, guys.
Alex, the judges loved your individual sound when they saw you in Dallas,
But since making the top 24, you've been battling
your confidence a little bit and your nerves.
Ellen thinks you're a fully ripened banana, however.
Andrew, you wowed the panel when you auditioned in Los Angeles.
In Hollywood, you got rave reviews for the acoustic version
of Paula's song "Straight Up".
Simon, let me ask something.
Do you think Andrew peaked too soon?
Arguably, yes.
I mean, look, talent is talent.
It's just, again, trying to find the right material.
He's still a very talented singer.
After the nationwide vote, the last spot for the guys
goes to Andrew Garcia.
Congratulations, Andrew.
That means... Come on down here.
Let's celebrate what you've done here, Alex.
What do you make of your run on this show, buddy?
I don't know, man.
I had a lot of fun.
I learned a lot of stuff, like...
I wish I would have been not so nervous on stage because
there are a lot of things America hasn't seen me do yet.
And a lot of things I'm
capable of that the judges and America hasn't seen yet.
I wish I could have broken out of my shell.
Ellen, can you give him these words of encouragement and advice as he leaves this show?
You're so good.
You need to have more experience.
You, you need to believe in yourself, and that only comes from time
and getting knocked down and getting back up again.
And this is just, this is... You're so good.
Don't ever stop believing in yourself.
Thank you.
Appreciate it. Good luck.
Remember all the fun you had.
Remember all that you learned and go crush it.
Alex Lambert, everybody.
# trouble #
# trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble #
# trouble been doggin' my soul
# since the day I was born #
# worry #
# worry, worry, worry, worry #
# worry just will not seem to #
# leave my mind alone #
# I've been saved #
# by young woman #
# I've been saved #
# by young woman #
# she won't let me go #
# no #
# she won't let me go #
# trouble #
# oh, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble #
# trouble been doggin' my soul #
# since the day I was born #
Alex Lambert, everybody.
Emotional night.
When we come back, two girls,
Katie and Lilly, but only one gets the final spot in the top 12.
Find out who you've chosen after the break.
OK, We are back live on American Idol.
The contestants just hugging each other.
I mean, you could hear a pin drop during that commercial break.
The judges are gonna get settled.
Top 12 go back over and have a seat.
- Thank you very much, buddy. - Thank you.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Let's hear it for Alex.
Take a break.
Take a load off.
The most intense few moments on
the show was during that last commercial break.
I didn't want to break up that emotion.
So good luck to you ladies.
We're down now to Katie and Lilly.
Katie, you auditioned for us in Boston.
The judges thought you were one of the most talented
16-year-olds they had ever seen.
You hit your stride in Hollywood week.
Kara even predicted you as a possible winner.
Then you hit the stage.
It was a little tricky once you got up here on the stage.
And Lilly, we first met Lilly in Denver.
The judges all loved your voice and your personal style.
Over the past few weeks, the judges have called your
performances riveting and relevant.
Kara, you've championed these two ladies.
What's your reaction to seeing two girls standing here and
knowing there's only one stool left?
I just find it very interesting that it's the two of them up there.
Because one artist, Lilly, someone who knows herself very, very well
and Katie is someone who's struggling with that but has a
very contemporary sound.
It's just funny that they're up there together, you know.
Here we go, girls.
After the nationwide vote, the
final seat in our top 12 belongs to Katie.
We say goodbye tonight to Lilly Scott, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you, Lilly.
Thank you very much.
Katie, you can have a seat. Congratulations.
Lilly Scott, America.
I don't know.
I thought I did really well.
I thought I was appealing to a lot of people, but...
Do you think maybe your song choice this week was the issue?
You know, I put my heart into every performance and I thought
I really gave it my all every time.
It's surprising.
A lot of incredible talent is going home tonight.
And I don't know what America wants to hear.
I don't.
I just know that there's an audience out there for me.
There sure is.
- You should be proud of yourself. - That definitely once...
# I fall to pieces #
# each time I see your face again #
# I, I fall to pieces #
# how can I be just your friend #
# you want me to act like we've never met #
# you want me to forget #
# pretend we've never met #
# and I've tried and i've tried #
# but I haven't yet #
# you walk by and I fall to pieces #
# but each time I go out #
# with someone new #
# you walk by #
# and I fall to pieces #
Lilly Scott, everybody.
Let's bring up the others.
Who are leaving us tonight,
Katelyn, Todrick and Alex hugging Lilly.
Want to roll this tape.
Here's a look at their journey on American Idol.
I'm the next Aamerican Idol.
I think she's got a wild side.
You're wild, aren't you?
Dude, I think you're one of the best I've seen in
this audition for season 9.
I made it.
I think you have a voice that could sing a hit song.
- I think. - Welcome to Hollywood.
I really like you.
You have a good voice.
So sorry, man.
It's what I've been waiting for.
This could change my life forever.
Just feels like a dream come true.
That's what it feels like, is a dream come true.
This experience has already changed my life so much.
I can't imagine how much more it could change.
It's so much fun.
This is definitely what I'm meant to do with my life.
Everything about you is refreshing.
You have such a unique voice.
You sounded great.
I loved that.
That was one of the best vocals I heard the last couple of weeks.
I kind of love you.
I kind of do.
Way legit tonight.
Way legit tonight, dude.
No matter what happens, I'm never going to stop playing music.
This is what I want to do with my life.
This is the stuff all these people dream of, and I'm not
taking a second of it for granted.
This is a once in lifetime opportunity and I'm glad that I took that first risk.
I miss those guys.
That is it for tonight.
May I present to you, America. Your Top 12.
Next week, it's the big stage and even bigger stakes.
These guys will take on Rolling Stone. That's next Tuesday night.
Thank you very much to our judges.
Big night. The big week coming up next week.
Thank you Ricky Minor and the band.
Thanks to you at home for voting and making these your Top 12.
Shout it out to America how's it feel.
Keep up on FOX. The all-new Kitchen Nightmares is next.
Goodnight.