Three, two, one, and cue Ryan.
This is not just a stage.
This is a platform that will launch
one of these 24 faces into super stardom.
Tonight the girls go live battling for your votes.
It's time for you to take the reins because this is American Idol!
Good evening.
I'm Ryan Seacrest.
And we are live.
The auditions are over.
Hollywood week's drama has been put to rest
and now we get serious with your top 24.
But it's your job to cut that number down and create your top 12.
The girls are up first, and here they are.
Paige Miles.
Ashley Rodriguez.
Janell Wheeler.
Lilly Scott.
Katelyn Epperly.
Haeley Vaughn.
Lacey Brown.
Michelle Delamor.
Didi Benami.
Siobhan Magnus.
Crystal Bowersox.
And Katie Stevens.
The six of them will be in your top 12 as well as six of the guys.
Say hi to the gentlemen.
How do you feel it?
Please go back to big Mike for a second.
Be careful with your clapping.
You're going to elbow a chin there. It's dangerous.
They're on tomorrow night.
Here's the map.
For the next three weeks,
each group will take the stage separately and based on your votes,
we will lose the bottom two girls
and the bottom two guys until we get down to your top 12.
Sounds easy, but you're going to have to
make some tough calls because this year's group
really is incredible and has great potential.
Let's give it up for the people who found them.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ellen Degeneres.
Randy Jackson.
Kara Dioguardi.
And Simon Cowell.
So let's start with Mr. Cowell.
I heard the big news.
I saw the New York Post.
You've said that it's going to be the girls' year.
Yep.
W... what is it...?
That's the first time I've ever seen you look nervous.
What is it that stood out about this group of girls?
You know, we've got an interesting mix.
This is a very close group.
I've watched a little bit of the rehearsals.
Some were good.
Some not.
And so it begins.
Kara, does it seem to you like America knows this group better at
this stage of the competition?
I think so.
I think that's important.
You know, it gives people a frame of reference to kind of
figure out why they pick certain songs.
I think it's a good thing.
And, Mr. Jackson,
Let's give these girls some fair advice.
What's on your mind?
Listen, I'm telling you this is make it or break it right here.
On this stage right now, the competition really begins.
So you've got to be great or you've got to be mad at yourself.
It's up to you to really wreck the stage with your vocals.
And Ellen, you've been excited about
this first week of the live show, haven't you been?
I'm very excited.
Don't be mad at yourself,
Whatever you do.
Don't be mad at yourself.
I agree.
I think this is... you knwo you're all good,
but now we're looking at what's going to
keep people glued to the television instead of
like looking away and waiting for the next person.
Be... you know, everything that you possibly can be right now,
because it could be over tomorrow.
When I walked out,
I was surprised to see you there at the table.
During Hollywood week, you were next to Simon.
Yeah, yeah, ah, we had a little problem.
And... and I just feel like it's safer over here.
- And I think... - She wanted to be next to the door.
Well, the problem is Simon wants me.
And he... he's got like a thing for me and I get it, Simon, I get it.
but it's not going to happen,
and I... he just keeps... his
hands are like wandering hands,
And I...
I actually... you know what,
I hate to do this to you, Simon,
but no one's going to believe me unless I have tape to prove it.
So, just to protect myself in case there's a suit of some sort,
Can we just show the tape?
- Yeah, let's roll that tape. - OK.
Let's see that.
# baby I want you to hold me #
# control me #
# come closer #
Proof, Ryan, proof.
He did that to me, too.
He did it to me. I mean, yeah.
Naughty, naughty.
Got it. All right.
It all makes sense to me now.
- Randy's very grateful that we made this choice. - Yes, yes.
For the next three weeks,
the top 24 will be singing hits from the billboard charts.
Tonight we've got everything from The Beatles to Alicia Keys
and we're going to kick it off with Paige Miles.
Here we go.
I'm 24 years old.
I'm from Naples, Florida.
I'm a pre-school and after-school teacher.
My day-to-day activities have changed drastically.
I went from having to wipe snot off kids' noses.
Now I'm just living my dream.
My favorite moment so far was definitely the final performance.
There was just completely amazing
because I had Michael Jackson's backup singers.
I've been a devout fan since I was, geez, 5 years old.
That was my moment.
# hey, hey #
# hey, I'm leaving the moment #
Having the drums, the music,
everything, I seriously went to another planet.
I think that performance I really gave them Paige.
I think I can only just get better from here.
I cannot wait to go live.
I can't wait.
Here we go. "It's All Right Now" by Free,
Paige Miles.
# there she stood in the street #
# smilin' from her head to her feet #
# I said, hey, what is this, now baby #
# maybe she's in need of a kiss #
# I said, hey, what's your name, baby #
# maybe we can see things the same #
# now don't you wait or hesitate #
# let's move before they raise the parking rate #
# all right now, baby it's all right now #
# all right now #
# baby, it's all right now #
# I said slow, don't go too fast #
# don't you think this love can last #
# she said, love, Lord above #
# now you're tryin' to trick me in love #
# all right now #
# baby, it's all right now #
# all right now, now, now, now #
# ooh #
# all right now #
# baby it's all #
# right #
# now #
- Hi. - So, how's it being?
Am I going first?
Okay.
I didn't know.
Here we go.
Live TV.
I think... how old are you, by the way?
24.
Okay.
I think out of all the girls,
you have the best voice.
I genuinely do think that.
Having said that,
I wouldn't have chosen that song
because it is a wedding singer type of song.
It's a cheap type of song.
I think tonight you could have come out with something much more original,
made a huge impression, because you can really, really sing.
And I think it's about self-belief as well
and you've got to believe that you are a star.
So I think you're going to be fine.
But you've got to be really careful in your song selection.
Kara?
I disagree with Simon.
- I did compliment about it. - I know.
But I think that the song was actually brilliant because
it's a rock song and you got to really put your soul into it,
which is what you have, a lot of soul with a lot of dynamics,
and you showed that in the verse.
You slayed those verses.
My only criticism would have been the chorus.
I think you could have done more with it,
but you've got a ridiculous voice, girl.
Thank you, thank you.
Check it out.
I kind of agree with both of them in differet sort of ways.
I think the song wasn't the right choice because it's a group song to me.
The chorus is a sing along chorus.
That's why she didn't do great in the chorus.
But you showed with that song you've got this powerful big voice.
What a way to jump it off,
just come in here and blow the doors off the thing with that big voice.
I think it was a great job.
Thank you.
I agree and disagree with all of them.
And I feel... I feel like to come on first,
I mean, you've got to be so nervous to walk out
and be the first one to see.
Nervous?
Nothing, no nerves.
You were so there.
You were so present.
I loved it.
I thought... you have such a great look
and you sounded fantastic and I did like the song.
In rehearsal I was kind of worried that it was going to be a tough song,
but I thought you pulled it off.
It was great.
Thank you.
We are off and we are running.
That's all very good news, but the best news for you,
I think, is what you told me about in rehearsal.
You can finally do something you've been waiting to do after all of this.
You told me you're sewn into that.
Ah, yeah, I'm sewn into my outfit.
I've been waiting to pee for like five hours.
There's light at the end of the tunnel.
To vote for Paige, call... If you were at&t wireless,
you can text the word "VOTE" to 5701.
The line is open at the end of the show. Stay to for at least
the whole thing's you can vote at the end.
Thank you, Paige. We appreciate it.
Thank you.
When we come back, it's time for Boston's Ashley Rodriguez live.
Welcome back to the show where you call the shots.
Remember, you're voting tonight to keep your favorite
girl in the competition.
And as a reminder, all of the performances are up on iTunes.
Go to the American Idol page on iTunes for all of the info.
All right.
Now, are you ready for Ashley?
Roll it.
I'm Ashley Rodriguez.
I'm 22 years old from Chelsea, Massachusetts.
And I'm a student.
Well, I didn't realize that Simon was such a quirky guy.
During my Boston audition, he made fun of
Jordin Sparks' song "Battle Fields".
- Am I a huge Jordin Sparks' fan now? - Well, even when he's single.
Simon.
Battle field.
# I am an old battle field... #
Turns out that was the song I sang
for my last performance of Hollywood week.
# a battlefield #
I felt like that was my defending moment.
So I thought that was a little ironic that it worked out that way.
So you'd better go and get your armour.
To be here is unreal.
I'm just more excited.
I think the way, I mean, this is the dream.
It's the opportunity of a lifetime.
Tonight, she's taking on Leona Lewis with "Happy".
Give it up for Ashley Rodriguez.
# someone once told me #
# you have to choose #
# what you win or lose #
# you can't have everything #
# but all these days they seem like that they're the same #
# just different places #
# different names #
# get me out of here #
# because I can't stand by your side #
# and watch this life pass me by #
# pass me by #
# so what if it hurts me #
# so what if I break down #
# so what if this world just throws me off the edge #
# my feet run out of ground #
# I've got to find my place #
# I gotta hear myself #
# don't care about all the pain in front of me #
# I'm just trying to be happy #
# happy #
# yeah #
# I'm just tryin' to be #
# happy #
Big song.
Big song to take on, right?
Contemporary diva, our Mariah Carey of this generation, Leona Lewis,
and there were some nice moments there when you went up
and you hit those notes, and they're not easy to do.
So I have to give you credit for taking on such a big song.
But there were definitely moments that weren't great
and I think for you going forward,
which I think you will go forward,
I want to see you take on songs that we wouldn't think you would sing
and do something different with them.
Because I think that's where we're really going to start to see you shine.
Okay.
Yeah, Kara is absolutely correct.
You know, Simon's girl, Leona. Great song.
Great big vocal but... and you did a good job with it, but here's the problem.
You're always going to be compared to those big singers,
so it didn't do well for you to say,
hey, I'm here, I'm Ashley, this is who I am.
This is how I'm rockin' it.
I couldn't really see you and...
I could see you do a pretty good job of her,
But it wasn't really you.
Yeah, I agree.
I think it's... You know, I love Leona.
I think it's a great song.
It is predictable.
I'd like to see you step out and do something that's a whole
different vibe we'd be shocked by.
Because, you're good.
You're here.
You're beautiful.
You have everything going for you.
So just try to step out.
Just take a risk.
Do something that's just not safe.
Hello, this isn't going particularly well for you, is it?
I thought it was clumsy, your version.
I didn't like the arrangement.
And I've got to tell you,
if I'm being honest with you,
I think you're going backwards from the very first time we met you.
I don't feel you as a contemporary recording artist.
Just somebody who sings other people's songs, not very well.
So there was no originality there.
So I actually think you could be in trouble after tonight,
I'm afraid, after that.
Sorry.
All right. Let's hear it for Ashley, guys. Come on.
I know it's tough to hear from them and to hear that honesty.
But if you do make it through,
then you take that, you use that to your benefit,
you come back and you crush it the way you crushed it to get here on this stage
to stand here in front of all these millions of people.
Oh yeah.
To vote for Ashley, call... Or you can text the word "VOTE" to 5702.
Calls were toll free from land lines and standard tax rates to apply.
Thank you very much, good luck.
When we come back, it's Janell Wheeler, live.
Welcome back to American Idol.
Tonight the girls who have created so much buzz this season
are finally taking the stage live for your votes.
Each of them want to win you over and perhaps tonight you'll fall for Janell.
I'm 24 years old.
I'm from Orlando, Florida, and I'm a wine sales rep.
Back in Orlando, Simon was not my biggest fan.
Based on your voice,
Janell, I would have said no.
So my biggest goal was to impress him when I first got to Hollywood.
# hey sister #
# it's really, really nice to meet you #
It was a good choice of song.
It was a good arrangement.
It was different.
That was a good audition.
Well done.
I truly did not expect it,
was completely shocked, and Simon had me back.
Tonight I just want to go out there and do what everyone says I do best,
light up on that stage and show America that this
is where I'm supposed to be.
And I definitely want to stay here.
With "What About Love" from Heart, here is Janell Wheeler.
# I've been lonely #
# i've been waiting for you #
# I'm pretending #
# and that's all I can do #
# the love I'm sending #
# ain't making it through to your heart #
# you've been hiding #
# never letting it show #
# always trying #
# to keep it under control #
# you got it down #
# and you're well on your way to the top #
# but there's something that you forgot #
# what about love #
# don't you want someone to care about you #
# what about love #
# don't let it slip away #
# what about love #
# I only want to share it with you #
# you might need it someday #
# what about love #
# don't you want someone to care about you #
# what about love #
# don't let it slip away #
# what about love #
Yo, yo, yo.
Glad that's over.
Breathe, breathe.
Listen, wasn't my favorite song choice for you.
I remember seeing you in Orlando when I was watching this back.
I actually like your voice.
You have an interesting different kind of voice.
To me the song choice just didn't work for you.
'Cause it's again one of those huge songs.
It's hard to bring something different,
unique and original to it and you didn't quite do that.
But I still got vibes for you, man.
I like your voice.
Thank you.
I actually did like the song choice.
I love that song and I thought you sang it very well.
I thought there were a couple of notes that were off,
but I thought you moved easily on stage and you tried to get into it
and tried to let go off the nerves.
And I liked it.
And I like you.
You gave it a hundred percent effort.
And probably delivered 65%.
Okay.
Well, it's true.
You started off okay.
Then when you got excited and you thought it was going well for you,
and it wasn't going that well, you started to go off-key.
But actually there are moments in the song when I do like your voice.
It's like we keep saying over and over again, it's song choice.
Most importantly, it's trying to do something that makes you original.
But I think you're going to be okay.
I think you're going to survive this week.
I do.
Kara?
I like you, but I have to agree, the song was way too big for you.
That's one of the best rock vocalists ever.
And when you do a song like that,
it takes everything that's distinct about your song,
your voice and it goes away.
We heard that with the Estelle song, you know, the distinct quality,
but when you're hitting notes like that and it's so hard, you lose that.
So think about that next time.
Thank you.
Just come back for a second.
Randy, you know, Simon said pick an original song.
If you're up here performing this week, what song should you choose,
what type of song should you choose?
Always, my rule is choose a song you can bring something interesting and
different to that doesn't compare you to the singer that
sang it before and you compare badly in reference.
You know what I'm saying?
Okay.
Thanks, Randy.
All right, Janell, center stage here for the vote.
If you want to vote for Janell,... Or you can text the word "VOTE" to 5703.
Lines open at the end of the show.
- Got it? -Yeah, I do.
We're going to leave you for a moment.
After the break, it's the pride of Denver.
Lilly Scott line next.
And we are back you're locked in to live Idol.
The votes registered tonight are going to send the bottom two
girls home on our live results show.
That is Thursday.
Got a busy week this week.
Lots of Idol.
Her life has changed dramatically since she first came to us in Denver.
Are you ready?
So ready.
So right, man.
Lilly's up.
My name is Lilly Scott.
I'm 20 years old and I'm from Denver, Colorado.
Last year I was basically living out of my car and playing on the street.
It's been a real struggle for me and to try and support myself
and really put my all into being an artist.
It's just like a gift that American Idol showed up to Denver this year.
It means so much to be here right now.
I never, ever thought that I would try out for American Idol.
But now I know that this is really what I want to do and it's working out.
Everything about you is refreshing.
Thank you so much.
Everything I've done musically in my life has led up 'til now.
I feel like this is my one moment to show people
that I really have what it takes to be in the industry.
And that I'm definitely a musician, not just a singer.
Tonight she's going with The Beatles.
Here's "Fixin' a Hole" from Lilly Scott.
# I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in #
# and stops my mind from wandering #
# where it will go, oh #
# and it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong I'm right #
# where I belong I'm right #
# oh, I see the people standing
There who disagree and never win #
# they wonder why they dont get past my door #
# oh, oh #
# I'm taking the time for a
Number of things that weren't important yesterday #
# and I still go, oh, oh #
# oh, oh, oh #
# I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in #
# and stops my mind from wandering #
# where it will go #
# oh, oh, oh #
All right. I think that's what we're talking about.
I think we're talking about that kind of thing.
It's such a random song choice and you did such a great job
With it and you have such a distinctive voice.
You stand out because you're not like everybody else.
You have a great presence about you.
And you have such a unique voice.
You sounded great.
I loved that. I loved it.
Thanks.
Yeah, I would say we've had 4 contestants, whatever,
but definitely the best we've had so far.
Mainly because I actually felt that you sang this song because
you liked the song and it portrayed you as an artist
rather than choosing something
which you think would get you through to the next round,
which is really, really important.
I'm still not feeling much star power from you.
And again, that might just be... because of nerves.
There are a lot of people on the internet doing exactly
what you're doing at the moment.
But it was, as I said, the best so far.
So well done.
You're believable.
You come from your heart.
And I think the best thing you can do as an artist that's
coming up is stand on a street
and bust for money, because you're out there for survival.
You're trying to make money,
trying to get people to like you, and you get to be a really
good performer that way and you feel at ease
and that's what I felt about this.
I could feel you were comfortable on the stage, and
that came through in your performance.
And everyone is going to remember you tonight.
Thank you.
You know what I love,
and I don't think we've had a lot of that on this show.
I love that you're kind of more like a real indie artist.
You don't care what everyone else is thinking,
what's fashionable, what's in, whatever.
Last time we had a bunch of people I think that sounded like Duffy,
that sounded like Lily Allen.
I think that's actually who you really are.
It's not affected.
So I loved the honesty.
I thought it was great.
So let us hear from you.
How does that make you feel?
I feel good.
- Oh I make you feel too short. - No, it's already done since I was born.
You and Kara have the same sort of body language when you talk.
- You just sway. - Awesome.
Kara. There's a TV show going on over here.
Just talking about you.
Were you talking to me?
About you.
I was talking to Simon.
He was touching my knee.
Apparently you shouldn't be doing that any more.
To vote for Lily, dial...
If you were at&t wireless, you can text the word "VOTE" to 5704.
- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
Hold on a second.
When we come back, there's more Beatles coming to you
from Katelyn and Haeley live next, Idol.
Welcome back to Idol's two-hour live event.
Tomorrow night the guys take the stage and compete for your votes.
Tonight they're just chillin'.
Right now we continue with the ladies.
Let's look back at how Katelyn got here. Watch.
I'm 19 years old from West Des Moines, Iowa.
I'm a college student.
And I auditioned in Chicago.
My first audition was probably my favorite one out of all
because Shania Twain complimented me.
You have a voice that could sing a hit song, I think.
It was pretty surreal.
I didn't even think I was going to make it through that first round.
I didn't.
There were about 12,000 people,
I think, and only 13 got through.
That's brutal.
You're going through.
I realize that this is what I need to be doing, because when
I'm just in my basement with my piano singing, I mean, I want so bad.
Sitting here today is a dream come true.
I still... I still don't think I've wrapped my head around it yet.
From 1969, here's "Oh, Darling."
Katelyn Epperly.
# oh, darling #
# please believe me #
# I'll never do you no harm #
# believe me when I tell you #
# I'll never do you no harm #
# oh #
# when you told me #
# you didn't need me anymore #
# well, you know I nearly broke down and cried #
# when you told me #
# you didn't need me anymore #
# well, you know I nearly fell down and died #
# oh, darling #
# please believe me #
# oh, i'll never let... Make it alone #
# oh, believe me when I tell you #
# i'll never do you no harm #
# oh, oh, oh #
Katelyn, even though there were elements of that song
where you were beginning to scream the song,
and it was very messy, I actually like you.
There's something about you.
You're kind of quirky,
interesting, good choice of song, I thought.
Brave.
But you're going to need an awful lot of work.
But, you know, I like you a lot.
Thank you.
You've been singing your whole life?
Yeah.
Since you were little.
Out of the womb.
You know your voice very, very well.
You know exactly what you're doing when you're up there,
when you're switching up the melodies and you're switching up your register,
and all that stuff, you really know what you're doing,
and I can tell you've been singing a long time.
And you, you really switched it up in a way that I thought improved the song,
'cause I wouldn't have picked that song for you.
But you did it in a very unique way.
I don't think the makeover is helping you.
I like you natural.
What do you mean? What do you mean?
Although she's got little lipstick on and little thing...
I like you a little bit more natural, you're a beautiful girl.
Okay.
I don't... I don't know if the red lipstick is the thing. I just think she was beautiful natural.
I think it's fine.
Listen, here's the thing that I really really love about you.
I feel that everyone today is all conserned and consumed with doing runs, right? All these singers.
But you pay attention to the tone.
That's the real art of singing,
the tone and the melody.
And that's what was great about
that song and what you delivered and I just like your whole vibe.
And I like you switched it up from when we saw you.
I like the whole makeup thing.
Maybe next time you don't do any... but don't box yourself in,
'cause you've definitely got a big voice.
I think you can go places and do stuff.
Thank you.
Yeah.
I... you know, I... I couldn't tell at first if you were
pushing too hard and working too hard or that really was just
natural for you to sing that way, 'cause there was a lot of
personality in it right away.
But whatever it was, it was interesting to me and it made me
want to pay attention to you,
and I think you have a great voice.
It's... It's tough for... The girls are all strong.
You have a great voice.
Yeah.
And I liked it a lot.
But it was a little... I felt... I felt like it was pushed.
I don't know if that was right or not.
But you have an amazing voice.
Thank you.
Katelyn, ladies and gentlemen.
So if you were watching at home,
when Kara was talking about your makeover, there was this face that you made.
And I think we're wondering what was the world bubble in your head. What were you thinking?
Well, I'm all over the place.
I don't just dress natural.
So I mean... I... I don't know.
I just decided tonight to make it a little bit more rockish, to kind of,
boom, come out of my little bubble that I was in.
But... you know, whatever, it's all good.
I think I know what her world bubble was.
- What Kara know? - To me, say it to me, not to her.
She was thinking...
Simon, it's lecture time.
There's nothing I need to say this time.
Katelyn's numbers are...
Don't do anything until the end of the show.
Thank you very much, Katelyn.
Let's keep it rolling now.
Last week she was in high school and this week she's here in Hollywood.
Here's Haeley.
I'm 16.
I'm from Fort Collins, Colorado.
And I'm a high school student.
A hundred million percent yes.
- You're going to Hollywood. - Welcome to Hollywood.
When I made it to Hollywood in Denver, I actually got my nose pierced.
Because my mom, I don't know, promised me. She's like,
if we can make it to Hollywood week, you could get nose pierced.
I went to get nose pierced that day.
Promise is a promise.
It hurt really bad.
It was really painful.
But it was so much fun, like knowing what I was getting it done for
what I had accomplished.
My life has changed so much from when I auditioned in Denver.
I never thought I would be here.
I mean, it's always been a dream of mine because I've been watching the
show forever and I said I wanted to audition for that show,
but I never thought I'd be in the top 24.
Now that I'm here, it's like a dream come true.
She's doing the third Beatles song of the night with
"I Wanna Hold Your Hand," put your hands together for Haeley Vaughn.
# yeah, I'll tell you something #
# I think you'll understand #
# when I say that something #
# I wanna hold your hand #
# now let me hold your hand #
# I wanna hold your hand #
# and when I touch you I feel happy inside #
# it's such a feeling that my love #
# I can't hide #
# yeah, you #
# you got that something #
# yeah, I think you'll understand #
# when I, when I feel that something #
# I wanna hold your hand #
# I wanna hold #
# your hand #
Haeley, so from a technical standpoint,
there were some issues for that performance.
Okay, there were times it went all over the place.
You didn't always hit the notes.
But what I can say about you is every time you take that stage,
you come and you have fun, and everyone around you feels that.
You're very pure.
You're coming from right here,
and that's why people get up and they want to hear you.
So you make up for what you can't do with your vocals.
That's a plus.
But you've got to work on the technical abilities.
Okay.
Yo, you know what's funny. Kara's right.
What I love about you is that unpredictability, right?
First time we saw you, you had this old country thing going on.
You did the Beatles song this time with the guitar.
I love all that, you being 16 and being that bold.
But she's absolutely correct in another way.
The top of the vocals, when you hit those high notes,
the sound is just not quite as pleasing as it could be.
Maybe dropping the key a little lower.
Maybe trying to sing the notes in a different sort of way.
I know you're only 16.
But I think there's great possibilities with you because
you're so bold, but just trying to get it all together in one
package maybe next time, you know.
The vocals. What are you thinking?
Well, the fact that you're 16 and that you have so much presence on stage.
You just shine.
And I just love how... And so I don't know technically... I enjoyed it.
I think you have a great voice.
And just as someone who just likes music, I enjoyed it.
Haeley, if I'm being honest with you,
I thought it was verging on terrible.
It was. You were like a wind-up doll that never stopped smiling
throughout the song, and that's why the vocals were all over the place.
It was just, for me, a complete and utter mess.
And it's like you now trying to be, as Randy said,
one minute you want to be a country singer.
Now you want to be...
I don't know how to describe what you just did.
But it was a mess.
It wasn't very good.
I'm only saying what you're thinking.
Now let's dissect this for a second.
Are we watching two different shows?
Because... Ellen loved it.
And you were apoplectic.
No, I wasn't. It's called having an opinion.
I will say if it was a mess, it was a hot mess.
That seems to be the theme tonight.
If you wanna vote for Haeley, dial...
Calls are toll-free from landlines.
Standard text rates apply.
Thank you very much, Haeley.
We're leaving you for a moment.
But on the other side, it's
finally time for Lacey Brown to go live.
We'll be right back.
You're back live on ladies night of American Idol.
Now, as a bonus, all of tonight's performances are available on iTunes.
Head to the American Idol page
on iTunes and you can own a part of this show.
Now, she came so close last season, but perhaps this is finally her year.
My name is Lacey Brown.
I'm 24 years old from Amarillo, Texas.
I'm currently an events coordinator at a church.
Lacey, it's the end of the road.
After being cut last year, it took a lot for me to come back.
You get so far last year.
What if you don't get past the first round this year?
What's that going to feel like?
When I stepped onto that stage to find out whether or not I was
getting into the top 24, it was terrifying.
But you've got to go through with it.
You're already on the stage.
You're going through.
Congratulations.
Finally making it through that hump of getting into the top 24,
getting to that live show.
It feels amazing and every day that I wake up, I remember I'm here, you know.
I made it.
Okay.
Slowing things down with Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide,"
here is Lacey Brown.
# I took my love and I took it down #
# I climbed a mountain and I turned around #
# and I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills #
# 'til the landslide brought me down, down, down #
# oh, mirror in the sky, what is love #
# can the child within my heart rise above #
# can I sail through the changin' ocean tides #
# can I handle the seasons of my life #
# oh, oh #
# well, I've been afraid of
# changin' 'cause I've built my life around you #
# but time makes you bolder #
# and children get older #
# I'm getting older, too #
# I took my love and I took it down #
Let me... Let me first say it's an amazing song,
great song written by Stevie Nicks. I mean Dixie Chicks had a great version of it, too.
I just don't think it was the right song for you, Lacey.
- Okay. - I honestly do.
I got tired.
I thought that was terrible.
I thought it was pitchy all over the place.
It just didn't suit your voice,
the kind of voice you have.
It just wasn't right for you, you know.
What are you thinking?
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I think you're better than that.
So I think if you get a chance,
if you're back again next week,
there's... I know you're better than that.
There were just some moments that you kind of got lost and I
love that song, too, but I felt myself pulling for you like, come on back on.
But I just didn't think it worked out.
But I like you and you're better than that.
All right.
Thank you.
- Simon? - I actually thought it was quite depressing to be honest with you.
After about 15 seconds, I was working out how much longer we
had to listen to this for.
And worse than that, it was kind of indulgent.
And I get the feeling with you that you are just trying to be an artist.
You're trying to work out who you are and you haven't worked it out.
You're listening to other people.
And it was just... It was just boring.
Sorry.
Okay.
You usually hit those notes,
especially when you go into falsetto with such ease.
Tonight it felt more forced.
I do think it was the song.
I think something like "Sixpence None The Richer"
"Kiss me," "Sundays," that's your vibe.
But I do hope America gives you one more shot.
Cause I think there are some really good things about you that we didn't see tonight.
You've got nice eyes.
- Alright. - Beautiful girl.
Ok. Let's chat just a second about it.
You're very brave to stand up there and listen to that tough criticism.
That is their job.
Let's just for chat a second get inside your head about why you chose that song.
I love that song, first of all.
It's one of my favorites.
Also, it talks about just coming out and being your own and
growing up as a person, and I think that it really speaks to
me as a person, so I really just love the song initially.
Were you surprised at all by their feedback or did you
feel yourself wobbling a little bit with it?
Uh, I was a little bit surprised about Simon saying it was boring.
I feel like some songs are just slower.
You can't come out with just a full on rock song every single time.
Is that to say you disagree with him?
Yes, sorry.
If you wanna vote for Lacey,...
Do not vote until the end of the show.
Thank you very much, Lacey.
So up next, a sales clerk and a waitress take the stage.
Michelle and Didi coming to you live.
Back with you live on
American Idol sitting next to Katie and Michelle.
You're going to go later in the show and after each judge's
critique, some of them have been a little tough and you could hear a pin drop.
What's the atmosphere been like up in the red room?
I think it's nerve-wracking because especially for people having gone.
They're kind of like, oh, how is this going to play into what I'm going to do
and you're watching all your friends go and you
disagree with the judges and all that stuff.
You tend to give some hugs out, right?
Yes.
All right.
Miami's Michelle Delamor is with us.
Remind everybody what you did before Hollywood?
I was a corporate singer and a sales associate
at a clothing store and I taught a children's choir.
A lot of stuff.
- I'm happy to be here. - That's more jobs than me.
No.
Talk about the rehearsal schedule.
You guys haven't had much time on this stage.
Today was really the first time that we got to run it
through completely, like the full dress rehearsal.
And I'm so glad we got to do that.
It's been busy, busy, busy.
There are 24 beautiful voices.
We all have to practice. It's been pretty hectic.
But thank you, God. They don't just throw us into the water.
They help us out. I'm grateful.
Alright, very good. So family support has been a big part of Michelle's journey.
Let's watch this while you get set.
- Good luck. - Thank you.
I'm 24 years old from miami, florida.
I work at a clothing store.
I would say one of the best parts of this whole Idol
experience is me having my family there with me, having
them there while the dream is becoming a reality was insane
for me and they screamed and they cried and they felt every
emotion that I felt and my family, you can hear them.
Every time I came out the doors and it was a yes, there were endless screams.
It was just so exciting.
We were just going exciting. Just a whole lot of aaah!
Tonight when I step on that stage, I'm so excited because I
know my family will be there in the audience.
I just hope to make them proud.
Performing "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys, here is Michelle Delamor.
# I keep fallin' #
# in and out of love #
# with you #
# sometimes I love ya #
# sometimes you make me blue #
# I keep a fallin' in and out of love with you #
# I never loved someone the way that I'm lovin' you #
# oh #
# I never felt this way #
# how do you give me so much pleasure #
# cause me so much pain #
# 'cause when I think #
# I'm taking more than would a fool #
# and I start fallin' #
# back in love with you #
# and I keep on fallin' in and out of love with you #
# I never loved someone the way that I'm lovin' you #
# oh, oh, oh, with you #
Well, that was fantastic. As when I say
I feel like the only thing I would say for you, and this is a
compliment, it was safe just because it seemed so easy for you.
And it's a hard song to sing.
But it seemed easy.
And I feel like if... I feel like you have more in you.
I think that you were great, but I can see that you're,
you know... I don't know if it's nerves or the first night or
something, but I know that you can do better than that,
but it was still, I thought, amazing.
Thank you so much.
I think you did very well.
You're a very, very professional singer.
That's what you do.
So it sounded close to the original.
Not as good as the original.
There wasn't one moment in the performance where I thought "wow".
So I think, you know, this is sounding like a broken record,
it's just trying to do something with you that makes you different.
And that's what you've got to work out.
But I think you've done enough to get through
to the next round on that performance.
And you look fantastic, by the way.
Thank you.
You're very commercial looking.
And when you hit it right, it sounds great.
But there were moments that it wasn't great, I have to say.
And I think you are the kind of person who's going for that diva spot.
Every time you step on that stage, it's got to be technically immaculate.
And the other thing that I want for you is to kind of become
more unique and feel it more.
Believability is what I feel like you lack a little of.
But I think you have a lot of good things about you and you can get there.
Thank you.
You know, Ellen's right.
It was a tough song to do.
I mean, Alicia, my god, you know what I'm saying?
But you actually did a pretty good job doing it, and you do
have more in you, and I would just say you've got a great voice.
You've got a great look.
All of that is hot and dope and cool, but take some risks, man.
Try something else. Jump out of that comfort zone.
Show me something no one showed me yet.
Yes.
Thank you, guys.
- Did that give you some confidence? - Yes.
Taking round with Michelle's numbers...
Don't vote until the end of the program.
- Thank you very much, Michelle. - Thank you so much.
Good work.
Now to say it's been an emotional ride for this next contestant
would be an understatement.
Let's find out why.
I'm 23 years old.
I am originally from Knoxville,
Tennessee, but currently live in Los Angeles, and I'm a waitress.
My defining moment on American Idol was when I got up on stage
and sang "Terrified" by Kara Dioguardi.
# every word feels like a shooting star #
The song was amazing and I thought that it would be
something that I could sing well, but I was really terrified to sing it.
Seeing Kara smile like while I was singing it, I felt like I was on cloud nine.
My journey on American Idol
this year has been very emotional and spiritual for me.
But this evening I really want to do my best to not get all
teary-eyed again, because I'm sure America has seen enough of my tears.
With "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson, here is Didi Benami.
# if you were falling #
# then I would catch you #
# you need a light #
# I'd find a match #
# cause I love the way you say good morning #
# and you take me the way I am #
# I'd buy you rogaine #
# when you start losing all your hair #
# sew on patches to all you tear #
# 'cause I love you more than I could ever promise #
# and you take me the way I am #
# mmm #
# you take me the way I am #
# mmm #
# you take me the way I am #
Didi, I think you are a good singer, but here is my problem tonight.
Is that there are too many people trying to sound like the
same person, which is Adele and Duffy.
Shut your eyes.
I could confuse you with three or four singers tonight,
and again a bit indulgent.
I thought the song was dreary.
It was.
And what I'm missing is a spark here, you know, something which excites me.
Okay.
Because in the real world, that was actually, again,
quite dull, although I actually do... I mean, taken that to one
side, I do like you and I think you've got a good voice.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
I agree and disagree with him.
I think the song is good because it's a singer/songwriter type thing.
Uh-huh.
But I think that while your voice has some derivative things,
there are other people out there that sound like that,
you at least made some changes to the original recording,
and that's what's showing that you're creative,
that you have more than just your tone, that you actually can think like,
wow, I'm going to take it here and take a risk there.
But you've got to be remembered.
You know, no one's going to watch that,
no one's going to remember that.
- I get it, but she's showing another level than just - I got because that was incredible.
trying to sound like somebody else.
She is making changes to the song.
There were some pretty good choices.
- It was still boring. - It was bit pichy.
I think my problem is,
I think Simon hit on it earlier.
But where's the star factor?
I see no outward oomph, no like... you know what I'm saying?
The song is cool.
It's a nice song.
I love the song.
You sounded great singing it.
But I see no star in it, just so sleepy for me, you know what I mean?
Okay, okay.
Yeah, I think if you were... you know, doing a show and this was one song in a set
that you were doing, I get it.
But for the song for the first night for you to reach out to
millions of people to vote for you, it was... and you do have a great
voice and you have a great look and, you know, everybody's great.
You're on the top 24.
But for that first impression, I felt like it was just a little low key.
- Okay. - But you're great.
Thank you.
Okay, Didi.
Simon, I get this sense that you were like a bit frustrated.
It's like your first kiss.
Your first kiss has got to be something you're going to remember.
Not you.
But that's what it is.
You've got to come out here, do something and prove to everyone
watching this show I am different, unique and I'm a star
rather than indulging yourself.
And that's the problem.
I didn't think of any of that during my first kiss.
Really?
- No. - I think I probably went both ways.
Didi's number's...
Didi, thank you very much.
- Thank you. - Appreciate it.
- Hang tight, hang tight. - Oh, I'm try to sitting there.
The first live night.
That's all right.
Next we've got some Chris Isaak coming to you from Siobhan Magnus.
Welcome back to American Idol live here in Hollywood.
We have got three more songs for you tonight from the ladies of the competition.
Right now it's all on the line for Siobhan.
I'm 19 years old.
I'm from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
And I'm a glass blowing apprentice.
The difference between my normal life and coming here has been
such a strange and surreal experience.
To me, the highlight of this journey has probably been
the last performance during Hollywood week.
# for the city #
It was really important for me to be able to show how passionate I am
about singing and I feel like the judges finally saw that in me.
That last song was fantastic all the way.
Thank you very much.
I mean, seriously changed everything.
It does give me the extra confidence.
She might be a little dark horse, that girl.
What does that mean?
Being a dark horse?
Yeah.
It's a compliment.
A compliment for sure.
Singing "Wicked Game"
by Chris Isaak, here's Siobhan Magnus.
# the world was on fire #
# no one could save me but you #
# strange what desire #
# will make foolish people do #
# and I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you #
# and I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you #
# and I don't want to fall in love #
# this love is only gonna break your heart #
# no, I don't wanna fall in love #
# this love is only gonna break your heart #
# what a wicked game you play #
# to make me feel this way #
# what a wicked thing to do #
# to make me dream of you #
# when I don't wanna fall in love #
# this love is only gonna break your heart #
# no, I don't want to fall in #
# love #
Siobhan, wouldn't have picked it,
but I got to say I kind of liked you on that song.
You're a quirky girl.
And it gets a little nasal at times.
I've always kind of said that.
But what I like about you is you really in the moment when you're singing.
You're just there and you're going for it
and it feels real and I can feel that connection.
And that's what sets you apart in some ways from everybody else tonight.
That you're living it and breathing it out on that stage.
So for me, that was pretty good.
Hard song.
Definitely a tough song. You know,
the thing is when we saw that clip and you sing Stevie Wonder,
I was like, oh, my god,
I remember how you get these big pipes.
You could sing, you stroke blow, it's great.
Then you come and you do this kinda serious song.
When you hit the second verse and you started opening up your vocals,
as that's the girl I personally really really like.
You got a great voice.
I was always play to that, and I would even reach for
bigger things for you as oppose to smaller things
like this kind of a song.
I loved it.
I thought for a minute I forgot we were in a singing competition
and I was just being entertained.
I loved how mysterious you were walking around the stage.
I love that song. I thought it was a great song choice.
And I love how deep you started with it.
And it was... I really liked it a lot.
I thought it was really good.
Well, you really are a funny little thing, aren't you?
We just don't know what you're going to do each time.
I liked the song.
I didn't love the song.
I didn't think it was anywhere near as good as the Stevie
Wonder song you sang in the Hollywood round.
I thought that set you apart.
You looked more enthusiastic,
more memorable.
It's a very, very dark song.
It might be because you're a very dark person.
I don't know.
I mean, you're blowing glass all day on your own.
That kind of work make you dark I guess.
Why did you choose it?
I just think it's a beautiful song.
It's haunting.
It's memorable.
I've always loved it.
I wanted to show that, you know,
I can hit really loud high notes, but I have a softer side,
- too, that I'd like to... - Okay.
get through.
Now I understand.
Let's hear it for Siobhan.
It really a new watch, there's an amazing authenticity to you.
I think people at home noticed that.
Randy pointing out when he first saw you, you could blow.
I think we realized that because she's an apprentice.
Yes, she was that Stevie thing was hot, dude.
We need a scroll on the bottom.
Siobhan's number's...
Thank you very much, Siobhan.
We're going to leave you for just a moment.
But after the break, Crystal Bowersox takes the stage live here.
Back with you live on American Idol.
Now, remember, your votes tonight are
keeping your favorite girl in the competition.
The two ladies with the lowest votes will be eliminated on our
one-hour live results show.
That's coming up thursday night.
Now, taking the Idol stage for the first time, it is Ohio's own Crystal.
I'm 24 years old, I'm from Elliston, Ohio.
and I'm a musician and a mom.
Are you going to sing?
- Can let mom just do the blah blah blah? - Blah, blah, blah...
I'm guessing you would have looked normally on a show
like this and probably thought this isn't
the right platform for somebody like you.
He's right.
I've never... I never really watched the show, past seasons.
You know, I didn't really feel like this was the thing for me.
And I think the major thing that made me kind of change my
mindset and try out for the show and everything was my son.
Yeah, rock it, baby.
Time to step it up.
You know, mama needs a bigger paycheck.
I want to make sure my kid's got everything he needs
and that's really the only reason I'm here.
And she's going with Alanis Morrisette tonight with "Hand In My Pocket,"
Here's Crystal Bowersox.
# I'm broke but I'm happy #
# I'm poor but I'm kind #
# I'm short but I'm healthy #
# yeah #
# I'm high but I'm grounded #
# I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed #
# and I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby #
# what it all comes down to #
# is that everything's fine, fine, fine #
# cause I got one hand in my pocket #
# and the other one's giving a high five #
# and what it all boils down to, #
# my friend, is that I haven't got it all quite right #
# 'cause I've got one hand in my pocket #
# and the other one is giving a peace sign #
# I've got one hand in my pocket #
And the other one giving a high five #
Listen. You know what?
You're one of my favorites and one of
my favorites tonight for a bunch of reasons.
I love your originality as an artist.
I love that you come out, you're wearing the harp,
you know, puts me in the mind like Springsteen,
Dylan, Melissa Etheridge, all those people.
I just love the honesty.
I'm not even sure this was the right song for you, but this is
one of the times to me it doesn't matter what the song is,
like I like you.
I just like what you do.
I like that honesty.
I like that you're going to do your thing no matter
what we're doing, what you're wearing,
what's going on.
So I'm a fan.
I like you too, Randy.
Thank you.
I too am a fan of yours and I think that we are lucky that you decided to
audition for Idol and be here because you add something fresh
to the show, and if I'm at home watching, I'm voting for you
because I want to see more of you.
Thank you.
Look, it was good.
We like you.
Love your little baby.
Like your story.
The truth is, is that there are thousands of you doing this
outside subway stations every day at the moment.
If I met you in real life, heard that, I wouldn't stop in my
tracks and go you are the most original artist you've ever heard.
Well you wouldn't.
Boo, boo.
That's the truth.
Here lies the problem.
You doing Alanis Morrisette's song,
you're doing a sound-alike.
You gotta do something which is you,
not trying to sound like somebody else.
They're not allow originals on the show, though.
No no no, what I am saying is you can choose anything,
David Bowie song, anything and make it your version.
That's when people have done really well on the competition.
That's what they've done.
They've done something which nobody else has done before.
There are tens of thousands of girls in your position
who have done that song before.
David Bowie would be fun.
That's a good idea, Simon.
Something like that.
But I mean, except that, I'm not being a...
I'm trying not to be over-critical because I really,
really like you and I think you're refreshing.
- Thank you. - You're going to do well.
Thank you.
Crystal, you were good tonight.
I think you have greatness in you, though, and I've seen
moments of it in the past when you really build that performance.
You have that ability to take us kind of on a journey when you're singing.
I didn't see it as much tonight.
But you have it in you.
And the other thing is I think what he's talking about
is to not be just a coffeehouse performer.
To bring it out.
To fill the stage and be with that uniqueness that you already have,
But there's no doubt in my mind that you're going to be
here next year... Next week. Next week.
Yes.
And next year.
I feel we need to get you out of here.
I feel we need to get you an assistant. Can I get the answer?
OK. Who's on there, by the way? There're two singers.
That's Melissa Etheridge and Shania Twain.
Very cool.
Shout out to them.
Alright, if you wanna vote for Crystal, call...
Or you can text the word "VOTE" to 5711.
Thank you very much, Crystal.
Appreciate it.
When we come back, 17-year-old Katie Stevens closes the show.
Hang on.
Welcome back to American Idol.
Just one more performance
tonight and it's coming from 17-year-old Katie Stevens.
Hi, I'm Katie Stevens.
And we're Katie's fans.
I'm 17 years old. I'm from Middlebury, Connecticut,
and I'm a high school student.
For 16, to be able to sing like that.
It's pretty amazing.
My most memorable moment was definitely the first audition.
When I came out with the golden ticket...
my family was all outside.
They were waving the Katie fans. They were jumping up and screaming.
It was just incredible.
When I was able to call my grandmother...
What did she say?
Crying and I'm now so happy.
Listen to her saying how much she was proud of me, it just
made me want to do this so much more and made me want to succeed.
My family's all behind me.
They're all supporting me.
Of course, I miss them. I wish they could be here with me,
but they'll be watching on TV.
Voting.
Hopefully.
Singing "Feeling Good"
from Michael Buble, here is Katie Stevens.
# birds flying high #
# you know how I feel #
# sun in the sky #
# you know how I feel #
# breeze driftin' on by #
# you know how I feel #
# it's a new dawn #
# it's a new day #
# it's a new life for me #
# and I'm feelin' good #
# I'm feelin' good #
# stars when they shine #
# you know how I feel #
# scent of the pine #
# you know how I feel #
# oh, freedom is mine #
# and I know how I feel #
# it's a new dawn #
# it's a new day #
# it's a new life #
# it's a new dawn #
# it's a new day #
# it's a new life #
# a new life for me #
# and I'm feeling #
# good #
I've got to say, I feel like it was... it was good.
It was great.
You have a great voice, a very powerful voice, but you're 17
and I felt like it was very conservative.
It wasn't... you know, and it's a serious song.
I mean it's a very intense song.
But I want to see you be 17.
I want to see you play and be current and be fresh and modern,
and I just felt it was a little,
you know, old for you.
But, I mean, that being said, you're great.
I just want you to be 17 and younger.
- Simon? - You know what, I absolutely totally agree with Ellen on that.
It was like your mom and dad had dressed you
and given you the song for this audition.
So it started to become annoying.
It's true.
It's just, you know, I've heard this kind of performance so many times.
And the point is, as Ellen said, you're 17 years old.
You've got a good voice.
You gotta become like a young recording artist.
Not somebody who's going to sing at your mom's birthday party.
That's the problem.
Everything... very pageanty.
I think if you killed the song, we wouldn't be saying that.
My problem here is, I think you couldn't hear yourself.
Cause I've never heard you be pitchy and you were kind of all over
the place and that's not like you.
But, you know, at the end of the day, you have a natural gift.
I mean, you have ridiculous chops.
And I hope that America gives you another shot because when
you go back to listen to this,
you're going to be like, wow, I was not in key.
You know, to pick up what Kara said, what it really
was specifically, you were pushing so hard, all the notes were going sharp.
They were a little higher above the note.
but listen, you've got a big voice.
I mean, I think you have great talent.
You remind me of, you know, a little bit of Jordin Sparks.
She had the big old voice at a young age. You've got the huge voice.
And they're all right.
It was just too old for you.
Young it up.
Be 17.
You can only be 17 once.
Do you think that's something you can embrace easily?
- Yeah, definitely. - Be current.
- Be young. - Definitely.
And I completely agree.
I know what they're saying.
Cool.
If you wanna vote for Katie...
If you were at&t, you can text the word "VOTE" to 5712.
Katie, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you very much.
The lines will open very soon,
but here are the numbers you gotta need one more time.
There you have it, the ladies.
Once again, thank you to the judges this evening.
And thank you, Ricky Minor and the band.
Good to see you guys as always.
Now, tomorrow night the guys take the spotlight and here is your lineup.
Todrick Hall, Tyler Grady, Aaron Kelly, John Park, Andrew Garcia,
Lee Dewyze, Joe Munoz, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, Casey James,
Alex Lambert, Jermaine Sellers.
That's all happening tomorrow night, 8/7 central.
Right now the lines are open.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
You're voting to keep your favorite girl in the running.
So every vote counts.
Be patient if you don't get through the first time.
Keep on trying.
Thanks for watching, guys.
Stay tuned for your local news. It's next. Byebye.