AI 10 3-24-11 And Now there are 11?

The results show tonight was one of the most interesting and exciting in a very long time and while the cheese factor was strong it was a great night of television. This is AMERICAN IDOL!

Cue the introductory video montage of the prior night’s performances with the ending notice to “EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!”

I let it slide hoping the producers would stop on their own but the announcer to announce the host and judges must go and go now!

There were 30 million votes cast after yesterday’s program and teases us that the results will “shock us!”

The top 11 take the stage in formal black and white attire – what was up with that? Are we going to the prom or something?

I guess the Anthony-Lopez home is not taking in enough cash because there is Marc Anthony helping the contestants advising them on how to perform in front of a crowd. The best part of this was his critique of the judges – now that was funny!

The group number began with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” which was better than last week, although the entire group was bordering on screaming versus singing. This transitioned to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” with Stevie Wonder singing the lead which was most excellent.

Next up was a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Steven Tyler with cake thrown in. Mr. Tyler’s birthday is actually Saturday.

Time for the Ford music video commercial or as I refer to them - how Fox makes a killing. The music video itself was boring and uninspired.

Time to fill those uncomfortable bottom three seats as Lauren, Pia and Scotty come center stage and all three are safe.

Our first musical group is Sugarland performing “Stuck like Glue.” Considering the horrible performance from last week’s guest this was good although I do not like the song. Exactly how many times can we repeat “stuck like glue” before it becomes repetitive?

Cue video montage letting us know that James is a wresting fan and Ronald is just shaking his head as this was just cheesy filler. James and Paul are called forward and I was just praying Paul was heading to the bottom three as Ryan tells them both they are not safe tonight and I mean you really are not safe as the walls part and there is Hulk Hogan in all his glory. Hulk Hogan – really? Hulk tells both of the guys they are safe and then tells Ryan he is not safe and throws him a punch where he goes flying to the audience. I realize this is fake but I enjoyed seeing Ryan being hit!

Jacob, Thia and Stefano are the next ones heading center stage to learn their fate. Jacob is safe while the other two are heading to the uncomfortable chairs.

Now the final three Naima, Haley, and Casey come center stage. Ryan tells Naima she is safe and then provides the shocker of the night in that Haley is safe over Casey. America you are freaking nuts!

Jennifer Hudson hits to stage and sings her first single from her new album – “Where You At”. I like her new album but this song is not one of my favorites although she sang the hell out of it. Did anyone else notice that third season alumni George Huff was singing backup for Jennifer?

It is now time to get to the reason we are all here. Ryan is going to send someone back to safety and it is Thia. OMG, this is ridiculous and it got even more ridiculous when Stefano is safe leaving Casey with the least number of votes. This is just totally nuts especially looking at the performances from the prior evening. The camera panned to Randy when the news was announced and Randy’s reaction was priceless when his mouth falls open.

Time for Casey to sing for the judge’s save and he chooses to go with “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” Casey starts to sing when Randy interrupts Casey and tells him he does not need to sing, because “we know who you are.” Steve tells Casey, “We have made the decision to keep you on.” Wow the judges used their save so soon but Ronald is very happy about that decision.

Poor Casey was just plain stunned about the whole turn of events and I do not think he believed the judges. This was great emotional television happening live. Given his ulcers, I am not sure all that suspense is good for him; let us hope he does not end up back at the hospital. When it finally sunk in that he was safe, the joy on Casey’s face was truly inspiring, very surreal.

Steven asks Casey to listen to Jennifer. Jennifer explains, “That he needs to get back to being the musician he is.” Randy tells him he does not have to growl.

Ryan then tells everyone that the producers have decided this year there will be a top 11 touring and not just 10 but reminds everyone that next week two contestants will go home!

Wow Ronald is exhausted after tonight’s results show.

Until next week…