American Idol XIII: New Semifinal Twist, Not Everyone Will Compete
Credit: FOX
American Idol XIII kicks off live voting rounds this week, but not without controversy, if the new press release from the show's official Facebook page is to be believed.
In a brand new twist, not all of the Top 31 semifinalists will perform, as five male singers and five female singers will be cut. It will be up to the judges to decide which 10 of the 15 female semifinalists and which 10 of the 15 male semifinalists will compete on the performance shows.
The remaining finalists will then take the stage for what is being termed "Rush Week":
On Tuesday, Feb. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), we learn which guy – Neco Starr or Ben Briley – will get the final spot in the Top 30 (although, since five are being cut from both categories, it's pretty much just the Top 20). Also, Randy Jackson returns as in-house mentor, as the Top 10 girls will take the brand-new stage designed by award-winning designer Baz Halpin.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), the Top 10 guys will take the stage to compete for America's vote.
On Thursday, Feb. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 10 finalists -- five girls and five guys –- will be revealed, followed by the judges’ wildcard picks to round out 13 finalists in the first results show live from Los Angeles.
So yes, the show is rescinding the one thing about the show that even people who know nothing about American Idol know: once you're through to America's vote, you actually get to compete for America's vote. I just dread that they're going to draw out the eliminations by having the judges reveal, one-by-one during the performance show, which singers are going to get to compete. Basically, it'll turn a show that should be fun and exciting into two hours of long dread, as we get closer and closer to the end of the show and our favorite still hasn't been called to compete yet. And I imagine it'll be even worse for those whose favorites never get to compete. Of course, I would actually be somewhat fine with this if the twenty singers who get through compete for America's vote only, while the ten who are cut get to compete for the three wildcard spots. Then the Top 31 reveal wouldn't feel like such an exercise in futility. But this still feels like a gauche, unnecessarily cruel twist (like The Cruelty Bus) meant to maximize tears and minimize compelling drama.
Anyway, now would be as good a time as any to speculate on which five singers from each category will be cut. Which singers do you think will lose the chance to compete for America's vote? Check out the list of the Top 31 contestants below and then add your predictions in the comments:
Top 31
Guys: Spencer Lloyd, George Lovett, Sam Woolf, Maurice Townsend, Dexter Roberts, Emmanuel Zidor, Jordan Brisbane, Malcolm Allen, Alex Preston, Casey Thrasher, CJ Harris, Caleb Johnson, Ethan Harris, Briston Maroney, and either Neco Starr or Ben Briley.
Girls: Emily Piriz, Jillian Jensen, Malaya Watson, Bria Anai, Jessica Meuse, M.K. Nobilette, Kristen O'Connor, Andrina Brogden, Marrialle Sellars, Jena Asciutto, Majesty Rose York, Brandy Neelly, Briana Oakley, Kenzie Hall and Austin Wolfe.
Nick's Predix for Elimination: Jordan Brisbane, Ethan Harris, Briston Maroney, George Lovett, and Caleb Johnson for the Guys; Emily Piriz, Andrina Brogden, Kristen O'Connor, and (ugh, just shoot me now if this is the case) Jillian Jensen and Malaya Watson.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments!