Reality Check - New 'Idol' Contenders Rise, Former Contenders Fall - Video

TVLine.com's Michael Slezak returns with American Idol Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle for an all-new Reality Check, dissecting the week in reality singing competitions!

Michael and Melinda discuss a surprising week for American Idol XIII, as new frontrunners present themselves during Top 11 performance week! In addition, the hosts discuss Dexter Roberts's divisive cover of "Sweet Home Alabama," Sam Woolf's peculiar version of "Come Together," the question of whether we got the right bottom three this week, who needed the bottom three wake-up call, and further talks of Randy Jackson's terrible mentoring (and the continuing shade Harry throws at the good Mr. Jackson). Also, Michael and Melinda discuss their favorite auditions from the final week of The Voice Blind Auditions for Season 6. You can check out the full video below via TVLine:

Credit: TVLine

Thoughts

I agree that Dexter is in a bit of a tough spot. Change up a song choice too much, and his fanbase will rebel. But sing songs straight without changing a thing, and you won't win any new converts. With that said, he really shouldn't have done "Sweet Home Alabama" at all. It's just too iconic a song. Do it well, and it's an okay karaoke cover. Do it poorly, and you've butchered a classic. You're damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Another note: if we're gonna get on Jena for sticking behind the piano, we need to get on Alex's ass for sticking behind the guitar, because we're at the point where I just can't imagine a scenario whereby he leaves it backstage. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer these people be allowed to be the kind of artists they'll be once the show is over. And if that means Jena stays behind the piano and Alex stays behind the guitar, so be it. But I don't think anyone should be harping on one without also harping on the other.

What do you think about the video? Are Michael and Melinda spot on? Or have they missed the mark? Sound off in the comments!