One of my favorites so far, Micah Johnson, won't make it to the Top 20 guys ...
But Lazaro Arbos has a shot at the Top 20, which will be announced next week during the girls' Hollywood Round.
Well, hmm and stuff -- seems we didn't find out which guys made it in the Top 20 after all on Thursday night's "Idol."
After the solos and some surprising eliminations, the guys that made it through Hollywood Week thus far were all called back onstage -- 28 of them, apparently, as it was announced eight would be cut before a Top 20 is announced next week. Lord ... They had to go and shoot J.R. all those years ago, and EVERYBODY and their mama wants a cliffhanger now ...
But that wasn't as much of a surprise as Micah Johnson, one of my favorites, who didn't make the cut. Not that I'm a vocal guru or anything, but he was undeservedly let go. Yeah, it was an odd song choice (Randy Travis' "I Told You So"), but he did a better job than some other guys who've been let through.
"(I'm) still living, still have a job," he said. "... There's always next year." Total class, Micah.
The other surprise was how bitchy Nicki Minaj seemed tonight -- or, at least, that's what I thought at first. Was she being harsh or just flat-out honest? And what's wrong with the latter?
Paul Jolley -- Mr. Jolley, as I've been calling him -- came out at the top of the show, obviously showing some fraying around the edges emotionally.
"Think it's because all the pressure is compounded now?" Ryan Seacrest asked. Brilliant observation, Ry-Ry.
He sang "Blown Away" and did a fabulous job -- after which Nicki called him out on his earlier crying jag and, pardon my paraphrase, told him to grow the freak up. Still, they sent him on through.
Didn't get to hear much of Lazaro Arbos' "The Edge of Glory," but he made it through. So did Curtis Finch Jr., who sang Christini Perri's "Jar of Hearts" -- along with at least two other people throughout the night's episode. Beautiful song, but once is enough for my ears, and I'm not even judging.
Gurpreet "The Turbanator" made it through, too, with a rendition of "Georgia On My Mind." Cortez, who auditioned in OKC, also made it through.
But one of my favorites, Matheus Fernandes, did not. His version of "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson was obviously not up to par with other stuff he sang, and he kinda blamed singing with a live band. Felt bad for the guy, but maybe we'll see him in 2014.
Poor "Big Nick," who sang "Locked Out of Heaven," didn't make it, nor did Papa Peaches.
"Remember what I told you yesterday," Nicki began, addressing Mr. Peaches. "... You are too complacent ... That flame has completely burned out." Umm ... Ouch.
"Still love you," she added -- because that's a helpful verbal Band-Aid and all. (But she's right -- the song choice, Lady Gaga's "You and I," didn't deliver.)
Jimmy Smith's "Landslide" sounded good and rightfully pulled him through.
Nick Boddington took a risk singing "Stars" while playing keyboard, and it paid off. The judges also liked Charlie Askew's "Somebody That I Used to Know" (even though I still liked Micah better).
"Today, you became an artist in my eyes," Nicki told him, commenting on that "quirky thing" he exudes. The shoes helped, I reckon.
Unfortunately, it was buh-bye for Nate, who auditioned in Oklahoma City. Ditto for Gabe and Sanni, too.
So who do you think will make it into the Top 20 next week?
Peace, love and "there's always next year" ... XOXO
