Once again, American Idol decided to stick with the oldies. After last week’s Lennon-McCarthy week, I was ready for some hits from the past decade. Sadly, another trip down memory lane in the 60s and 70s was in store. At least this week, the contestants rose to the occasion with their Motown covers. A couple turned in some phenomenal performances. Even Lazaro didn’t sound that bad. Well, on his solo he didn’t. With his group performance, that was a whole different story. The daggers both Burnell and Devin threw him when Lazaro screwed up were priceless.

Speaking of that horrendous trio, Nicki wasn’t holding back tonight. Girl was ruthless with her critiques. When she told the boys she felt like it was Hollywood, I had no idea where she was going. I thought it had to do with star power or giving her a warm feeling. Then she explained that it felt like the group round and that they should leave the stage after the abysmal performance. A little harsh, but bang on. No excuses for forgetting words, especially at this stage of the game.

Meanwhile over in MiMi-land, Carey was busy trying to make #pow a thing (it’s never going to happen) and was constantly on her phone whenever the camera panned to her. Sure Nicki was late one week, but when she’s there, she’s giving her undivided attention. At least Minaj tweets during the commercial breaks. Without further ado, let’s get to this week’s performances and rankings.

check out the performances and my rankings after the jump

Apologies for the late American Idol recap. A little too much fun last night. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m sure by now you already know who was booted last night. So, I’ll just quickly discuss a few points from last night’s results show.

It’s official. For the first time since Season 6, there won’t be a cute white guy winner. Halleloo. No disrespect to Paul Jolley, but I’m glad he was eliminated. For a hot second there, I was worried that my girl Amber Holcomb was leaving. I had a feeling she was going to be in the bottom after singing that obscure Lennon-McCartney song. That’s why I gave her all my 50 votes. How she was in the Bottom 3 and not Lazaro Arbos is beyond me. He’s definitely this year’s Sanjaya. I’m curious to know where exactly he placed. Damn you Nigel for revealing rankings one week and not the other. Though I will say, it does create an air of mystery. Check out all the clips below from last night with my thoughts.

watch all the clips after the jump

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post discussing 10 Songs I Never Want To Hear On American Idol Again. Can I amend that and please add the entire Lennon-McCartny songbook to that. I know it was a coup for the FOX show to snag it a few seasons ago, but it’s time to stop picking it as a theme week. I don’t care how much they paid for it. When half of the contestants have never heard of the songs they’re singing, how can you expect them to deliver show-stopping performances. Way to prove you’re still relevant, Nigel Lythgoe.

Before American Idol Season 12′s Top 9 performed, a little bit of business needed to be taken care of. During last week’s results show, a sing-off between Aubrey Cleland and Charlie Askew took place for a spot on the American Idol Tour this summer. I was rooting for Aubrey, but feared that Charlie would snag it due to all the teen girls and grandparents voting. Surprisingly (and rightfully so), Aubrey won. Congrats to her. I guess it’s something and a nice consolation prize, but I’m sure she’d rather still be in the hunt for the Season 12 title. I know, I would. Onto this week’s performances…

check out the performances and my rankings after the jump

For an hour-long results show, tonight’s American Idol episode was pretty jam packed. Not that I’m saying there wasn’t filler, because there was. For the most part though, I enjoyed all of it, especially the Jimmy Iovine recap. Some feel this part is unnecessary, but I look forward to his insights. He should really be the fourth judge instead of Randy Jackson. Make it happen for Season 13 Nigel… make it happen.

On deck tonight to perform were Bon Jovi and Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. Is it me, or has Phillips gotten cuter since last year? Perhaps, I’m just deprived of any eye candy this season. It wouldn’t be an elimination show without a group number from the contestants. They were pimped out to perform “Shine Your Way” from the upcoming animated film The Croods.

This season, Ryan Seacrest delivered the results a bit differently. Taking a page from The X Factor, the show revealed how all the singers placed with exception to the Top 3. Nigel Lythgoe decided to keep how the Top 3 placed a mystery. Wise move. As promised, Lythgoe revealed some geographic voting results. For instance, Devin Velez was tops in Puerto Rico, while Candice Glover dominated in her home state of South Carolina with 42% of the vote. Fierce. Find out how everyone placed below.

check out the voting results after the jump

Overall, American Idol Season 12′s Top 10 made a solid debut. There were a couple of outstanding performances and only one I would label a trainwreck. We’ve been hearing it all season long, but the girls definitely proved tonight that they’re way stronger than the boys. At this point, I wouldn’t mind if the Final Four were all ladies. Problem is, I just can’t figure out which one I love the most. With exception to Janelle, the other four are just too close to call.

Before we get to the performances, how hilarious was it that Nicki Minaj was stuck in Los Angeles traffic as the show began? In twelve seasons, I can’t believe this hasn’t happened before. When Ryan jokingly asked which judge gave Minaj the wrong time or tampered with her vehicle, Mariah stayed silent. #priceless.

Eventually, the “Super Bass” rapper made it but looked a bit disheveled. She sported dark sunglasses and a hoodie when she first appeared. I wonder if she received a scolding from Nigel regarding her tardiness. Without further ado, check out the performances below, along with my rankings and who I predict will be leaving tomorrow.

check out the performances and my rankings after the jump

Tonight, the final stretch to crown the winner of American Idol Season 12 begins. It’s time for the Top 10 to show America why they belong in the competition. I have to say, when I first heard there wasn’t going to be a Top 12 or 13 this year, I was a little wary. After seeing how it all went down, I’m happy with the new process. With all the massive cuts, it’s been entertaining to watch. Don’t you agree?

With having seen three performances in front of a live audience from everyone, I feel comfortable ranking the contestants based on their talent and potential. I just hope everyone lets loose like they did during their victory songs. Without the judges’ comments or America’s vote on their minds, for the most part, everyone delivered their best showing yet. Plus, there weren’t so many ballads.

I’ve ranked all of Season 12′s Top 10 below based on what we’ve seen so far. The rankings don’t necessarily coincide with how I think each week will go down. For instance, Candice Glover ranks quite high on my rankings, but falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to my boot order prediction. As talented as she is, I see her becoming the shocking elimination of the season. Check out how I ranked everyone below and which order I think everyone will leave the competition.

find out my ranking after the jump

Sometimes you really do have to lose to win. Preach sister!!! Fantasia is back with a hot new single and she’s taking a page out of the Taylor Swift playbook. The American Idol Season 3 winner’s “Lose To Win” contains lyrical content about the controversy surrounding her relationship with Antwaun Cook. If delving into her personal life produces gems like her latest, then I say go with it. “Lose To Win” might be my favorite offering from her… EVER.

The R&B mid-tempo track is the lead single from her forthcoming fourth studio album, The Side Effects of You. If the beat sounds familiar, it’s because it samples the Commodores’ 1985 hit, “Nightshift.” Loved that she went old school for inspiration. For the accompanying visual, the 28-year-old singer shows her acting chops. IMHO, it’s the best she’s ever looked. The 1920s flapper look really works for her. The impeccable styling extends beyond Fantasia. The set and overall concept for the music video is top notch. Check it out below. I love that true R&B is making a comeback.

check out the music video after the jump

After last week’s eliminations, many referred to this group of boys as one of the worst in American Idol history. I think that title might’ve been a bit premature. While not the best ever, the boys came out swinging and gave the girls a run for their money. I can honestly say there wasn’t a Zoannette Johnson-like hot mess in the bunch. No one was really embarrassing. That said, I still think a girl is going to take it this year. Fingers crossed. Check out how I ranked the boys’ performances below.

American Idol 12 Top 10 Boys Ranked

10. Charlie Askew

Song: Mama
Original Artist: Genesis

Keeping it real. This wasn’t as bad as the judges said. Keith Urban called it disingenuous, Randy labeled it terrible and Mariah said it was an earful. Even his new look with the peach fuzz, earring and tank top didn’t bother me too much. That said, Charlie is not emotionally strong enough to keep going. That emo breakdown of his after the critiques was awkward to watch. This kid certainly has some deep personal struggles. I hope he has a strong support system to keep him out of any harm.

check out the performances and my rankings after the jump