The Tribune

By LESH


Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AHEAD OF last week’s American Idol, judge Nicki Minaj tweeted that viewers should look forward to a “surprising twist” on the results show. The show started like every other, with the top four finalist gathered on stage with host Ryan Seacrest to learn who would be sent home. For the remaining contestants, it was a relief to learn everyone was staying put.

When Janelle Arthur was up for elimination from the Top 5, the judges could not reach a unanimous decision about using their “save card”. Janelle went home and the save card expired. American Idol rules stipulate the save card can only be used up to the Top 5. Since the save card was introduced in season 8, the judges prolonged the life of former contestants Matt Giraud, Michael Lynche, Casey Abrams and Jessica Sanchez. None of the contestants this season were so lucky.

In a shocking twist however, producers of the show held a non-elimination week to ensure the show did not end prematurely before its scheduled May 16 grand finale.

“It was weird watching an elimination show, with no elimination. I didn’t know what exactly the shenanigan was going to be last week, but I did expect something. But my hat goes off to all of the ladies that were given another chance to go one step farther in the competition. I pray that God continues to bless them all,” said Shantell Fernander, a local viewer. 
Tamika Thompson said: “This is crazy and I have a crazy feeling that there was a contestant that received the lowest votes, and the judges did not want that particular contestant to go home, if you know what I mean. I feel like that was their save there, but they did not directly come out and say so. It may have been Amber that was going home and as we saw last week, they kept praising her for her performances.”

Last week, contestants Angela Miller and Kree Harrison were in the top two spots, and Candice Glover along with Amber Holcomb landed in the bottom two. The heavy anticipation was lifted off their shoulders after Ryan told the women the good news that everyone was safe for another week.

However, the voting did not go in vain. All votes received last week will be added to this week’s results, and the contestant receiving the lowest votes will be sent home, without a doubt.
Idol fans are sticking to their favourites. Carline Sands said: “There are four talented girls that are still there, but only one of them will win. And I am in between Amber and Angie. Anyone of them can win and I will be satisfied. I like Candice, but I agree with the judges last week when they told her she is becoming too complacent in the competition. I need to see more action from her.”

More highlights from the show included an appearance by Rapper Drake. Candice, who had chosen to sing a Drake song the night before the results show, told the judges that she’s a fan of the rapper. Ryan called Candice on stage to tell her Drake had left an audio message for her, and before you know it, the stage doors opened from behind and he was seen walking towards Candice, surprising her.
This week, watch the top four return to the Idol stage to sing another round of two songs each, under the theme “Now and Then”.