On a week where the theme was "Home," another singer was sent packing as the Top 11 was revealed on Thursday night's elimination episode of American Idol.
Before host Ryan Seacrest began calling the contestants over one-by-one to announce their fates, the show had a group therapy session, as the contestants pondered whether or not the judges -- Harry Connick Jr. in particular -- were being too harsh. Randy Jackson accused the New Orleans crooner of having "indigestion," and even New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joined the intervention, telling Connick to calm down.
"I was not hired as a mentor... I was hired as a judge," said Connick in his defense, adding that he has a short amount of time to give information to help each Idol "grow."
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"I think this is the best group of talent since the first year," he said. (Really, Harry? Better than Season Eight, Season Five, Season Four?) "But I didn't see it last night."
Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips (now that was a good season, too, come to think of it, Harry) dropped in to debut his new single, "Raging Fire," and give the audience a sneak peek into his recording process. Irish band Kodaline debuted on the Idol stage with their emotional anthem, "All I Want.
Jackson's mentoring advice was sprinkled throughout the evening, which included some cute taped bits from the judges talking about things that reminded them of home: "When the Saints Go Marching In," for Connick, Jennifer Lopez sweetly singing "Saturday in the Park" by Chicago, and Keith Urban talking about his first "band" when he was a tot: "Rock Fever."
After the nationwide super vote, Seacrest called Emily Piriz, Jena Irene, and M.K. Nobilette (with her second straight trip to the stools) to the bottom three. Seacrest sent Irene and Nobilette to safety, leaving Florida's Piriz to sing for her life with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals "Stars" one night after Urban guaranteed the teen she would be around to sing another week.
Despite her best effort, Connick delivered the bad news that the judges elected not to use the save, a decision an emotional Lopez asserted was "not unanimous."
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Next week's theme will be "songs from the cinema."
What did you think of last night's results? Oh, and what was your favorite season of American Idol?
Twitter: @MicheleAmabile, @Idol_Worship
