Tag Archives: stage

James Durbin Rocks Out to Bon Jovi

Following a cover of a Paul McCartney classic , James Durbin returned to his rock roots last night. The American Idol finalist made the girls in attendance scream with a version of Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There for You,” roaming the stage while singing, shaking hands with audience members, making like a true star. J. Lo says she loves it and tells James he’s “great,” while Randy warns of pitch problems but acknowledges that Durbin makes every song his own. Check it out and judge for yourself now: James Durbin – I’ll Be There for You

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James Durbin Rocks Out to Bon Jovi

Lil Wayne Kicks Off I Am Music II Tour In Rhode Island

Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker and Rick Ross join Weezy, who tells the crowd that performing post-prison is ‘better than I could have imagined.’ By Jayson Rodriguez Lil Wayne performs at his I Am Music II tour in Providence, Rhode Island on March 17, 2011 Photo: Taylor Hill/ Getty Images PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — Lil Wayne returned to the stage as a headliner for the first time in more than a year on Wednesday night (March 16), and the superstar MC let the Rhode Island concertgoers know just how grateful he was to be kicking off his I Am Music II Tour in their town. “I swear to God, I was in a place a few months ago, I couldn’t imagine this sh–,” Wayne told the sold-out crowd, referring to his time behind bars . “But now that I’m here, it’s better than I could have imagined.” To say the feeling was mutual would be an understatement. The New England crowd cheered Weezy’s every move, from his otherworldly rhyming to the array of guests he invited onstage, including Young Money members Shanell, Jae Millz, Mack Maine and Lil Twist. Sporting a white V-neck tee, jeans, bright Vans and a fitted cap and shades, Wayne looked trimmer than he did upon his release from prison in November. His dreadlocks appeared longer, and the rapper was lucid. As a result of an Arizona case, Wayne is forbidden from drinking alcohol or partaking in any activities involving drugs. The added clarity served him well. He was agile throughout his verses on “A Milli.” “He’s a beast, he’s a dog, he’s a motherf—ing problem,” he rapped. “OK, you’re a goon, but what’s a goon to a goblin?/ Nothing, nothing, you ain’t scaring nothing/ On some f—ing bullshit, call him Dennis Rodman.” After running through “Look At Me Now,” “I’m Going In” and “Got Money,” Wayne revisited his standout mixtape, No Ceilings, before ceding the stage to Nicki Minaj. The Young Money empress was ready for combat. She entered to a blistering scene of “Gladiator” playing on the enormous LCD screen behind the stage. An unknown person in a monk’s outfit walked to the front of the stage followed by Nicki’s barbies in their pink bobs. Rising through a propelled entrance underneath the stage, the Pink Friday star rocketed onto the stage to “Roman’s Revenge.” Sporting a white-and-pink body-hugging one-piece suit and a Bride of Frankenstein-like wig, Nicki was flamboyant in her “Roman” persona. She took a football onstage and ran through a cadre of her dancers –clad in helmets, while Nicki wore shoulder pads — en route to a touchdown and spike. The “Moment 4 Life” star was also flirtatious. She invited a man onstage with her (after another one tried to rush the stage before security escorted him off) for a lap dance. “There’s three rules,” she told the lucky participant. “Keep your legs open, hands behind your back and keep your mouth shut.” Then, as Sean Kingston’s “Letting Go,” featuring the Queens lyricist, boomed on the speakers, she teased her guest with a dutty-whine thrust. Wayne returned to the stage after 30 minutes, and after a brief Rebirth set, the benevolent CEO invited Lil Twist out for their new collaboration “Love Affair.” Mack Maine, Jae Millz and Nicki joined the boss for “Bed Rock.” Young Money’s latest signee, Cory Gunz, proved to be the most energetic of the crew when the Bronx upstart arrived next for a frenetic rendition of “6 Foot 7 Foot.” Rick Ross and Travis Barker rounded out the bill. The Blink-182 drummer was joined by Beastie Boys DJ Mixmaster Mike for a heart-racing set. Barker performed his set inside an oversize Ghetto Blaster radio as he pounded on the brass for the title track of his solo debut, Can a Drummer Get Some. Miami Don Rick Ross was as breezy as a Florida sunset. His 30 minutes included his breakout hits “Hustlin’ ” and “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast).” “I need a moment of silence,” Ross told the audience. “Life is a beautiful thing. There’s nothing more beautiful than life.” Wayne was just as effusive about his circumstances toward the end of the show. “Make some noise for Tupac,” he announced. “Make some noise for Biggie. Make some noise for my n—a Nate Dogg . Make some noise for Michael Jackson, y’all. “All the people I named taught me one thing,” Wayne added. “And that’s how to hustle.” Will you check out Wayne’s I Am Music II Tour? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Lil Wayne Returns To Glory With I Am Music II Tour Related Artists Lil Wayne Nicki Minaj Travis Barker Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)

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Lil Wayne Kicks Off I Am Music II Tour In Rhode Island

Ashthon Jones Says She Couldn’t Shake ‘Diva’ Label On ‘American Idol’

‘America didn’t think that,’ latest castoff tells MTV News of Jennifer Lopez calling her the ‘D’ word. By Jim Cantiello Ashthon Jones Photo: MTV News If there’s one thing Ashthon Jones learned from her brief-but-memorable journey on “American Idol,” it’s that America does not take kindly to the word “diva.” “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez called Ashthon the “D” word while raving about her semifinal performance, Monica’s “Love All Over Me,” but the Nashville native quickly realized that the term carries some negative connotations. “When J.Lo said it, I understood what she was talking about. You know how Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Whitney were divas but they were divas in a positive way? They were sweet and humble backstage, but when they got on the stage, they [showed] the world that they could do it,” Jones told MTV News on Monday (March 14). “America didn’t think that,” she laughed before sassily snapping her fingers. ” ‘Diva! Diva alert! … She thinks she’s all that!’ I was like, ‘Noooo!’ Nobody ever got to know the real me.” Ironically, Ashthon first made an impression on “Idol” for being anything but a diva. Jones lent her support to Hollywood Week group member Ashley Sullivan, who cracked under the pressure and threatened to walk off the show. In fact, Jones’ patience and positivity in Hollywood was in sharp contrast to other “Idol” singers’ backstabbing and whining. “That’s how we were. We prayed together. We grabbed each other, ‘Come on let’s pray.’ I’m a firm believer of spirituality and faith, and that’s how I live my life,” she said. Apparently, “Idol” fans have a very short memory. Jones acknowledges that picking a lesser-known Diana Ross song didn’t do her any favors, but she suggested the diva label may have been the big thing that kept viewers from getting to know the real Ashthon Jones With a Silent H (which might as well stand for “humble”). “When I get on the stage, I have to ask God for confidence,” she admitted. “You can’t be timid on ‘American Idol,’ because you’re gonna go home. I went home, but I went home top 13,” she said, proud of her accomplishments. Jones is champing at the bit to put more music out and hopes the connections made on “Idol” won’t go to waste. “Oh my goodness, if [Jimmy Iovine’s producers] call me? I can’t wait to see who I’m going to work with. I don’t know what the opportunities are, but I have a good feeling in my spirit that something’s gonna happen. This can’t be it.” Catch more of Ashthon’s interview with MTV News “American Idol” expert Jim Cantiello on “Idol Party Live,” following Thursday’s results show on MTV.com! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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Ashthon Jones Says She Couldn’t Shake ‘Diva’ Label On ‘American Idol’

Diddy-Dirty Money, Skylar Grey Bring ‘Coming Home’ To ‘American Idol’

Diddy also gives some advice to the singers: ‘Never give up believing in your dreams.’ By Alvin Blanco Diddy-Dirty Money (file) Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Sean “Diddy” Combs always feels at home on a stage. During Thursday night’s (March 10) “American Idol” results show, Diddy-Dirty Money and singer/songwriter Skylar Grey performed a rousing rendition of “Coming Home.” After an introduction by “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, Grey started the performance seated at a piano, sweetly singing the song’s opening refrain. Diddy was then seen center stage, delivering his lyrics in a hushed-but-dramatic tone to loud cheers from the crowd. Dirty Money vocalists Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper stood atop elevated platforms, flanking Diddy while singing. Photos of Diddy with his children and snapshots from various periods throughout his career flashed across screens behind the Bad Boy Records CEO while he delivered his autobiographical verses. Some brief dance moves from Diddy during the song’s chorus drew more cheers from spectators. The performance closed with Diddy-Dirty Money standing toward the front of the stage and pyrotechnic effects flashing behind them. After rocking the stage, and at Seacrest’s behest, Diddy walked over to the “Idol” contestants and gave them some advice. “You get out of life what you put into it,” Diddy said. “You have to keep on practicing, keep on rehearsing. Never give up believing in your dreams. You guys have made it this far. Keep God first in your life, and don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.” Diddy then quickly jumped into promo mode, reminding the audience that in April, Diddy-Dirty Money will be embarking on the Coming Home Tour , in support of Last Train to Paris, through May. Skylar Grey’s last nationally televised performance was at the Grammy Awards, where she performed “I Need a Doctor” alongside Dr. Dre and Eminem . Skylar Grey co-wrote the Alex Da Kid produced “Coming Home,” Last Train to Paris ‘ fourth single. Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances Related Artists Diddy-Dirty Money

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Diddy-Dirty Money, Skylar Grey Bring ‘Coming Home’ To ‘American Idol’

Mike Huckabee on Natalie Portman Slam: Read My Book!

Yes, Mike Huckabee said he was “troubled” by Natalie Portman’s pregnancy this week. And, yes, he accused the Oscar winner of boasting about her unmarried, expecting state ; and, yes, he said the actress is setting a “distorted image” for girls across the country. But the likely 2012 Presidential nominee has an explanation for these seemingly random, misguided allegations: it’s the fault of the damn mainstream media! How dare Natalie Portman glamorize pregnancy by… being pregnant! “These people should read my book and they would know what I said instead of what some left-wing partisans are attempting to put forth,” the politician said in a statement.

Adam Lambert to Release New Single, Perform on American Idol

Adam Lambert is heading back to the stage that made him famous. On March 10, the former finalist will introduce viewers to “Aftermath,” a new single that will be released immediately after Lambert performs it on the Fox smash. Fans will be able to download it on Adam’s official website, with proceeds from the sales going to The Trevor Project. Why? Tweets the rocker: “In order to fully benefit the Trevor Project, the remix will only be available on my site. Will be on iTunes eventually. :)” Adam Lambert – Aftermath (Acoustic) Are you excited for Adam to return to Idol?

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Adam Lambert to Release New Single, Perform on American Idol

Who Will Win Season 10 of American Idol?

The selections have been made. The live performances will soon begin. And American Idol is about to kick into high, intense gear. But before the newly-announced finalists take the stage next week, let’s consider what we’ve seen so far. Are you a fan of Jacob Lusk and his soulful performances? Did you stand and cheer along with the judges for Pia Toscano ? Or are you on Team Thia Megia ? Perhaps James Durbin rocked your world, and maybe you loved how Karen Rodriguez paid homage to her heritage. Below, we’ve listed the early favorites and we want to know one thing: who do you think will win?

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Who Will Win Season 10 of American Idol?

‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In

All agree that Stefano Langone deserved his second chance, but some think Kendra Chantelle was robbed. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” contestant Brett Loewenstern Photo: FOX Hearts were broken, some dreams were dashed and others were realized while a trio of singers was saved from the pop-culture trash heap on Thursday night during the two-hour “American Idol” results show . We reached out to some of our favorite “Idol”izers to get their take on the action on the elimination extravaganza, and while they all had their complaints about who did and didn’t make the cut, the one thing they could all agree on was that Stefano Langone absolutely killed it when the chips were down. Entertainment Weekly critic Annie Barrett said that for the most part, the top 13 was dead-on. “Everyone who we knew in our hearts should be in the top 10 was voted in,” she said of such finalists as Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Paul McDonald and Pia Toscano. “The one surprise was that Haley Reinhart was voted into the top 10 by America,” she said of the singer who did a competent but unimpressive take on “Fallin’ ” by Alicia Keys this week. “I don’t think she would have gotten a judges’ wild card.” Barrett was firmly behind the decision to give Langone a second chance and said he killed it during his take on Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now,” which she said was full of feeling and emotion. As for the other wild-card winners, Barrett said Naima Adedapo did a nice job after choosing the wrong song on Wednesday night and proved she deserved to be on the show, but she wasn’t feeling Ashthon Jones. “I didn’t think she was good last night,” said Barrett of Jones’ just-OK attempt at the “Dreamgirls” number “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” “I’m surprised, but not surprised they wanted her because of who she is and what she looks like,” said Barrett. “She has that diva attitude and she’s a good character, so it’s good casting.” MTV’s resident “Idol” expert, Jim Cantiello, for one, was pissed at America and the judges for not giving Bette Midler-esque Lauren Turner another chance. “I’m livid with the judges for not letting her sing for a wild-card spot,” said Cantiello of the sassy former housecleaner. “Other than that, I’m not mad at the results, a far cry from last season’s semi-final bloodbath. Brett [Loewenstern] and Rachel [Zevita] were fun distractions, Robbie [Rosen] and Kendra [Chantelle’s] attempts at nuance went over the collective head of the voters, and Tim [Halperin] and Julie [Zorrilla] were both contestants who wilted without instruments.” For Cantiello, and for everyone, really, the night’s highlight was wild card Langone’s game-changing “I Need You Now,” which he said blew him away. “By the end of the two hours, America (and the judges) had selected a diverse, solid top 13 that should have us all glued to our TVs for the rest of the season. We have belters, young countrified whippersnappers, two sassy divas (one male, one female), a sex kitten, an exotic flower, a hair-metal throwback, and however you’d categorize Paul McDonald and Casey Abrams.” TVLine.com “Idol” recapper Michael Slezak, was adamant about one thing: Chantelle was robbed, robbed, he tells you! “Call 911, that was a felony!” he said of Chantelle’s failure to earn a wild-card berth despite what he called her show-stopping performance of “Georgia on My Mind” during her second-chance slot on Thursday’s show. “There’s no way you can tell me [after that performance] that the judges didn’t have minds made up of who was going into the top 13. I think those six performances we saw were a bit of ‘Idol’ theater more than them making their decisions.” Slezak also had high praise for Langone’s slam-dunk effort, saying the judges had already declared how much they liked him on Tuesday, even if America didn’t seem ready to commit. He thought the top 13 was solid and has him excited in a way last season’s finalists didn’t, mostly because there are no clear front-runners amid a talented group of vocalists who all have different, interesting strengths. “Last year, Crystal, Lee and Big Mike had already emerged at this point as ones to watch,” he said. “But while some of this year’s contestants have gotten more airtime, there are seven or eight [contestants] with a legitimate chance to take home the top prize.” Among his picks to watch are Toscano , whose story we haven’t really heard yet and who clearly was saving something in the tank considering her wow-worthy final slot on . He also likes McDonald’s “young Bradley Cooper-meets Mumford & Sons” look and style, though he worries the smiling singer’s quirky nature could doom him to “Idol” also-ran status. “I’m hoping Stefano remembers that feeling every time he takes the stage,” Slezak said of Langone’s go-for-broke emotional performance in the wild-card round. “It would behoove the other contestants to play that every time they take the stage to remind them that it’s do-or-die each time.” Do you agree with our experts on the top 13? Let us know in the comments below! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘Idol Party Live’ With MTV News’ Jim Cantiello Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In

‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In

All agree that Stefano Langone deserved his second chance, but some think Kendra Chantelle was robbed. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” contestant Brett Loewenstern Photo: FOX Hearts were broken, some dreams were dashed and others were realized while a trio of singers was saved from the pop-culture trash heap on Thursday night during the two-hour “American Idol” results show . We reached out to some of our favorite “Idol”izers to get their take on the action on the elimination extravaganza, and while they all had their complaints about who did and didn’t make the cut, the one thing they could all agree on was that Stefano Langone absolutely killed it when the chips were down. Entertainment Weekly critic Annie Barrett said that for the most part, the top 13 was dead-on. “Everyone who we knew in our hearts should be in the top 10 was voted in,” she said of such finalists as Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Paul McDonald and Pia Toscano. “The one surprise was that Haley Reinhart was voted into the top 10 by America,” she said of the singer who did a competent but unimpressive take on “Fallin’ ” by Alicia Keys this week. “I don’t think she would have gotten a judges’ wild card.” Barrett was firmly behind the decision to give Langone a second chance and said he killed it during his take on Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now,” which she said was full of feeling and emotion. As for the other wild-card winners, Barrett said Naima Adedapo did a nice job after choosing the wrong song on Wednesday night and proved she deserved to be on the show, but she wasn’t feeling Ashthon Jones. “I didn’t think she was good last night,” said Barrett of Jones’ just-OK attempt at the “Dreamgirls” number “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” “I’m surprised, but not surprised they wanted her because of who she is and what she looks like,” said Barrett. “She has that diva attitude and she’s a good character, so it’s good casting.” MTV’s resident “Idol” expert, Jim Cantiello, for one, was pissed at America and the judges for not giving Bette Midler-esque Lauren Turner another chance. “I’m livid with the judges for not letting her sing for a wild-card spot,” said Cantiello of the sassy former housecleaner. “Other than that, I’m not mad at the results, a far cry from last season’s semi-final bloodbath. Brett [Loewenstern] and Rachel [Zevita] were fun distractions, Robbie [Rosen] and Kendra [Chantelle’s] attempts at nuance went over the collective head of the voters, and Tim [Halperin] and Julie [Zorrilla] were both contestants who wilted without instruments.” For Cantiello, and for everyone, really, the night’s highlight was wild card Langone’s game-changing “I Need You Now,” which he said blew him away. “By the end of the two hours, America (and the judges) had selected a diverse, solid top 13 that should have us all glued to our TVs for the rest of the season. We have belters, young countrified whippersnappers, two sassy divas (one male, one female), a sex kitten, an exotic flower, a hair-metal throwback, and however you’d categorize Paul McDonald and Casey Abrams.” TVLine.com “Idol” recapper Michael Slezak, was adamant about one thing: Chantelle was robbed, robbed, he tells you! “Call 911, that was a felony!” he said of Chantelle’s failure to earn a wild-card berth despite what he called her show-stopping performance of “Georgia on My Mind” during her second-chance slot on Thursday’s show. “There’s no way you can tell me [after that performance] that the judges didn’t have minds made up of who was going into the top 13. I think those six performances we saw were a bit of ‘Idol’ theater more than them making their decisions.” Slezak also had high praise for Langone’s slam-dunk effort, saying the judges had already declared how much they liked him on Tuesday, even if America didn’t seem ready to commit. He thought the top 13 was solid and has him excited in a way last season’s finalists didn’t, mostly because there are no clear front-runners amid a talented group of vocalists who all have different, interesting strengths. “Last year, Crystal, Lee and Big Mike had already emerged at this point as ones to watch,” he said. “But while some of this year’s contestants have gotten more airtime, there are seven or eight [contestants] with a legitimate chance to take home the top prize.” Among his picks to watch are Toscano , whose story we haven’t really heard yet and who clearly was saving something in the tank considering her wow-worthy final slot on . He also likes McDonald’s “young Bradley Cooper-meets Mumford & Sons” look and style, though he worries the smiling singer’s quirky nature could doom him to “Idol” also-ran status. “I’m hoping Stefano remembers that feeling every time he takes the stage,” Slezak said of Langone’s go-for-broke emotional performance in the wild-card round. “It would behoove the other contestants to play that every time they take the stage to remind them that it’s do-or-die each time.” Do you agree with our experts on the top 13? Let us know in the comments below! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘Idol Party Live’ With MTV News’ Jim Cantiello Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In

‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In

All agree that Stefano Langone deserved his second chance, but some think Kendra Chantelle was robbed. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” contestant Brett Loewenstern Photo: FOX Hearts were broken, some dreams were dashed and others were realized while a trio of singers was saved from the pop-culture trash heap on Thursday night during the two-hour “American Idol” results show . We reached out to some of our favorite “Idol”izers to get their take on the action on the elimination extravaganza, and while they all had their complaints about who did and didn’t make the cut, the one thing they could all agree on was that Stefano Langone absolutely killed it when the chips were down. Entertainment Weekly critic Annie Barrett said that for the most part, the top 13 was dead-on. “Everyone who we knew in our hearts should be in the top 10 was voted in,” she said of such finalists as Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Paul McDonald and Pia Toscano. “The one surprise was that Haley Reinhart was voted into the top 10 by America,” she said of the singer who did a competent but unimpressive take on “Fallin’ ” by Alicia Keys this week. “I don’t think she would have gotten a judges’ wild card.” Barrett was firmly behind the decision to give Langone a second chance and said he killed it during his take on Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now,” which she said was full of feeling and emotion. As for the other wild-card winners, Barrett said Naima Adedapo did a nice job after choosing the wrong song on Wednesday night and proved she deserved to be on the show, but she wasn’t feeling Ashthon Jones. “I didn’t think she was good last night,” said Barrett of Jones’ just-OK attempt at the “Dreamgirls” number “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” “I’m surprised, but not surprised they wanted her because of who she is and what she looks like,” said Barrett. “She has that diva attitude and she’s a good character, so it’s good casting.” MTV’s resident “Idol” expert, Jim Cantiello, for one, was pissed at America and the judges for not giving Bette Midler-esque Lauren Turner another chance. “I’m livid with the judges for not letting her sing for a wild-card spot,” said Cantiello of the sassy former housecleaner. “Other than that, I’m not mad at the results, a far cry from last season’s semi-final bloodbath. Brett [Loewenstern] and Rachel [Zevita] were fun distractions, Robbie [Rosen] and Kendra [Chantelle’s] attempts at nuance went over the collective head of the voters, and Tim [Halperin] and Julie [Zorrilla] were both contestants who wilted without instruments.” For Cantiello, and for everyone, really, the night’s highlight was wild card Langone’s game-changing “I Need You Now,” which he said blew him away. “By the end of the two hours, America (and the judges) had selected a diverse, solid top 13 that should have us all glued to our TVs for the rest of the season. We have belters, young countrified whippersnappers, two sassy divas (one male, one female), a sex kitten, an exotic flower, a hair-metal throwback, and however you’d categorize Paul McDonald and Casey Abrams.” TVLine.com “Idol” recapper Michael Slezak, was adamant about one thing: Chantelle was robbed, robbed, he tells you! “Call 911, that was a felony!” he said of Chantelle’s failure to earn a wild-card berth despite what he called her show-stopping performance of “Georgia on My Mind” during her second-chance slot on Thursday’s show. “There’s no way you can tell me [after that performance] that the judges didn’t have minds made up of who was going into the top 13. I think those six performances we saw were a bit of ‘Idol’ theater more than them making their decisions.” Slezak also had high praise for Langone’s slam-dunk effort, saying the judges had already declared how much they liked him on Tuesday, even if America didn’t seem ready to commit. He thought the top 13 was solid and has him excited in a way last season’s finalists didn’t, mostly because there are no clear front-runners amid a talented group of vocalists who all have different, interesting strengths. “Last year, Crystal, Lee and Big Mike had already emerged at this point as ones to watch,” he said. “But while some of this year’s contestants have gotten more airtime, there are seven or eight [contestants] with a legitimate chance to take home the top prize.” Among his picks to watch are Toscano , whose story we haven’t really heard yet and who clearly was saving something in the tank considering her wow-worthy final slot on . He also likes McDonald’s “young Bradley Cooper-meets Mumford & Sons” look and style, though he worries the smiling singer’s quirky nature could doom him to “Idol” also-ran status. “I’m hoping Stefano remembers that feeling every time he takes the stage,” Slezak said of Langone’s go-for-broke emotional performance in the wild-card round. “It would behoove the other contestants to play that every time they take the stage to remind them that it’s do-or-die each time.” Do you agree with our experts on the top 13? Let us know in the comments below! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘Idol Party Live’ With MTV News’ Jim Cantiello Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Top 13: The Experts Weigh In