The Top 12 have been chosen, but they were almost lost in the shuffle. There were so many announcements and performances during last night’s elimination episode, I’m shocked that Fox didn’t try to drag it out to 90 minutes.

Ryan Seacrest lead off the top with the announcement that next week the Top 12 will be covering the work of The Rolling Stones and that the show will be moving to the big stage for the rest of the season.

Former Idol finalists Scott McIntyre and Matt Giraud teamed up on duelling pianos to kick out Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It,” before it was revealed that the first eliminated contestant was Katelynn Epperly.

Katelyn really stumbled this week with that god-awful 60s inspired performance on Tuesday compared with her great Coldplay cover a week ago, but as poor as her song choice was, she was at least in tune. Paige Miles, who was somehow spared by America, most certainly was not. Still, Simon noted that Paige has the most potential of everyone in this group, so here’s hoping she pulls it together in time.

Next to be cut was Todrick Hall, who finally got into his theatrical groove with his solid Queen performance. But his ousting wasn’t completely unexpected, considering he butchered two songs in a row before finally getting it right.

Then it was Alex Lambert’s turn to go. This was a shock to me, because I fully expected that Tim Urban – who is relying on his hair and eyes to carry him through – was going to be the goner. Instead it was the soft-voiced mullet-head who was shown the door, and he almost broke down in tears.

And the final elimination? Lilly Scott. Easily the biggest shock of the night, and to her as well. She was confused, saying that she didn’t know what America wanted from her. She stopped just short (actually Ryan stopped her) of being bitter. Honestly, she’s too out there for American Idol, and should appreciate the fact that she got this far.

Here’s your Top 12:

Didi Benami
Lacey Brown
Crystal Bowersox
Lee Dewyze
Andrew Garcia
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Michael Lynche
Siobhan Magnus
Paige Miles
Katie Stevens
Tim Urban

What do you think of the Top 12? greg@tvguide.ca or comment below.

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American Idol airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV/Fox.

 

 

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