'American Idol' results: Jacob Lusk eliminated
Jacob Lusk got some good news, and alas, some very bad news on "American Idol" on Thursday night, in which the top five was whittled down to the top four.
The good news: He makes a better omelette than three of the other remaining contestants.
The bad news: His time on "Idol" is up. The voters -- who cast season-high 60 million votes, host Ryan Seacrest said -- have sent him home.
In truth, it almost seemed like a foregone conclusion that Jacob would be this week's eliminated contestant. Ryan waited until well into the show to tell us that we "might be surprised" by the results, but even that teaser seemed half-hearted.
By the time Ryan got into the thick of collecting two clusters of contestants on either side of the stage, the results almost felt like an afterthought. We'd watched the top five sing "So Happy Together" in a way that made it sound like an "American Idol" Ford music video, and then we'd seen the Ford music video, too. We'd watched Lady Antebellum perform "Just a Kiss" and James Durbin mouth the words from Ryan's teleprompter as Ryan told us about next season's auditions. We'd watched a cute segment in which the contestants explained how they picked their songs and their clothes. (Scotty McCreery, with his card trick, and Haley Reinhart, with her hat trick, were particularly amusing.) And we'd watched Lauren Alaina impress Chef Gordon Ramsay with her omelette-making skills ("tastes quite nice" and is "seasoned beautifully," Ramsay cooed) in a mock "Masterchef" segment.
Chef Ramsay also tortured both Lauren and Jacob by blindfolding them and feeding them mystery foods including beef, tofu and hot dog. (Hope neither of them is a vegetarian.)
But the real torture happened as Ryan built his two little contestant collections, calling each contestant forward to be re-judged for their Wednesday performances by mentor Jimmy Iovine, who has a proven track record of using words other than "amazing," "beautiful" and "in it to win it."
James was first: Jimmy didn't think James controlled his emotions well, and while Jimmy usually considers him a 9 or a 10, Wednesday night, Jimmy felt James was only an 8. Ryan asked James to go start a group on one side of the stage.
Lauren was next: Jimmy thought she did great with "Flat on the Floor," but pulled back on "Unchained Melody." Her lack of confidence, Jimmy predicted, may keep her out of the finals and land her in the bottom two this week. Ryan directed her to start a new cluster.
Then Ryan let James and Lauren dangle while judge Jennifer Lopez performed "On the Floor" and debuted her new hunks-on-the beach video, "I'm Into You," which features the words: "You got me hooked with your love controller."
Jacob next: Jimmy said Jacob had a "rough night last night" and thought "his nerves are getting the best of him." He said both songs "were slightly off" and gave Jacob a 6. Jacob was sent to stand with Lauren.
Haley's turn: Jimmy felt that Haley had to do "something dangerous and risky" to launch herself back into the running for the top slot. Taking issue with the judges' critique of Haley's first song, the unreleased Lady Gaga number she did at Jimmy's suggestion, Jimmy said: "On all points, Haley gets a 10." She won the night, and if her confidence continues, he said, "she's a lock for the finale." Haley -- who mouthed "Aw, thanks, Jimmy" -- was sent to stand with James.
And last … Scotty: Jimmy thought Scotty's performance of "Gone" was stellar, though he "came up a bit short" on his second song, "Always on my Mind." Nevertheless, Jimmy called Scotty "a great, great natural talent," adding, "No doubt Scotty will have an extraordinary recording career whether he wins this show or not."
Ryan told Scotty that last week, though he was the last person standing next to Casey Abrams as he was eliminated, "the truth is, you've never been in the bottom two." Tonight, Ryan said, "It is no different. You're safe."
But there's safe, and there's safe, and Ryan pulled Scotty back from the brink only to impose a new form of torture.
He directed him to stand with the cluster he thinks is also safe.
Scotty, to his enduring credit, balked. "I'm not doing that," he said.
Ryan finally pushed him over to Haley and James and declared them all safe.
Lauren was in tears and Jacob looked sunk. Ryan, twisted the knife a bit, asking us: "Is this what you expected?"
Then he talked poor weeping Lauren down as he went into a commercial. ("Hang tight, hang tight," he pleaded.)
Anyway, when we got back, we found out, not surprisingly, that it was Jacob who'd be going home. (Lauren, you can stop crying now.)
Jacob seemed OK with the news, though reluctant to give up the mic. "I got to share the love with America and I think America fell in love with me," he said, adding that he looked forward to making the Luther Vandross-like album he was always meant to make.
What do you think? Are you sad to see Jacob go? Or had you had enough of him? Weigh in.
Chef Ramsay also tortured both Lauren and Jacob by blindfolding them and feeding them mystery foods including beef, tofu and hot dog. (Hope neither of them is a vegetarian.)
But the real torture happened as Ryan built his two little contestant collections, calling each contestant forward to be re-judged for their Wednesday performances by mentor Jimmy Iovine, who has a proven track record of using words other than "amazing," "beautiful" and "in it to win it."
James was first: Jimmy didn't think James controlled his emotions well, and while Jimmy usually considers him a 9 or a 10, Wednesday night, Jimmy felt James was only an 8. Ryan asked James to go start a group on one side of the stage.
Lauren was next: Jimmy thought she did great with "Flat on the Floor," but pulled back on "Unchained Melody." Her lack of confidence, Jimmy predicted, may keep her out of the finals and land her in the bottom two this week. Ryan directed her to start a new cluster.
Then Ryan let James and Lauren dangle while judge Jennifer Lopez performed "On the Floor" and debuted her new hunks-on-the beach video, "I'm Into You," which features the words: "You got me hooked with your love controller."
Jacob next: Jimmy said Jacob had a "rough night last night" and thought "his nerves are getting the best of him." He said both songs "were slightly off" and gave Jacob a 6. Jacob was sent to stand with Lauren.
Haley's turn: Jimmy felt that Haley had to do "something dangerous and risky" to launch herself back into the running for the top slot. Taking issue with the judges' critique of Haley's first song, the unreleased Lady Gaga number she did at Jimmy's suggestion, Jimmy said: "On all points, Haley gets a 10." She won the night, and if her confidence continues, he said, "she's a lock for the finale." Haley -- who mouthed "Aw, thanks, Jimmy" -- was sent to stand with James.
And last … Scotty: Jimmy thought Scotty's performance of "Gone" was stellar, though he "came up a bit short" on his second song, "Always on my Mind." Nevertheless, Jimmy called Scotty "a great, great natural talent," adding, "No doubt Scotty will have an extraordinary recording career whether he wins this show or not."
Ryan told Scotty that last week, though he was the last person standing next to Casey Abrams as he was eliminated, "the truth is, you've never been in the bottom two." Tonight, Ryan said, "It is no different. You're safe."
But there's safe, and there's safe, and Ryan pulled Scotty back from the brink only to impose a new form of torture.
He directed him to stand with the cluster he thinks is also safe.
Scotty, to his enduring credit, balked. "I'm not doing that," he said.
Ryan finally pushed him over to Haley and James and declared them all safe.
Lauren was in tears and Jacob looked sunk. Ryan, twisted the knife a bit, asking us: "Is this what you expected?"
Then he talked poor weeping Lauren down as he went into a commercial. ("Hang tight, hang tight," he pleaded.)
Anyway, when we got back, we found out, not surprisingly, that it was Jacob who'd be going home. (Lauren, you can stop crying now.)
Jacob seemed OK with the news, though reluctant to give up the mic. "I got to share the love with America and I think America fell in love with me," he said, adding that he looked forward to making the Luther Vandross-like album he was always meant to make.
What do you think? Are you sad to see Jacob go? Or had you had enough of him? Weigh in.
'American Idol' recap: The top 5 do something old, something new
Full Show Tracker coverage of "American Idol"
-- Amy Reiter
Photo: "American Idol's" final five, clockwise from top left, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox
The performers this year are the best ever. So much talent! It's going to be difficult to pick a winner. BUT, my favorite is Scotty. Terrific voice and charisma. I'm a young grandma and have a blonde teenage granddaughter that I would love Scotty to meet. She lives in Charlotte, N.C. if he's interested. Good luck, Scotty.
Posted by: A. Elizabeth Pisarski | May 05, 2011 at 09:05 PM
The judges did a steller job in choosing candidates this season. While James had his first "off" night in the entire compitition this week, man alive he just has "it", he is a winner ! Haley is peaking late and is fabulous she is unique and you don't forget her. Lauren is not quite there yet, but wow she is only 15 and what a natural lyrical singer she is. Scotty is great, love him. Sorry Jacob, but it was time for him to go.
Posted by: Beth Klipfel | May 05, 2011 at 09:08 PM
The best artist in the show was voted off. So sad! Regardless, Jacob is a star, good luck to you Jacob, I will purchase every album you will ever record.
A true fan.
Posted by: Michelle | May 05, 2011 at 09:08 PM
i was ready for Jacob to go home 3 weeks ago. I can't believe that he made it this far. He just hasn't been very good the last couple of weeks. Not sure what happened to him, maybe nerves. There was no way he was ever gonna win this thing anyway. James has got the top spot in the bag. He has had it the entire season. Haley is a close second. As for Scotty, he didn't need this show. He is gonna go far in the country music industry. He is simply amazing.
Posted by: Karen | May 05, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Hayley might can sing but I'm sick of her attitude. PLEASE, next week, vote her off!
Posted by: Rae Barmoy | May 05, 2011 at 09:29 PM
I have not been wrong yet this season on who is going home ( well the top 12 nyway) and it was no suprise that Jacob was on the bottom. He is an awesome singer but... just does not stand up to the rest of the SURVIVORS.. Good luck Jacob I think ou will have a marvelous career. PS Steven Tyler you are awesome in every since of the word
Posted by: shawna B | May 05, 2011 at 09:34 PM
American audience is racist, you eliminated good and excellent singers who are from African ancestry, asian, hispanic and Jew looking person. The top four are all white who knows how to scream without tune, charming but poor singers and country boy who is popular because of his american nature not an excellent singer. Boo to American Idol 2011!
Posted by: Angel Bautista | May 05, 2011 at 09:49 PM
I liked Jacob but I was not too happy with his performance on Wednesday night.
Yeah it sucks to see them go each week especially because they are all so talented. I'm predicting James will win.
I loved the sneak peek of J. Lo's new video. Nice eye candy!
Posted by: MLA17 | May 05, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Haley rocks! full of confidence and just what a superstar needs to have. Go Haley! Win or loose, you are the best of them all!
Posted by: LILI | May 05, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Ok finally Jacob ix out. Don't get my wrong he is talented but I think there was better talent that went out before him. Here is my prediction for the top 3 Scotty, James, and Lauren. Final 2 should be Scotty and James.
Posted by: Meghan fanjoy | May 05, 2011 at 10:23 PM
-James, JLo Jinxed him by remarking how he never had a weak week. Thnx JLo.
-Scotty, He's decided to put his whole FOOT into the pool after trying the toe. Only SLIGHTLY, out of his safety range, entertaining at least.
-Lauren, Was my early favorite, now just reminds me of those awful shows where moms pimp their 5 yr olds to look sexy in pageants. I forget she has a great voice, and she's still yet to remind me.
-Haley, Look at her trajectory
-unknown/forgetable/just slipping eliminations
-Casey actually saves her early by making such a bad performance the judges have to use their save. If it wasn't Casey it would have been Haley, and the save would have been unused.
-Benny & the Jets/Moanin'/Rolling in the Deep
-GaGa original release AND performance of the Season.
Text book to playing this game. Early favorites have little room to grow and growth is obviously what Haley has done in leaps and bounds. Corny but GO HALEY
-Jacob, glad he has his ego to keep him company, totally blew a great opportunity so many would kill for to be an arrogant, self absorbed cypher. Has talent, made top five but could have been much more.
Posted by: Tusk | May 05, 2011 at 10:37 PM
American's are not racist! To be in the top 5 is a privilege!! i voted for Jacob up till last night! Now i'm for Lauren who is beautiful and can sing! She was outsinging Haley in the group sing tonight and looked beautiful! Goooo Lauren!!
Posted by: Nelly | May 05, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Angel,
The reason Jacob was voted off had nothing to do with being polka dotted, discrimination. He sucked this week and deserved to be voted off, plain and simple.
Posted by: Rene'e Smith | May 05, 2011 at 11:05 PM
no doubt, Jacob was among the best. But in his last performances, i don't know why, I'm loosing interest on his styles. Quite overkill, good but not appealing, it has become somewhat irritating what could have been a great rendition had it been a little simpler.
Haley's version of "House of the Rising Sun" , the Animals classic, was awesome & save last night's show. Fantastic!!!! Suddenly I recalled Jordin Sparks singing You'll Never Walk Alone, Taylor Hicks singing Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Jason Castro singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Danny Gokey singing Hero, David Archuleta singing Imagine, David Cook singing Hello, & poor Jacob Lusk singing God Save the Child at the early episodes of this years Idol. For these are the most memorable commendable performance of any finalist in the long series of the show.
Thanks Haley for that beautiful performance..... Now, I have a reason to continue following this year's show after Pia's elimination. Pia's a stand-out not only from among these years finalists but from all of Idol's past seasons. I know quite a number won't agree (that's why she's out early), but picking her out was America's (& Idol's) greatest mistake............ sigh
Posted by: bong | May 05, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Jacob sweetie hold your head high you are a awesome singer and you will go far. America got it wrong tonight, but they alaways do when the judges don't have good things too say about you. So Jennifer and Randy thanks for letting America know that you were not very happy with Jacob on wednesday night. So with saying that Jacob get your voice at it's best and get that CD together your #1 will be in line to get it.
Posted by: Vickie Allison | May 06, 2011 at 12:23 AM
stop watching A Idol . It is getting boring. Just wanted to know who got voted out. Haley should go next
Posted by: rance | May 06, 2011 at 03:07 AM
Poor Jacob.. so talented but yet so insecure; good luck to you Bro... you "are" as good as it gets for American Idol. And kudos for comforting Lauren, even though you knew that it was your time to go.
Sincerely,
Posted by: screen | May 06, 2011 at 04:05 AM
So glad Haley made it through - she has really grown on me and I'm irritated that the judges always find something to pick at with her, not the others. I feel like the judges have decided they want Scotty or James to win, and they subtly pick at Haley to try to knock her back a bit. And, I say this, not as someone who was originally a Haley fan. She has really grown and found an Adele-like raspy sound that I like and I think she deserves a chance to go forward. I agree about Lauren - she's beautiful and has a great voice, but maybe needs another year or two to feel more confident - she holds back still. They're all really good, though, so good luck to all!
Posted by: Michele | May 06, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Ah, yes. America is racist, but on Idol, it's more homophobic (See Season 2).
Posted by: Dave in NoHo | May 06, 2011 at 07:15 AM
Out of 5 contenders, they only have two who can both sing and perform, Haley and Scotty. At this point, all of them should be at their best. In previous years, the final 5 or 6 were all really strong. The last two years, though, have been terrible. You failed, America.
Posted by: Todd K. | May 06, 2011 at 07:15 AM