7 Results Show – Commentary

| Group Performances | Fan Poll Results |

What if Ryan had asked Simon, "What did you make of all the controversy over last night's show?"
What controversy?
"You know, the kiss viewed round the world and certain colorful language?"
Ryan this is show business. It's live television. This isn't a show for six year olds. But, actually, the kiss was amiss. I thought it was gratuitous and unnecessary. In my world, it put Casey automatically in the bottom three if not sends him home even if he wasn't the worst performance. It's like an inappropriate swan song. You have to hand it to Jennifer for taking this affront so well.

I'd also like to say that James's performance was the first one I could highly recommend people pay to download from iTunes®. It was something not to be missed.

Casey is safe? Wow, that's stunning. I would definitely have put him in the bottom three. As for Jacob, that was probably to be expected.

Stefano to the bottom three quite expected.

I will make the wager now, that unfortunately, Haley will be in the bottom three, not Scotty.

One of the things that's so nice about this season's contestants is they way they have been taking their blows. They are so classy.

It will be sad if Jacob goes home because of technological glitches. Nonetheless, they both have gone farther than anyone could have predicted.

Stefano's ousting was really to be expected in some ways. indeed, though he will be missed. What was powerful to me was James's response. It is clear that these contestants have bonded in ways we've not really seen in past seasons. It's endearing and speaks to the character of these young people. Unfortunately, somebody needs to wake them all up and remember this is a signing competition, not a love fest. The competitive edge is going to go to those who, without being arrogant, seize confidence and out perform their best friend.

7 Results Show – Group Performances

| Group Performances | Fan Poll Results |

Lauren, Haley, Jacob, and Stefano perform "Soul Sister" by Train

With all due respect to Train, after hearing the "Glee" version and now these guys, I wonder how everyone sings their song better than they do. This version wasn't quite as strong as the Warblers, but it most certainly was a lot of fun. Stefano was really in his element, and the girls were terrific. I cannot quite say the same thing for Jacob who simply isn't a "gangster thug".

Ford® Music Video with the American Idols® and the song "World"
By far the best vocal arrangement and performance of any of the videos. A perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

Scotty, James, and Casey take on "Viva la Vida" by Cold Play
The opening line by Scotty proved exactly what I was talking about yesterday. James vocals and stage presence prove yet again he's got the most star quality of anyone up there with Scotty a close second. Casey, unfortunately, while vocally astute most of the times, those immature facial expressions and pouty teddy bear scruff just didn't fit with either the integrity of this powerfully moving song, nor the caliver of his singing partners. It's obvious who is the fish out of water. Unfortunatley, I hate to keep being so hard on him, but I've given critiques, and I don't see the improvements, not even little ones. Just watch the playback and look for the flubs. Casey was totally out of sync with teh choreography. I loved seeing James and Scotty perform this song. I woudl honestly pay to see them perform together as a duo. They were absolutely brilliant out of their comfort zones in this song proving they ranch of this dynamic duo. I did finally conclude that, sorry James, the scarves have got to go.

Top 7 Performance Show – Stefano

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| Intro | Casey | Haley | Jacob | James | Lauren | Stefano | Scotty |

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Flirty Stafanox
Boring.

Stefano performs "Closer" by Neo
Watch out Stefano, Disney® Channel should be on the line any moment. This was the kind of performance you see on a late night dinner cruise or something. Your vocals were driven, but the overall effect was glorified karaoke at best. It's unfortunate that the best performances of the evening were at the beginning, it's all been downhill since.

Afterthoughts
What if Ryan asked Simon, "Does Stefano have a future in this industry?"
Honestly, he might, but probably not without a few detours after this. Fortunately, he's young and will have plenty of opportunities. He certainly has charm and poise and his stage presence has grown by leaps and bounds. I think if the show were a year-long, he'd have a better chance. Unfortunately, there are others too far ahead of him, and he's probably in the bottom three again.

8 Perform – Who's Going Home Poll Results

Fan Poll Result for Week 8 – Who's Going Home?

Looks like the fans got it wrong as they predicted Haley. Better luck next time.

8 Results Show – The Results

| Comments on Group Performances | Fan Poll Results |


Haley should in no way have been in the bottom three. This is a travesty. Of these four, I ouwld have picked Casey for certain. America got it wrong.

Stefano was a correct choice for the bottom as was Paul. I would have selected Jacob, however, rather than Haley. Haley waa so much stronger than Lauren.

Not getting voted off could be a turning point for Haley. She's got momentum on her side and experience in the bottom three to motivate her to reach the top three.

Should Paul have been selcted to go home, unfortunately, he has been a fish out of water for too long. He's a super nice guy, but nice doesn't necessarily sell records. He may have gotten too comfortable. He was one fo the most gracious losers ever. You will notice there wasn't a lot of crying. Perhaps Paul knew what to expect.

8 Results Show – Group Performances

Lauren & Scotty
Lauren lacked a bit of focus, but Scotty showed a more playful side. Overall It wasn't terrible.

Haley & Casey
While they played off each other well, their voices didn't get. I didn't get it. Haley was by far the better of the pair.

Paul, James, Jacob, and Stefano
Jacob was off key for half the first song. Everyone, however, shined together well for "Mrs. Robinson". James and Paul, especially stood out.

8 Perform – Stefano

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| Intro | Paul | Lauren | Scotty | Casey | Haley | Jacob | James |

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Stefano, Randy thinks you slayed the song; and I agree, the song is dead. I have one word for you, and it's 'forced'. From your outfit to your final note which you failed to attenuate even once, the whole performance was just too much effort. You looked intermittently like randomly selected body parts were in a vice and a clumsy marionette. Were you better than last week? Yes, but will you be in the bottom three again? Yes.


Afterthoughts
What if Ryan asked Simon, "Is Stefano going home in your opinion?"
Ryan, I don't have any delusions that Stefano will be going home empty-handed, but it's too early in the show to say, yes or no to that question. I'd say his performance wasn't great. It's too bad really, he's taking the wrong advice. If I had to speculate, I'd say he's been told he can get the teenage girl's vote if he just looks sad and emotional. Obviously, we'll find out tomorrow if that was good advice. My guess is it's not.