Belly dancer Jennifer Lopez steals the show with her toned stomach... but it's the end of his American Idol dream for Jacob Lusk

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shaking her stuff: Jennifer Lopez performs her new single On The Floor, dressed in a stomach baring gold fringed outfit


She's there to help find the stars of the future.

But Jennifer Lopez took the opportunity for a bit of self-promotion tonight, revealing her toned stomach in a fringed gold belly dancer outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol.

But while Lopez was having a blast performing her single On The Floor, it wasn't such a good night for Jacob Lusk.

As the contestants were whittled down to a final four, Lusk found himself no longer part of the talent show.

Gold singer: Jennifer revealed her toned stomach in a fringed gold harem trouser outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol


The booming 23-year-old vocalist from Compton, California, was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes on the Fox talent contest.

A day earlier, he had unsuccessfully attempted both parts of No Air, the duet of Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, and a tender rendition of Love Hurts, the classic tune made famous by Nazareth and Roy Orbison.

'I got to share a little bit with America, and I think America's fallen in love with me,' said Lusk after his elimination.

'Now I can go and put out that good-feeling R&B music that reminds you of Luther (Vandross) or those great old singers.'

Composed: Jacob Lusk kept his emotions in check as he was sent home from Idol

Bottom two: Lauren Alaina broke down in tears when she learned she could be facing the chop


Lauren Alaina, the soaring 16-year-old songstress of Rossville, Georgia, joined Lusk as one of the bottom two vote-getters.

She broke down on learning that she was in the bottom two, sobbing as she waited to learn her fate.

Despite her position, Alania had impressed the Idol judges with her performances of Carrie Underwood's Flat on the Floor and The Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody on Wednesday's installment of current and classic tunes.

'Jacob had a rough night last night,' said Idol mentor and Interscope Records chief Jimmy Iovine. 'I think his nerves are getting the best of him.'

Final song: When Lusk performed on stage for one last time, he was joined by his fellow contestants as his family watched from the audience

The final five: Jacob's departure leaves Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart


Besides Alaina, the other remaining finalists are over-the-top 22-year-old rocker James Durbin deep-voiced 17-year-old country crooner Scotty McCreery, and bluesey 20-year-old singer Haley Reinhart.

The singers will return to the stage next week with another finalist dismissed next Thursday.

The 10th season Idol champion is scheduled to be crowned on the May 26 finale.

Time out: Hell's Kitchen star Gordon Ramsay got the finalists to cook him an omelette

Well done: Steve Tyler, Lopez and Randy Jackson applaud Lusk






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America Idol's Ashthon Jones is first to be sent packing as 'stressed out' Casey Abrams fails to show due to hospital dash

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Time to go home: Ashthon Jones is comforted by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest after being voted off


It turned out that axed contestant Ashthon Jones's was not the only casualty of American Idol last night.

The 25-year-old hopeful was sent packing in last night's results show as it emerged that fellow contestant Casey Abrams was unable to attend the show due to a hospital dash.

According to internet reports, 20-year-old Casey, from Illinois, needed to medical treatment for a stress-induced bleeding stomach ulcer.

He suffered a similar set back a few weeks ago just before the Top 24 was revealed.
Host Ryan Seacret was scant with details, only revealing he was in hospital and wished him to 'get back here soon'.

But the show must go on, so it was left to the remaining 12 to perform a cover of Michael Jackson hits.


Awaiting their fate: Ashthon waits with Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart to find out who's going home


Too much to handle: Ashthon and Haley comfort each other as they wait for the judges' decision


The performance was somewhat sketchy, however, with pre-recorded vocals and some poor examples of lip syncing.

But it wasn't long before the cohort of finalists was cut down to size with Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez joining Ashthon in the bottom three.

Later in the show Ryan sends Karen to safety, before revealing Ashthon, who sang Diana Ross' When You Tell Me That You Love Me in Wednesday night's show, has the least number of public votes.


Hospital dash: Casey Abrams, seen here performing in Wednesday night's programme, was unable to make the results show due to a 'stress-induced stomach ulcer', according to reports


Early indications show around 30million votes were cast by the public.

After performing When You Tell Me That You Love Me, the judges vote unanimously to eliminate Ashthon and decided not to use their 'save' vote.

The save card was brought in recently and allows all four judges to save one contestant from being eliminated.


Judgement time: American Idol judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson sit on the panel


Teary-eyed: Jennifer appeared to be finding it difficult to decide which of the contestants go home


It can be used up until the top five contestants are eliminated and only once.

It has to be an unanimous decision and once used up it cannot be brought into effect again for the rest of the season.

Last night's result show also featured a performance from former American Idol winner Adam Lambert.


Swan song: Ashthon performs for the final time as she's watched by the rest of the American Idol contestants



Sad to see her go: The remaining contestants applaud after Ashthon's emotional final performance


In the the first of the studio shows of the season on Wednesday, the contestants had just a minute and a half to try and persuade America to vote for them - but even that was too long for some.

The 'live' America Idol show - recorded a day early to allow the new judges time to settle in - didn't go well for everyone, with lacklustre performances and dull song choices slowing things down.

The boys were more on form, with Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and James Durbin all exciting the judges.


Who are you backing? Amanada also attended the contestants performances and chatted to Seacrest


Of the girls Pia Toscano lived up to last week's stunning performance, but many of her fellow females failed to deliver.

Naima Adedapo at least had some energy as she offered up an imitation of Rihanna, but Karen Rodriguez struggled to do justice to her choice of Selena's I Could Fall in Love and Haley Reinhart was simply labelled 'boring' by Randy Jackson.

The finalists had paid tribute to their own Idols as they performed songs by their very favourite artists.


Famous faces: P Diddy performed his track Coming Home on the programme last night


"Casey Abrams - With a little help of my friends" American Idol 2011 Top 13



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'J.Lo made me cry twice,' says P Diddy as he prepares to reunite with ex on American Idol

By Daily Mail Reporter


Moving moments: P Diddy says his ex girlfriend Jennifer Lopez has made him cry twice in her role as a judge on American Idol


P Diddy has admitted that ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez has made him cry twice in her role as a judge on American Idol.

The hip hop star said he can't help but be moved by the compassion that Lopez shows, especially when compared to her predecessor Simon Cowell.

'The way [Jennifer] handled coming after Simon, and even myself from Making the Band and the way we were hard coaches - she's been like, a compassionate person,' he told Access Hollywood.


'She's made me cry like, twice, and she's looked good doing it. And she's made sense so, you know, I'm proud of her.'

He added: 'She's a nice person so, you know, when you're super nice, your emotions get the best of you.

'It's good though - it's good to see that change in the competitive shows. I think she's very refreshing.'

Diddy will serve as a musical mentor on American Idol during next week's live shows.

Lopez and Diddy began dating in 1999 but the high profile relationship ended two years later soon after they were both arrested over a nightclub shooting in New York.

She revealed in a tell-all interview last year that the incident was one of her lowest moments.

'That was one of the worst nights of my life,' she said bluntly. 'It was devastating for me to have lived through that.'

She says the relationship was never able to recover.

'It started out as something very pure and innocent,' she said. 'But it did get ugly - it did get sordid.'

'We did fall in love and we were very close. He became a mentor as well and he really nurtured me.

'But my relationship with him was always something I knew would end.'
Lopez now has twins with her husband, Marc Anthony.



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Jennifer Lopez shows off her toned abs in stomach-baring shirt as she celebrates with American Idol's Top 13

By SARAH BULL

Tanned and toned: Jennifer Lopez shows off her impressive toned stomach as she arrives at the American Idol finalists party last night


She might be 41 and the mother of two-year-old twins, but Jennifer Lopez proved last night she still has the body of a 20-year-old as she attended the American Idol finalists party in a stomach-baring shirt and tiny shorts.

The singer smiled and waved at photographers while showing off her impressive toned abs in the cropped top, which she teamed with a black and white checked jacket and high-waisted shorts.

Lopez attended the event, held at the The Grove in Los Angeles, shortly after deciding the top 13 on American Idol alongside fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.


Daring: The 41-year-old mother-of-twins, seen here with producer Redone, teamed her stomach-baring shirt with a pair of high-waisted black shorts and a checked jacket


The trio were due to choose a final 12 from the 24 remaining singers on the TV talent show, but ended up putting through three wildcard choices after failing to reach a decision.

And last night the top 13 celebrated their success at the Fox party, with all the finalists posing ahead of the live performance shows starting next week.

But the star of the evening was undoubtedly Jennifer, in her daring but fashion-forward outfit.


The Top 13: American Idol Finalists Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, (back row) Lauren Alaina, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, (front) Paul McDonald and Casey Abrams


Colourful: Naima Adedapo (left) and Thia Megia went for colourful outfits in a bid to stand out from the crowd at the event


The singer-turned-actress has struggled to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight after welcoming twins Max and Emme in February 2008.

A keen follower of the Dukan Diet, a French weight-loss plan which is high on protein, Jennifer has worked hard to get back into shape - and the results certainly show.

She said recently: 'I worked out a lot. I struggled to get rid of the last 20 pounds. I had to change my eating habits after having the twins.

'I eat a lot less now than I used to. But I love bread and you're not allowed bread with most diets.'


Here come the girls: (Left to right) Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina and Ashthon Jones pose for photographers on the blue carpet


Black and sparkly: Hailey Reinhart (left) and Karen Rodriguez opted for red carpet staples for the party


Jennifer also showed off the results of her strict diet and exercise regime when she premiered her new music video On The Floor on American Idol last night.

The song, on which she collaborated with music producer RedOne, is a thumping club track which sees the singer take on two different personalities in the video, shot inside a nightclub.

Talking about the video recently, Jennifer said: 'I play one character where she kind of runs this party, acts like she's kind of bored with it, but at the same time is really loving it and loves this underground party dance culture.

'So I got to be wild and crazy, and at the same time I got to be sexy and sweet too.'


Smiles all round: (Left to right) Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Stefano Langone give photographers their best shot


Dressed to impress: Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and Paul McDonald are suited and booted


Jennifer had given fans the opportunity to vote for the ending of the video, after filming two alternative versions, before debuting the finished version on the show last night.

In the video, Jennifer is seen flaunting her flat stomach stomach in several different outfits, causing Idol host Ryan Seacrest to comment afterwards: 'Those abs are looking good!'

But while Jennifer wowed on the red carpet with her outfit, she did have some competition from the American Idol girls, who tried to outdo each other in various colourful clothes.


Judges: Randy Jackson poses with Idol host Ryan Seacret while Steven Tyler goes for a unique look in a pink frilly shirt


Naima Adedapo, who narrowly avoided being sent home as she was put through as one of the show's wildcard choices, arrived in a pretty patchwork dress while Thia Megia, the youngest of the contestants at just 15, wore an alphabet knitted jumper and denim shorts.

Pia Toscano went for a flirty nude dress, while Lauren Alaina opted for jeans and a floral silk one-shouldered top.

Meanwhile Ashthon Jones, who was also put through as a wildcard choice, went for a geometric purple and black tight dress and black leggings, while Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez went for black sparkly dresses.


Feisty: Jennifer debuted her new video On The Floor on the show last night, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending for the video


Some of the boys also went all out on the blue carpet, with Jacob Lusk opting for purple shoes to match his shirt, and Paul McDonald opting for a unique blue shirt printed with bird motifs.

Scotty McCreery, James Durbin, Stefano Langone and Casey Abrams also attended the event, basking in their new-found fame.

Other celebrities to attend the event included judges Steven Tyler, who opted to wear a bright pink frilly shirt, and Randy Jackson, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
TV chef Gordon Ramsay also put in an appearance, along with actresses Devon Kelly and Liza Lapira.


Famous faces: TV chef Gordon Ramsay was one of the celebrity guests at last night's party


Making an appearance: Actresses Devon Kelly (left) and Liza Lapira posed up for photographers outside the party




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AMERICAN IDOL: Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo, and Ashthon Jones all go through as dithering judges fail to pick final 12

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Emotional: Naima Adedapo finds out she has made it through to the American Idol final 13 as one of the wildcard choice


The nation spoke and 10 lucky hopefuls were chosen tonight as the most popular finalists on Season 10 of American Idol in the first live results show.

Out of the Top 12 Guys and Top 12 Girls, five were voted in from each group by the at home audience to chop it down to 10 in one fell swoop.

But then the judges had the wild card vote to allow another two to join the list, or so was the plan, but they actually sneaked in an extra contestant to make a total of 13 who will now proceed on in the live stage to vie for the coveted crown.


Indecisive: The judges found it difficult to choose, so decided to put through three wildcards instead of two, choosing Ashthon Jones and Stefano Langone as well


The show started with a moving montage of the journey of the final 24 from their home town auditions, to Hollywood group week, to this week's first live shows.

Jennifer wore a strapless green basque with a tail covering her ample derrière and black leggings.

An unprecedented 40million votes came in over the past two days to whittle the 24 down to 10.

The nervous contestants came out on the stage one by one to rapturous applause waiting to hear their fate.

After the ten were chosen - they then decided from the 14 that were left who they wanted to hear sing for the wild card spots.


Judgement day: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler presided over tonight's live results show where 10 contestants were chosen by the public vote and three were picked by them as wild cards


Jubilant: The American Idol Top 13 contestants were chosen tonight in a nail-biting live results show- one extra than was previously expected


The first contestants walked the green mile to find out their fate.


Scotty McCreery and Robbie Rosen were called out on stage, and as expected Ryan Seacrest, drew out the process and kept the contestants and the audience on the edge of their seat.

'Scotty, the nation has decided that you... are in the top 10', Ryan shouted to rapturous applause.

'Robby, after the nationwide vote... you have not made it to the top 10, Ryan said. 'But he may get the wild card spot'.

Clint Jun Gamboa, Jordan Dorsey and Jovany Barreto were the next to be called up on stage.

Jordan Dorsey said he wished he had chosen a different song to better showcase his vocal ability and Clint was in tears and clutched his chest in obvious anxiety.
Ryan then broke the news: 'Clint and Jordan you have not made it into America's top 10.'

They headed off to the side of the stage leaving an anxious Jovany front and centre who was probably thinking, surely that means I'll be in if the other two have been voted out.

But no, Ryan then cruelly broke it to him that he too was heading home and told him: 'Jovany you have not made it into the top 10'.

The spotlight then switched to the ladies for them to start to hearing if they had really got the golden ticket.


Top 5 Girls: Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez and Thia Megia were three of the chosen ones from the public vote


Top 5 Girls: Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano are two of the judges favourites that made it through to the Top 13


Pia Toscano and Lauren Alaina were two of the judge's favourites and both had stellar performances last night.

Both ladies were put through and are stand outs to go far in the competition.
Ta-Tynisa Wilson and Julie Zorrilla both had mixed reviews from the judges about their performances.

Kendra Chantelle, Ashthon Jones and Karen Rodriguez held hands as Ryan went back over their critique from the judges.

Ashthon, who was described as a baby Diana Ross was not voted into the top 10. Neither was Kendra Chantelle.


Highs and lows: The Top 12 Girls had gathered in hope but only seven of them made it through sending five home


But Latin firecracker Karen Rodriguez was an at-home favourite and made it in to the final group.

Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams and Tim Halperin were called out next.

It was not Tim's lucky day and his poor choice of song sent him home.
But Luther Vandross-esque Jacob Lusk made it into the top 10 and celebrated in his unique style.

Casey who had a flirtation with Jennifer Lopez on Tuesday when she called him 'sexy', made him an unlikely sex symbol.

Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia, and Lauren Turner were next.
Naima Adedapo was not chosen by the public and waited it out to see if the judges would choose her for the wild card.


Top 5 Boys: Scott McCreery, Jacob Lusk and Paul McDonald made it through to the Top 13


Top 5 Boys: Casey Abrams and James Durbin were chosen by the audience to sale through to the final 13


But Thia whose voice Randy Jackson compared to Michael Jackson was overcome with emotion when she was told she was joining the winning crew.

And Lauren who worked as a cleaner was sent home, unhappy about having to continue to scrub floors.

Brett Loewenstern who's shaking of his fiery red made Jennifer Lopez compare the big hair to hers and Beyonce's was sent home.

Smiley Paul McDonald on the other hand breathed a sigh of relief and Haley Reinhart and Rachel Zevita competed for the final spot availabe in the top 10 for the ladies and Haley walked away with the coveted space.


Winners and Losers: The Top 12 Boys had gathered in hope but only six of them made it through sending six home


Stefano Langone and James Durbin were room mates from Hollywood week and have become very close but they friendship was to be tested when with only one spot left - it was only going to be one of them going through.

And the space went to James Durbin who had wowed the judges on Tuesday night.
All 24 had earlier rehearsed with the band and could choose any song from the competition.

They decided to listen to just six of the 14 who did not win the popular vote from the at home audience to hear sing again.

Ashthon was chosen first and said she was going to sing And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Hudson because she's 'not going anywhere' as it says in the lyrics and put on an incredible vocal performance.


Awaiting their fate: Brett Loewenstern, who failed to make it through, gives finalist Paul McDonald a hug as they wait for the results


Steven told her: 'I thought you brought it'.

'I felt your passion and you deserve to be here', Jennifer told the confident firecracker.

Randy told her: 'I'm still loving the attitude'.

Stefano Langone was next up and sang a rousing rendition of I Need You Now by Smokie Norful.

'I love that you sang this song to anoint this moment', Randy told him.
'I don't get this nervous when I perform but when you needed to come through you came through', Jennifer Lopez.


Ambition: It has been a long journey for the contestants who made it past thousands of other hopefuls to get to this stage


Kendra Chantelle was thrilled to hear Steven Tyler call her name - she sang a sultry Georgia on My Mind.

'It started a little low and then you rocked it. Very nice', Randy critiqued.

Jennifer then called Jovany up on to the stage and he chose to sing a Spanish inspired version of John Secada's Angel.

'You did a good job baby you did all you could do', Jennifer said to him.


Perseverance: Some of the girls had tried out numerous years previously only to be turned away again at the final hurdle


Steven then chose Naima to sing for her supper and sent the remaining four women home.

She then made the clever choice of singing For All We Know by Donny Hathaway and broke down in tears at the end of her incredible performance.

'You came from way deep down inside again and you brought it to me', Steven told her who was obviously touched by her performance.

The last person being thrown a bone was Robbie Rosen who sang Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word by Elton John.

Randy told him: 'Robbie very nice very tender'.

While Jennifer, Randy and Steven deliberated Jennifer's new video for her dance track On The Floor was debuted.


Feisty: Jennifer debuted her new video On The Floor on the show last night, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending for the video


Ultimately the judges made their choice after hearing the six and chose Naima Adedapo, Ashthon Jones and Stefano Langone as their wild cards.

Jennifer also treated viewers to the first look at her new music video On The Floor, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending to the video.

The singer filmed two different endings, and then gave fans the opportunity to vote for the one they liked the best - before debuting the finished version on American Idol last night.


'Those abs are looking good!' Ryan Seacrest commented on how good Jennifer looks in the new footage


In the video, the mother-of-two is seen baring her ever-toned stomach in several different oufits, causing host Ryan Seacrest to comment afterwards: 'Those abs are looking good!'

Talking about the video recently, Jennifer said: 'I play one character where she kind of runs this party, acts like she's kind of bored with it, but at the same time is really loving it and loves this underground party dance culture.

'So I got to be wild and crazy, and at the same time I got to be sexy and sweet too.'


AMERICAN IDOL 2011 SEASON 10 - WILD CARD PERFORMANCES & TOP 13


Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist Part 6



Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist (Jennifer Lopez Show ) Part 5



Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist Part 4



Jennifer Lopez performing On The Floor feat. Pitbull.



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American Idol judges give their first standing ovation of the live shows as the ladies take their turn on the stage

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Ladies turn: American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler gave Pia Toscano a standing ovation


The lucky 12 ladies who made it past thousands of other hopefuls performed on the big American stage tonight, one step closer to achieving their dream but already one woman, Pia Toscano, is making her mark.

She got the judges on their feet in a standing ovation with her performance - unheard of so early in the season.

The five favourite ladies chosen over the next few weeks will fast track into the top ten before things really get serious on who will take the American Idol crown.
Lopez said of the ladies: 'They are supremely talented and beautiful both inside and out'.


Great start: Pia Toscano was the last to sing but was by no means the least - she sang an amazing rendition of The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You which brought tears to her family's eyes


'The guys were amazing last night and they girls are just as explosive', she added.
Randy Jackson said at the top of the show: 'This is the final chance for American to pick the ultimate Top 10'.

'It is a full moon coming on and I sense a little nervousness. But they are singing for their lives today and they have to sing and move like there is no tomorrow', Steven said in his inevitable style.


Mixed reviews: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (left) was the first up and sang Rihanna's Only Girl In the World to underwhelming feedback as did Naimo Adedapo who sang Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime


Jennifer Lopez wowed the crowd in a sparkling silver dress with a very daring thigh-high split showing she was going to set a fashion agenda for the live shows and was not going to be outdone by the young up and coming singers.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson had the unenviable task of going first and took on Rihanna's dance hit Only Girl In The World.

She wore a 1950s style tutu dress and moved around the stage but her performance brought a mixed reaction from the judges.


Unique: Naimo Adedapo in her usual flamboyant style wore a bright yellow dress which she had designed herself


Lopez said: 'Being a performer is about moving the crowd and she moved the crowd'.
But Randy disagreed and said he was not moved although Steven said she did a great job and looked good.

Next up was young mother Naima Adedapo who said winning the show will 'change my life'.

She put on a sterling performance of Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime which she did in a more up-tempo style.

But as the song was a stand out for Fantasia in season three she drew inevitable comparisons.


Kendra Chantelle (left) sang Christina Aguilera's It's Impossible while Rachel Zevita (right) sang Fiona Apple's Criminal


She wore a unique yellow dress which she had actually designed herself.
The powerful ending of her song showed why she was a top choice for the judges to make it to the finals.

'You are an exotic flower', Jennifer Lopez said of the colourful performer.
'It was like early Ella Fitzgerald. They way you brought it was unbelievable. I liked it a lot and I like you a lot', Steven said.


Divas: Karen Rodriguez (left) belted out Mariah Carey's Hero and Lauren Turner (right) gave a sterling rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool


Kendra Chantelle was selling bathtubs before going through the audition process and although she sounded good she was accused of not bringing enough to the performance.
'Voice hot, clothes hot, style hot', Steve said of Kendra's appearance.

'You belong here but I feel there is more. I hope you make it so others can see that you can do more', Lopez said.

Rachel Zevita who had tried out four times went the sultry route and waltzed on stage wearing a cape which she threw off to reveal a sexy red and black dress.


Star power: The judges were animated throughout the performances and got into the spirit of the live show


She pranced and paraded around the stage and even by the judges but her efforts were in vain as it was compared more to a cabaret act than American Idol material.
'I was happy to be on stage and had a good time', Rachel retorted.

Latin firecracker Karen Rodriguez belted out Mariah Carey's Hero hitting some very high notes.

She looked stunning in a one shoulder green gown and looked comfortable on the stage.


Different styles: Ashton Jones underwhelmed with her version of Monica's All Over Me and Julie Zorrilla sang Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway


'Wow wow wow. Karen. Wow', Lopez said showing that she had goosebumps on her arm.
'I'm glad you went from English to Spanish showing people your flavour and who you are', she added.

Steven Tyler meanwhile was playing matchmaker during tonight's show.
The Aerosmith front man was so enamoured by her performance that he swung his chair around to where the guys were sitting to suggest she sing the sing with Jacob Lusk.


Young guns: Hailey Reinhart sang Alicia Keys' Fallin and 15-year-old Thia Megia sang a wonderful version of Irene Cara's Out Here On My Own which received great praise


Jacob's rendition of A House Is Not a Home won him rave reviews from the judges during Tuesday's show.

'You are one of a kind', he told the female contestant. 'You should get with Jacob and sing it with him'.

Former housekeeper Lauren Turner sang a rousing rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool.


High hopes: Lauren Alaina sang Reba McIntire's Turn on the Radio and was called a hybrid of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood


She belted out the big number with all that she had and got the crowd on their feet, including her fellow contestants.

'That's how you do it, man. I love that this is Amy Winehouse meets Florence and the Machine', Randy enthused.

'Lauren that was spectacular. I loved it and everybody loved it', Tyler said.

'Your voice is undeniable. Physically you are holding back. You can get in the cameras face and really give it more. It was here but you could take it to another level. No holding back', Jennifer encouraged.



American Idol: Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest presided over the live show tonight where the ladies took to the stage


Next on the scary main stage was Ashton Jones who took on Monica's All Over Me.
Her performance was not particularly memorable although she did showcase her vocal ability.

'You have the confidence of a queen and you sing so sweet', Steven said, adding: 'We've found one'.


'Your confidence is breathtaking. Really really great. You should be proud', Jennifer added.

Julie Zorrilla looked adorable in a cream prom-like dress and was noticeably nervous.
'I like it but it's not the best I've ever seen you do', Jennifer said clearly disappointed that Julie did not touch her as much as she had hoped.

'I love that song but you did not bring anything new or different to it', Randy said which received a loud boo.

'Great chorus on the song but wrong song for you. You have such a great voice', Steve said.

Haley Reinihart did a questionable rendition of Alicia Keys' Fallin' which in fairness is a tough song to sing.

'It's an amazing song but it did not do anything for you. It was a karaoke kind of thing', Randy said.

'I didn't hear that at all. I heard just the right amount of style or sexy. I liked it a lot', Steven said disagreeing with Randy.

One of the youngest contestants this year, 15-year-old Thia Megia left the judges stunned with her amazing performance.

Steven Tyler called her pitch-perfect. 'I can't believe you're only 15'.
'The mark of a great singer is the quality of the tone of the voice. Your tone reminds me of Michael Jackson', Randy said.

'This is what hot singing is about', he added.
16-year-old high-school student Lauren Alaina was next up. She has been a judge's favourite from the very beginning and Steven has a soft spot for her since she sang one of his songs in her first audition.

The young girl belted out the large number and was fearless on stage and it looked like she had been performing for years.

Jennifer Lopez said: 'You look so beautiful tonight. You don't even have to try. You just look so effortless. It amazes me how much of a natural you are. So great to see and so great to watch'.

'You kill me. You are the best and they haven't seen the best of you yet', Steven added.

Pia Toscano was last but by no means least and gave the best performance of the night receiving a standing ovation from the judges - unheard of so early on in the season.

Her family were in tears in the audience as they watched on in awe.

'That was unbelievable. You've put yourself in the category of singers who have been on this stage who have gone on to do great things', Randy said.

'I knew you were a stand out. You were saving that for when it counts. That was out of this world', Jennifer said proudly.

The public are now in charge to cast their vote to pick their favourite. Ten finalists will be voted - five boys and five girls - with another two selected as 'wild cards' by the judges.


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Julie Zorrilla (Breakaway)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Kendra Chantelle (Impossible)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Naima Adedapo


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Tatynisa Wilson (Only Girl)


American Idol Lauren Alaina March 2, 2011



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Haley Reinhart



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Ashthon Jones



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Lauren Turner


source: dailymail