Paige Miles Photo Credit Michael Becker/Fox

It’s time to shut down Vote for the Worst.com; there’s no question about it, they are ruining the show.  This season, Vote for the Worst named Paige Miles and Tim Urban as the two worst contestants and encouraged those who hate the concept of American Idol to continue to vote for the two, keeping them in the contest.

Slideshow: American Idol top 24 (photos)

There you have it, folks. For those of you who’ve been scratching your head wondering how Lilly Scott went home and the likes of Paige and Tim have managed to make it to the top 12, you have your answer.

So, fate worked its wonder and sent Paige home before she could bring her scratchy renditions to the tour, but for those who admit that Tim Urban is hot, but not a great singer, well, just hope they turn his mike down.

He certainly is something to look at though, and no doubt the exposure and being in the top ten will take him far. We think he’d be better following tonight’s guest hosts Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Joe Jonas over to Disney where all the teeny-boppers are sure to love him.

Tonight’s result show revealed the top ten and those who made it are in for many American Idol perks. As for Paige, well, we thought she should have left the show a long time ago.

Next week’s guest mentor will be Usher and we’re looking forward to how he will work with Michael Lynche and Siobhan Magnus. We think that judges have been beating up on Didi Benami and hope that Usher will help her get in touch with her soulful side.

Michael Lynche sings ‘This Woman’s Work’ (video)

Before the show ended, Paige Miles had one last chance to sing for the judges hoping they would use their ‘stay’ and keep her on the show. Before she opened her mouth Simon dashed those hopes telling her that she was not going to get a second chance.

He gave her some final advice, “It’s the end. Take yourself back to where we first saw you because you genuinely had a good voice.”

Our favorites continue to be Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche, Didi Benami, Aaron Kelly Lee Dewyze and Siobhan Magnus.

American Idol latest news

Michael Becker/FOX

It’s been an exciting week for American Idol fans as the Top 12 Finalists have been revealed. It was sad to see four more contestants leave last week, especially knowing that they are prohibited from joining the tour. There are special perks included for Top 12 contestants. Last week, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert, and Lilly Allen were eliminated.

American Idol News

Now that the contestants are down to 12, programming for American Idol will change from a three night weekly event to a two week event. This week, the remaining Top 12 will perform live on Tuesday March 16, 2010 between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. ET live, in Pacific Time zones the show will be tape delayed. The finalists will perform on a newly unveiled stage and will perform songs by the Rolling Stones.

Another new feature unveiled next week is that the songs performed by the Top 12 will be available for download on iTunes. ITunes will have songs and playlists from American Idol in advance so fans can preview songs before the show as well.

The results show will air on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. ET. Those in Pacific Time zones will have a tape delayed airing.

The American Idol Top 12 contestants are as follows:

Didi Benami

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 23

Songs Performed: “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson (Feb. 23), “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers (March 3) and “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac (March 9)

Crystal Bowersox

Hometown: Elliston, OH

Currently Resides: Toledo, OH

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette (Feb. 23), “Long As I Can See The Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (March 3) and “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman (March 9)

Lacey Brown

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Currently Resides: Amarillo, TX

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (Feb. 23), “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer (March 3) and “The Story” by Brandi Carlile (March 9)

Lee Dewyze

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Currently Resides: Mount Prospect, IL

Age: 23

Songs Performed: “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (Feb. 24), “Lips Of An Angel” by Hinder (March 2) and “Fireflies” by Owl City (March 10)

Andrew Garcia

Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA

Currently Resides: Moreno Valley, CA

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Sugar, We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy (Feb. 24), “You Give Me Something” by James Morrison (March 2) and “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera (March 10)

Casey James

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Currently Resides: Fort Worth, TX

Age: 27

Songs Performed: “Heaven” by Bryan Adams (Feb. 24), “I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw (March 2) and “You’ll Think Of Me” by Keith Urban (March 10)

Aaron Kelly

Hometown: Sonestown, PA

Currently Resides: Sonestown, PA

Age: 16

Songs Performed: “Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts (Feb. 24), “My Girl” by The Temptations (March 2) and “I’m Already There” by Lonestar (March 10)

Michael Lynche

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Currently Resides: Astoria, NY

Age: 26

Songs Performed: “This Love” by Maroon 5 (Feb. 24), “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown (March 2) and “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell (March 10)

Siobhan Magnus

Hometown: Cape Cod, MA

Currently Resides: Marstons Mills, MA

Age: 19

Songs Performed: “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak (Feb. 23), “Think” by Aretha Franklin (March 3) and “House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals (March 9)

Paige Miles

Hometown: Naples, FL

Currently Resides: Houston, TX

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “All Right Now” by Free (Feb. 23), “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson (March 3) and “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin (March 9)

Katie Stevens

Hometown: Middlebury, CT

Currently Resides: Middlebury, CT

Age: 17

Songs Performed: “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé (Feb. 23), “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae (March 3) and “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson (March 9)

Tim Urban

Hometown: Duncanville, TX

Currently Resides: Duncanville, TX

Age: 20

Songs Performed: “Apologize” by OneRepublic (Feb. 24), “Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson (March 2) and “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley (March 10)

See below for photos and a slideshow of the Top 12 Contestants.

Paula’s gone! Maybe that’s what’s wrong with American Idol, because something has definitely happened to the show. It no longer exudes the same amount of energy and this year’s competition seems to be dragging on from week to week, with only several future recording stars in sight. There have been a few sunny spots, but they are few and far between. Maybe home viewers were spoiled last year by having so many awesome singers. This year has been lackluster and boring, and when the singers give a poor performance, it is amazing just how bad they sound.

We think the judges messed up with the auditions and Hollywood week and failed to put those with the best talent through. Maybe America should vote from the beginning. What happened to Shelby Dressel?

Face it judges- you messed up!

Ok, well back to the recap!

There are now 16 contestants on the show. We have picked six that we think are actually worth being in the top 12: Crystal Bowersox, Lily Scott, Katelyn Epperly, Siabhon Magnus, Michael Lynche and Casey James. We like Lee Dewyze, but his voice goes flat where other rockers before him sailed.

It’s definitely a woman’s gig this year.

Four contestants were eliminated on Thursday’s result show. They were Haeley Vaughn, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers, and John Park.

Michael Becker/FOX

So, here are your top 16!

Aaron Kelly

Alex Lambert

Andrew Garcia

Casey James

Lee Dewyze

Michael Lynche

Tim Urban

Todrick Hall

Crystal Bowersox

Didi Benami

Katelyn Epperly

Katie Stevens

Lacey Brown

Paige Miles

Sibohan Magnus

We think that it will come down to Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche, and Siobahn Magnus.

No matter what happens, we believe these three will have launched their musical careers from this year’s show.

It’s down to the Top 10 men and there was no question that the show was an improvement from last week. Surprisingly, some of the strong singers entering the competition failed to impress and a few pulled ahead of the competition showing their improvements.

Casey James is an early favorite and one of our picks. We agreed with Kara Dioguardi that though he is eye and ear candy, his performance was more guitar than vocals. We like the softer, smoother, and definitely bluesy Casey over the rocker version.

Michael Lynche opened the show and did a great job. He sang James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World” and it was a winner. John Park revealed that he is bilingual and that English is his second language. He has a great look, but there is something lacking with his voice.

Alex Lambert really pulled through this week and did an excellent job. His voice has a unique, but recordable sound and he was definitely one of the best performances of the night: quite possibly, Alex Lambert was the best male vocal of the night. We doubt he’ll be leaving anytime soon.

Todrick Hall failed to impress as he slaughtered Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got to Do With It. There were so many runs the song was difficult to follow. Todrick has a beautiful voice but he won’t stay on one note long enough for anyone to hear it. Things may be difficult for Todrick going forward.

Jermaine Sellers has a great voice and nice, pleasant tone, but like Todrick, he won’t stay on one note long enough to pull it off. There was a subdued feeling to Jermaine’s performance and he needed to pick up the beat a bit. It became boring.

Andrew Garcia is losing his spark! When he started he wowed everyone with his version of Straight Up and hasn’t topped it since. What Andrew may be missing is the slow, smooth, rhythmic flow that he gave to Straight Up. We just haven’t heard anything that smooth from him since. He isn’t a rocker and he isn’t blues, but he has a pure smooth quality to his voice. We feel if he is going to stay he needs to slow things down and wow us with his smooth flows.

Aaron Kelley sang My Girl and though there were some few off notes, his voice is sugary sweet. We think the girls will love it.

Speaking of girls, did we mention Tim Urban? Tim Urban could easily follow Ellen’s advice and wind up on the next High School Musical. We think that he’s cute enough to stay in the competition for a long time. What he lacks in vocals he makes up in cuteness and that may carry him pretty far.

Lee Dewyze sang Lips of an Angel and seemed as though he missed his guitar. His voice is good and he sounds like previous winners, but he doesn’t seem to have the same level of soulfulness and grit that other past winners have had. It may be nerves, we’re not sure.

Speaking of nerves, it seems as if all of the contestants are extremely nervous and lacking self-confident- more so than any previous season. We’re not sure what’s going on, but the guys seem really on edge and nearly at the verge of tears after being critiqued.

Based on tonight’s performances, we think that John Park and Todrick Hall are in danger of being sent home.

Casey James saves American Idol from boredom, top 24 elimination round Thursday (photos, videos)

Thank God for Casey James! If you’re home asking yourself what happened to the fantastic talent seen in the American Idol auditions and Hollywood week, you aren’t alone. Something is clearly amiss with American Idol. Maybe it’s the sound, nerves, they all want Paula Abdul or are sad that Simon Cowell is leaving- who knows. But one thing is certain; this season’s contestants are off to a dismal start.

Slideshow: Photos of  Top 24 American Idol Contestants

Could it be that Adam Lambert raised the bar so high that this year’s singer’s every imperfection is magnified? Maybe, but at least there’s Casey James!

Actually, we have several picks including Casey James and Crystal Bowersox, that we’re counting on to save us from the gloom and doom lurking on the stage when we’re supposed to be entertained.   W e’re sure those two will make it to the end.  Another surprising pick that we’re counting on is  Siobhan Magnus. Her song was memorable and unique. It’s one of those that if you listen to it again, sticks with you- the sign of pure talent. You can listen to the top 12 girls perform their songs here:  American Idol Top 12 Girls

We expected much more from the men, and felt that only Casey James delivered the goods. It seemed as if all of the contestants have lost their energy and the songs were flat, dry, and boring.

Last season was full of high octane, energetic performances, partly due but not solely due to Adam Lambert. Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen kept the energy flowing throughout the season.

We’re not sure what’s going on but hopefully next week, the contestants will be excited to be on the show, or at least sound like it.

Prime Writer News Network Topic:  American Idol

American Idol top 24 Season 9  contestants list leaked (videos)

If you want to be surprised regarding this year’s top 24 contestants on American Idol’s Season 9, then stop where you are and don’t look below this paragraph! Yes, this list contains the leaked ‘Top 24’ contestants of American Idol. Now, we did not gather the names ourselves, so we cannot verify that the list is accurate; this is the list that has circulated the web.

(See photos of one of the 12 girls linked to college football Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow)

Some of the top 24 were revealed last night, the remaining contestants will be unveiled tonight. Even if the leaked list is accurate, it is highly doubtful that American Idol will lose viewers. Many fans enjoy watching the show first hand, whether they know who is coming or going- it’s all in the presentation and reaction- those cannot be leaked through a list of names.

It’s amazing to think that 181 contestants arrived in Hollywood and after tonight’s episode (check your local Fox listings for time) there will remain 24- the top 12 girls and top 12 guys.

This year has seen an enormous amount of talent, and it’s easy to pick favorites. In the past, we pegged Adam Lambert , Bo Bice, and Daughtry from the early auditions as clear favorites. This season the talent is enormous. Some of our favorites include Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Tyler Grady, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, and Lily Scott.  Todrick Hall brings Broadway experience to the show, like Adam Lambert, and we’re excited to see his performances.  We’ll see what happens as this year has a number of early favorites.

Here is the leaked list

Top 24 Guys:

• Aaron Kelly

• Alex Lambert

• Andrew Garcia

• Casey James

• Chris Golightly

• Jermaine Sellers

• John Park

• Jose Munoz

• Lee DeWyze

• Michael Lynche

• Todrick Hall

• Tyler Grady

Top 24 Girls:

• Ashley Rodriguez

• Crystal Bowersox

• Haeley Vaughn

• Janell Wheeler

• Katelyn Epperly

• Katie Stevens

• Lilly Scott

• Lacey Brown

• Michelle Delamor

• Paige Miles

• Siobhan Magnus

• Didi Benami

Be sure to check out the show tonight and see if the Internet list was correct!

Prime Writer News Network Topic: American Idol