'American Idol' Results Show: Adam Lambert and Diddy-Dirty Money Perform While Ashton Jones Leaves at Unlucky 13

One noticeable difference on the "American Idol" results show Thursday night (March 10) was not seeing Casey Abrams, a beloved finalist who loves his stringed and other musical instruments. He was absent from the show as a result of being hospitalized. Ryan Seacrest asked everyone to wave to Casey with their well wishes. I waved, so that Casey gets well very soon. As predicted the Top 12 (minus Casey) performed an entertaining Michael Jackson medley for the opening production number.

Idols' Ford Music Video and 'Red Riding Hood' Red Carpet Premiere

It is an "American Idol" results show tradition to show off the finalists Ford music video. This one was quite boring as there were too many quick edits. You never got to see who was featured on camera. You could say this music video fell into the forgettable category. What wasn't forgettable was the Top 13 attending the red carpet movie premiere of "Red Riding Hood." Many idols were excited to meet the stars of the film. I've seen the movie trailer for it many times, but it was interesting to hear their reactions of the film afterwards.

Adam Lambert's Acoustic "Aftermath" and Diddy-Dirty Money

For the second time Adam Lambert dropped by to perform an acoustic arrangement of his latest single "Aftermath." He brought his signature power notes and screams to the stage. Afterwards, he spoke briefly with Ryan. The dance remix proceeds of the single will go to charity. Before the end of the show Diddy-Dirty Money performed, featuring Skylar Grey on piano, his single "Coming Home." It was his second return to the Idol stage.

Strange Results with No Judges Save at the End

Here's where the results got strange. At first Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone and Karen Rodriguez were brought out to learn their fates. After Ryan went through what the judges had to say about them he tells them they are all safe, except...Karen Rodriguez. She is the first to be in the bottom three. After all the performances by the musical guests another group featuring Lauren Alaina, Ashton Jones and Haley Reinhart are brought to the stage. Ryan tells Lauren what the judges had to say about her performance. She admitted she "sucked" and tears were streaming down her face.

Thankfully Ryan quickly informed her she was safe. However, Ashton and Haley were the two left to make up the bottom three. All the other finalists did not have to endure going to center stage for a judge's recap. I've never seen anything like that happen before on the show. Earlier in the day I figured the judges save was not going to be used this season. Sure enough Ryan Seacrest brought up the judges save. Alas, Jennifer Lopez informed Ashton Jones it was the end of the line for her. The new exit song was introduced by David Cook. It is a cover song by the 1980s group Simple Minds titled "Don't You Forget About Me," one of my favorite songs from that decade.

SOURCES:

American Idol - Official Site for Videos, Photos and Community, American Idol.com

Gil Kaufman, "Ashton Jones Eliminated from 'American Idol'", MTV.com