American Idol Season 9 Goes Down to 16

America Gets it Right

Karen LoBello, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Mar 5, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Thinking back to surprises in past seasons of American Idol, I braced myself for the unexpected as four contestants were about to be cut loose from Season 9's top 20. However, I was in agreement for the most part as Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Haeley Vaughn and Michelle Delamor were released from American Idol's top twenty tonight.

The Guys

In my opinion, Jermaine Sellers was a shoe-in for the bottom contestant. He is a likable guy with a distinctive style. However, as he gave his final rendition of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," it was obvious why he was leaving American Idol. Although he stood proud of his riffs till the end, he was off-key again throughout much of the song.

I assumed the additional guy to be sent home would be John Park or Todrick Hall. I guess Todrick's charm and dance moves kept him around for another week. John Park was voted off American Idol. John sounded better singing "Gravity" than he had on Tuesday. He appeared to be more relaxed. Nerves have understandably played a huge part in many of the performances thus far this season on American Idol.

The Girls

There were undoubtedly no surprises when Haeley Vaughn found out she would not be returning to the American Idol stage. At only 16 years of age, she did hold her own for quite a while in Season 9. It was difficult to watch as she emotionally but unsuccessfully attempted her exit song, "Climb." It wouldn't surprise me to see Haeley back at auditions in Season 10.

Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott, and Siobhan Magnus were the only girls with no reason to worry, in my opinon. Any of the other ladies were apt to be singing for the last time tonight on the American Idol stage. Michelle Delamor was the unlucky choice. Although her last performance was weak, Michelle has a very good voice and connected to the songs better than many of the contestants. She, DiDi, Lacey, Paige, Katelyn and Katie all delivered respectable performances, but someone had to go.

The top eight girls will sing on Tuesday, March 9th. The guys perform the following night. It is still early in the competition, so anything can happen. Once nerves are settled and contestants have adapted to the cameras and the critique, true talent will start to reach the surface.

Top Ten Girls Perform March 3rd

Top Ten Guys Perform March 2nd

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Published by Karen LoBello - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Based in Nevada, Karen taught middle school math and English, computer education and elementary school. She has been involved in various facets of the education field. Additionally, she performed and toured... View profile