American Idol Sends Two Home Rounding Out the Top 9

As always, those sent home received the lowest amount of fan votes. Both girls had good voices but seemed to have a problem finding the right song to sing as an artist. That alone jeopardized their standing on the show. It isn't enough to be able to sing - you have to find the right song for your voice and connect with the audience.

Those who rocked last week's performances include Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, and Scotty McCreery. They, along with Pia Toscano, Paul McDonald, James Durbin, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, and Stefano Langone make up the top 9 contenders left.

Top 9

Casey Abrams- He continues to be not afraid to take chances and veer out of his lane - that's what I love about him. He's fearless, talented, and interesting. The 20-year-old lives in Wilmette, Illinois. He was almost sent home once already and the judges used the one time save on him. This really encouraged fans to root for him and to vote, vote, vote.

Lauren Alaina - She's the all American girl with the big voice. She's pretty, talented, and endearing which could easily make her the fan favorite. The 16-years-old hails from Rossville, Georgia.

Scotty McCreery - Is another young contestant in this season's competition. Except he's got a voice part Clint Black part Garth Brooks, yes really. His voice was made for country music and best of all - he already knows what kind of artist he wants to be. Sometimes this type is sent home on "American Idol", at least in previous seasons, but I don't think they've ever had a country voice with this much magnetism. I will definitely be buying his country album, when it comes out, that is.

Paul McDonald - What can I say I love Paul. He's quirky, talented, and unlike today's youth he isn't afraid to be corny. Nothing wrong with that. While I get his performances - many do not. This could be his downfall, unless he starts singing louder, stops wearing that floral stitched suit, and leans more rock 'n roll and less James Blunt. Then he could still be a contender this season. The 26-year-old hails from Huntsville, Alabama.

Pia Toscano - The 22-year-old is from Howard Beach, New York. She has an exceptional voice and could go far if she would listen to the judge's advice and stop singing slow ballads. She needs to learn to work the stage and actually perform, after all she isn't the only one with a good voice. Any one of the top 9 can sit on a stool and sing, well, Pia needs to perform and learn to stand out. And if she sings another ballad I may stop liking her at all.

James Durbin - Everyone compares him to Adam Lambert because of his high pitch notes that turn into a scream, but the truth is - he's very different from Lambert. He's one of the few rockers of the bunch. His performances are good every time because of people like Pia who only sing ballads, making his performances that much more interesting to watch. That's not the only reason he's good though. The 22-year-old hails from Santa Cruz, California.

Haley Reinhart - She's got the looks and the voice to win, but will she? Maybe. Her parents are performers and that'ss probably why she's comes out a bit more prepared than some of the others. Haley lives in Wheeling, Illinois.

Jacob Lusk - The 23-year-old from Compton, California has a deep voice with a gospel and R&B feel. With the right song he could make it further than Stefano Langone...

Stefano Langone - The 22-year-old hails from Kent, Washington. While he isn't my favorite singer of the bunch he has a decent voice. Last week he did better than usual under the guidance of Jimmy Iovine.