'American Idol's' Top 13 Performed and Tonight Become the Top 12

"American Idol's" Top 13 list includes: Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Casey Abrams, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, Ashthon Jones, Karen Rodriguez, and Stefano Langone.

Last night (March 9, 2011) the Top 13 performed songs from their favorite artists. Some of the contestants were able to shine while others saw their star dim between here and last weeks performances. Leaving Ashthon, Stefano, and possibly Thia on unsteady ground. Not to say Thia isn't a wonderful singer because she is! But she doesn't seem to be igniting any excitement within herself to take her to the next level. Although I hope she is safe because the girl can sing and she didn't have the worst performance in the group. I would save that title for Ashthon or Stefano, who both did OK last week, and remained very mediocre this week.

Crowd favorites:
Lauren is the lovable All-American girl, she has style, she can sing and I imagine she will stick around for a while. She can certainly do better than she did this week. Jacob Lusk is another fan favorite it seems. Pia and James are gunning for faves as well.

My favorites:
Paul McDonald is quirky, unusual, and can sing! I love that about him. I hope to see him continue on in the competition. He chose to sing a song by Ryan Adams and many (including myself) weren't familiar with the song, but I loved the hip and quirky performance. Watching him have fun on stage is the most interesting part of the performance for me, especially this week.

Scott McCreery is the country man of the group. He is sure to be a big star with that deep gravely voice reminiscent of Clint Black. Anything he sings is a joy to watch because you can see that his talent in one of a kind. As long as he doesn't try to go all rock 'n roll on us he should remain safe.

Pia Toscano has shown that she is by far one of the best female singers in the group. Her renditions resonate with the audience and her talent in undeniable. But she may have to learn to be more lovable than crowd favorite Lauren.

James Durbin is the only one bringing any rock 'n roll to the stage, albeit it is Adam Lambert(ish) styled, but I think that is most likely James style we just don't know him yet. He is talented and keeps the vibe interesting.

I can't help but root for Naima Adedapo. The only thing holding her back - her songs choices aren't very mainstream at all, which can be great, but she has to find material that the current generation can relate to otherwise she is is danger of alienating herself from her peers and her audience.

Age Groups of the Top 13:

16-
Lauren and Thia

17-
Scotty

20-
Casey and Haley

21-
Karen

22-
Pia, Stefano, and James

23-
Jacob

25-
Ashthon

26-
Paul and Naima

Tonight we will see who made the cut and most importantly what fans thought about the performances, and someone will be sent home. The Top 13 will become the Top 12 tonight at 8/7c on FOX!

Who are your Idol favorites? Share your thoughts from this season in the comments section. Who's going home tonight?