by Gabrielle Abrams

 

Beatles Mania takes over American Idol as the contestants break up into duos and trios to sing the Beatles hit songs in Las Vegas. One thing is certainly missing from this show though, and that is Simon Cowell. The criticism is just not there like it used to be.

 

The contestants performed in The Mirage on the same stage as the Beatles Love is performed. Most surprising thing of the night was that some of the singers did not know the Beatles or ever hear one of their songs, making this night a bit more difficult than it should have been.

 

There were some amazing performances including Stephano and James who sang Get Back. Pia and Karen sang Can't Buy Me Love while Tim and Julie crooned Something from their keyboards.

 

A quick break from the performances lets us view an Idol wedding between contestant Ashley and her boyfriend David. They got hitched in the same chapel as Britney Spears, whom Ashley says is one of her own personal idols.

 

We are treated to Hear Comes the Sun by Melinda and Thia and a beautiful performance from Aaron, Robbie and Jordan. But Ashley and Sophie performed a rather terrible We Can Work it Out.

 

The judges did the first set of cuts of the night beginning with bringing out Thia, Scotty, Jordan, Ashton, Robbie and Lauren. After a few moments they were informed that they were through. The judges then went on to cut Carson, Molly, Caleb, Denise, Melinda, Ashley and others. The rest were through to sing once more solo and then get reduced down to the top 24.

 

The beginning of the eliminations began. Some were let go just shy of the Top 24. Holly, Lakeisha, Alex, Deandre and Chris will not be performing anymore on season 11 of American Idol.

 

Naima was the first of the Top 24 to be told she was through. She was soon followed by Clint, Haley, Paul and Ashton.

 

The biggest shock in this round of the competition was the cut of Chris Medina. Chris became a quick fan favorite and many people were hoping to see him in the Top 24. Jennifer had to inform Chris that he wasn't into the next round and she almost had a full breakdown because of it. Lets hope that the Top 24 are all better than Chris, because if not, that was a waste of talent.

 

Tomorrow night, we'll find out who else will be in the Top 24 on this intense and talented season of American Idol.

 

 

American Idol Wednesday at 7/8c and Thursday at 7/8c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)