by Todd Betzold

 

We're finally here! Tonight is the night we find out who made it to the Top 13 on Season 11 of American Idol. There are many good singers among the 25 semifinalists, but of course not all of them can move on. This season will consist of a Top 13, unless they throw in another twist and add someone else next week. I am predicting my Top 13 (and in no particular order)...let's see how I do.

 

1. Brielle Von Hugel - As annoying as her stage mom can be and as annoying as Brielle was during Hollywood Week, I feel her song last night was very good and very entertaining. I feel she was showcased more during the auditions, so America knows her and she will get voted in.

2. Reed Grimm - How can you not love this guy? He is fun...he is quirky...he has some slick dance moves...he can play the drums...he can sing. All that together sounds like a winning combination for a Top 13 finalist.

3. Hallie Day - She has a pretty face and an old-fashioned voice. She was enjoyable last night and I think it was enough to move her into the finals.

 

4. Colton Dixon - He's been the talk of Season 11 with his weird mohawk and sexy looks. The Top 13 always needs that rock and roll edge and we will get that from Colton and the girls and boys will definitely be voting for him.

 

5. Skylar Laine - Just like we need rock and roll in the Top 13, we also need country and I think that will come from Skylar this season. I loved her performance last night...she had so much energy on that stage...a rockin' country girl.

 

6. Phillip Phillips - He has that unique voice that if America doesn't keep him in the competition, one of the judges will use their wild card on him. I think he has a lot more in him and we have yet to see how good this guy is.

 

7. Hollie Cavanagh - We didn't see much of Hollie during Hollywood Week, but I feel she came out last night and shined. She took on a Christina Aguilera song and stood her own. I loved it and I think America did too.

 

8. Heejun Han - This is another one of those guys where you ask yourself, how can you not love this guy? He has that unique voice, as well, but he has such a fun personality you want him to stay on the show just to keep you laughing every week. If America didn't vote him in, I think Jennifer uses her wild card on him....she loves him.

 

9. Shannon Magrane - She's young, cute and a good singer. She has a lot of potential and that alone will move her into the finals. Plus, Steven's comments to her during the auditions with her Dad in the room are enough to keep her in the competition.

 

10. Joshua Ledet - I am not a big fan of his, but based on reactions from my recap...you all love him. He is a good singer and is nicknamed Mantasia, but he hasn't won me over yet. However, I think he'll win over enough votes to move on to the finals.

 

11. Jessica Sanchez - Do I really need to explain this choice? She is the talk of the town and clearly had the best performance from last night's show...would be shocking if she went home.

 

12. Jermaine Jones - The judges brought him back for one more chance and I loved his performance. So, two things are going to happen with Jermaine: either America fell in love with his story and his second chance opportunity and voted for him or one of the judges will bring out the wild card and save him one more time.

 

13. Elise Testone - She has an amazing voice, but she also sang with so much emotion last night and I loved that. The judges loved her and Jennifer hoped America did too because Elise is one to watch out for...on that note, I think America did fall in love and Top 13 for Elise.

 

There you have it folks...do you all think I am crazy with my predictions? Did I miss someone? Who do you want to see make it?

 

Tune in tonight as your American Idol Top 13 finalists are announced at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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