by Kylene Hamulak

 

American Idol's Top 7 rocked last night, but who will be rolling into the top 6? Tonight's show will also feature performances by Casey James and Carrie Underwood, and let's just hope there aren't any surprises when it comes to results.

 

We Love You...well, most of you: The group number is Queen's "Somebody to Love," and it's their best group performance to date. Candice kills the big note, Lazaro remembers all his words, and the harmonies aren't nearly as awkward as they usually have. There's hope for this group yet!

 

Ford Fiesta Mission: This week's mission is to create a look inspired by their own musical idols. Pharell, Dolly Parton, Josh Groban, Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston, Patsy Cline, and Jessie J - I bet you can pair them when their Idols without even trying!

 

Jimmy's Recap: Jimmy thinks that most of the contestants pick the wrong songs last night, despite rock having both country and R&B roots. He says Burnell "gave rock a bad name" and was totally off on his timing. He didn't love Angie and Lazaro's duet, calling it cabaret. Kree, on the other hand, picked the right song, and Jimmy is impressed. The Burnell/Candice duet was fine, except that Candice blew Burnell away. Jimmy says Janelle did a competent job, and he puts her right in the middle of the pack. Lazaro also did a "reasonable job," but he doesn't think that's enough anymore. Did he like the Kree, Amber, and Janelle performance? Nope - he says the only thing good about it was Amber's jeans. Jimmy doesn't think Candice had one of her top three performances, but he thinks she'll be fine. Amber, he believes, is improving every week, and he was also very pleased with Angie's performance.

 

Good Life, Indeed: Casey James of Season 9 visits from Nashville, where he's been making quite a name for himself. He's performing his new song "The Good Life" tonight, and I'm not surprised he's doing well. Apparently he forgot his shirt at home and had to go to the mall to get one for the show, or else he would've had to have gone shirtless. It's really too bad there were malls nearby. He also brought gifts for the Idols after researching a little about their homes because he remembers being homesick on the show. Awww...can we vote him back in?

 

Judge's Choice: The judge's picks for the Top 3 are revealed, and they're pretty consistent with what you'd expect.

Keith: Kree-Angie-Amber

Nicki: Angie-Amber-Kree (she calls Amber "young Whitney Houston")

Randy: Amber-Kree-Angie

Mariah: Kree-Amber-Candice

 

SURPRISE! Who did America choose as the top three? In no particular order, we learn where the votes went. Kree and Angie are not surprising at all, but then we get...LAZARO?! No one seems to know what to do with this news.

 

Palate Cleanser: While we digest Lazaro's safety, let's revisit the journey of one of Idol's favorite daughters - Carrie Underwood performs "See You Again," and of course she does it flawlessly. There's a reason she's a megastar, and it's sweet that she gets teary talking about what Idol means to her.

 

Final Results: Candice is the next sent to safety, with Amber following quickly. Janelle and Burnell are in the Bottom 2. The judges give them the usual encouragement about their lives changing and everyone's a winner blah blah blah - I'm pretty sure that doesn't take the sting away, especially while Lazaro is sitting pretty. Janelle is safe - Burnell is announced as the lowest vote getter, and Janelle tells him he's gonna kill it.

 

Encore: Burnell sing's "I'm Ready for Love," and, ironically, Lazaro seems to know the words to this one and sings along while Candice cries and Mariah has to turn away. Burnell sings to the Idols, serenading Amber in particular, but it's not enough for the judges' save.

 

Burnell is eliminated.

Final Thoughts: I'm not surprised Burnell is eliminated. I generally liked his performances, and I think he's been a great "little brother" personality for the other Idols, but this competition is coming down to the girls. It's just a matter of time before the guys leave. I AM surprised that Lazaro is in the Top 3. This makes me nervous for our girls next week, and I think we're going to be using that save. Don't do it, America. I don't want to think about a Top 5 without all of these girls!

 

Were you surprised by the results? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

 

Catch American Idol every Wednesday and Thursday at 8/7C on Fox!

 

(Images courtesy of Fox)

 

Follow Kylene on Twitter @keepingupwithky!