Jennifer Lopez shows off her toned abs in stomach-baring shirt as she celebrates with American Idol's Top 13

By SARAH BULL

Tanned and toned: Jennifer Lopez shows off her impressive toned stomach as she arrives at the American Idol finalists party last night


She might be 41 and the mother of two-year-old twins, but Jennifer Lopez proved last night she still has the body of a 20-year-old as she attended the American Idol finalists party in a stomach-baring shirt and tiny shorts.

The singer smiled and waved at photographers while showing off her impressive toned abs in the cropped top, which she teamed with a black and white checked jacket and high-waisted shorts.

Lopez attended the event, held at the The Grove in Los Angeles, shortly after deciding the top 13 on American Idol alongside fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.


Daring: The 41-year-old mother-of-twins, seen here with producer Redone, teamed her stomach-baring shirt with a pair of high-waisted black shorts and a checked jacket


The trio were due to choose a final 12 from the 24 remaining singers on the TV talent show, but ended up putting through three wildcard choices after failing to reach a decision.

And last night the top 13 celebrated their success at the Fox party, with all the finalists posing ahead of the live performance shows starting next week.

But the star of the evening was undoubtedly Jennifer, in her daring but fashion-forward outfit.


The Top 13: American Idol Finalists Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, (back row) Lauren Alaina, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, (front) Paul McDonald and Casey Abrams


Colourful: Naima Adedapo (left) and Thia Megia went for colourful outfits in a bid to stand out from the crowd at the event


The singer-turned-actress has struggled to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight after welcoming twins Max and Emme in February 2008.

A keen follower of the Dukan Diet, a French weight-loss plan which is high on protein, Jennifer has worked hard to get back into shape - and the results certainly show.

She said recently: 'I worked out a lot. I struggled to get rid of the last 20 pounds. I had to change my eating habits after having the twins.

'I eat a lot less now than I used to. But I love bread and you're not allowed bread with most diets.'


Here come the girls: (Left to right) Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina and Ashthon Jones pose for photographers on the blue carpet


Black and sparkly: Hailey Reinhart (left) and Karen Rodriguez opted for red carpet staples for the party


Jennifer also showed off the results of her strict diet and exercise regime when she premiered her new music video On The Floor on American Idol last night.

The song, on which she collaborated with music producer RedOne, is a thumping club track which sees the singer take on two different personalities in the video, shot inside a nightclub.

Talking about the video recently, Jennifer said: 'I play one character where she kind of runs this party, acts like she's kind of bored with it, but at the same time is really loving it and loves this underground party dance culture.

'So I got to be wild and crazy, and at the same time I got to be sexy and sweet too.'


Smiles all round: (Left to right) Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Stefano Langone give photographers their best shot


Dressed to impress: Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and Paul McDonald are suited and booted


Jennifer had given fans the opportunity to vote for the ending of the video, after filming two alternative versions, before debuting the finished version on the show last night.

In the video, Jennifer is seen flaunting her flat stomach stomach in several different outfits, causing Idol host Ryan Seacrest to comment afterwards: 'Those abs are looking good!'

But while Jennifer wowed on the red carpet with her outfit, she did have some competition from the American Idol girls, who tried to outdo each other in various colourful clothes.


Judges: Randy Jackson poses with Idol host Ryan Seacret while Steven Tyler goes for a unique look in a pink frilly shirt


Naima Adedapo, who narrowly avoided being sent home as she was put through as one of the show's wildcard choices, arrived in a pretty patchwork dress while Thia Megia, the youngest of the contestants at just 15, wore an alphabet knitted jumper and denim shorts.

Pia Toscano went for a flirty nude dress, while Lauren Alaina opted for jeans and a floral silk one-shouldered top.

Meanwhile Ashthon Jones, who was also put through as a wildcard choice, went for a geometric purple and black tight dress and black leggings, while Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez went for black sparkly dresses.


Feisty: Jennifer debuted her new video On The Floor on the show last night, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending for the video


Some of the boys also went all out on the blue carpet, with Jacob Lusk opting for purple shoes to match his shirt, and Paul McDonald opting for a unique blue shirt printed with bird motifs.

Scotty McCreery, James Durbin, Stefano Langone and Casey Abrams also attended the event, basking in their new-found fame.

Other celebrities to attend the event included judges Steven Tyler, who opted to wear a bright pink frilly shirt, and Randy Jackson, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
TV chef Gordon Ramsay also put in an appearance, along with actresses Devon Kelly and Liza Lapira.


Famous faces: TV chef Gordon Ramsay was one of the celebrity guests at last night's party


Making an appearance: Actresses Devon Kelly (left) and Liza Lapira posed up for photographers outside the party




source: dailymail

AMERICAN IDOL: Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo, and Ashthon Jones all go through as dithering judges fail to pick final 12

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Emotional: Naima Adedapo finds out she has made it through to the American Idol final 13 as one of the wildcard choice


The nation spoke and 10 lucky hopefuls were chosen tonight as the most popular finalists on Season 10 of American Idol in the first live results show.

Out of the Top 12 Guys and Top 12 Girls, five were voted in from each group by the at home audience to chop it down to 10 in one fell swoop.

But then the judges had the wild card vote to allow another two to join the list, or so was the plan, but they actually sneaked in an extra contestant to make a total of 13 who will now proceed on in the live stage to vie for the coveted crown.


Indecisive: The judges found it difficult to choose, so decided to put through three wildcards instead of two, choosing Ashthon Jones and Stefano Langone as well


The show started with a moving montage of the journey of the final 24 from their home town auditions, to Hollywood group week, to this week's first live shows.

Jennifer wore a strapless green basque with a tail covering her ample derrière and black leggings.

An unprecedented 40million votes came in over the past two days to whittle the 24 down to 10.

The nervous contestants came out on the stage one by one to rapturous applause waiting to hear their fate.

After the ten were chosen - they then decided from the 14 that were left who they wanted to hear sing for the wild card spots.


Judgement day: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler presided over tonight's live results show where 10 contestants were chosen by the public vote and three were picked by them as wild cards


Jubilant: The American Idol Top 13 contestants were chosen tonight in a nail-biting live results show- one extra than was previously expected


The first contestants walked the green mile to find out their fate.


Scotty McCreery and Robbie Rosen were called out on stage, and as expected Ryan Seacrest, drew out the process and kept the contestants and the audience on the edge of their seat.

'Scotty, the nation has decided that you... are in the top 10', Ryan shouted to rapturous applause.

'Robby, after the nationwide vote... you have not made it to the top 10, Ryan said. 'But he may get the wild card spot'.

Clint Jun Gamboa, Jordan Dorsey and Jovany Barreto were the next to be called up on stage.

Jordan Dorsey said he wished he had chosen a different song to better showcase his vocal ability and Clint was in tears and clutched his chest in obvious anxiety.
Ryan then broke the news: 'Clint and Jordan you have not made it into America's top 10.'

They headed off to the side of the stage leaving an anxious Jovany front and centre who was probably thinking, surely that means I'll be in if the other two have been voted out.

But no, Ryan then cruelly broke it to him that he too was heading home and told him: 'Jovany you have not made it into the top 10'.

The spotlight then switched to the ladies for them to start to hearing if they had really got the golden ticket.


Top 5 Girls: Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez and Thia Megia were three of the chosen ones from the public vote


Top 5 Girls: Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano are two of the judges favourites that made it through to the Top 13


Pia Toscano and Lauren Alaina were two of the judge's favourites and both had stellar performances last night.

Both ladies were put through and are stand outs to go far in the competition.
Ta-Tynisa Wilson and Julie Zorrilla both had mixed reviews from the judges about their performances.

Kendra Chantelle, Ashthon Jones and Karen Rodriguez held hands as Ryan went back over their critique from the judges.

Ashthon, who was described as a baby Diana Ross was not voted into the top 10. Neither was Kendra Chantelle.


Highs and lows: The Top 12 Girls had gathered in hope but only seven of them made it through sending five home


But Latin firecracker Karen Rodriguez was an at-home favourite and made it in to the final group.

Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams and Tim Halperin were called out next.

It was not Tim's lucky day and his poor choice of song sent him home.
But Luther Vandross-esque Jacob Lusk made it into the top 10 and celebrated in his unique style.

Casey who had a flirtation with Jennifer Lopez on Tuesday when she called him 'sexy', made him an unlikely sex symbol.

Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia, and Lauren Turner were next.
Naima Adedapo was not chosen by the public and waited it out to see if the judges would choose her for the wild card.


Top 5 Boys: Scott McCreery, Jacob Lusk and Paul McDonald made it through to the Top 13


Top 5 Boys: Casey Abrams and James Durbin were chosen by the audience to sale through to the final 13


But Thia whose voice Randy Jackson compared to Michael Jackson was overcome with emotion when she was told she was joining the winning crew.

And Lauren who worked as a cleaner was sent home, unhappy about having to continue to scrub floors.

Brett Loewenstern who's shaking of his fiery red made Jennifer Lopez compare the big hair to hers and Beyonce's was sent home.

Smiley Paul McDonald on the other hand breathed a sigh of relief and Haley Reinhart and Rachel Zevita competed for the final spot availabe in the top 10 for the ladies and Haley walked away with the coveted space.


Winners and Losers: The Top 12 Boys had gathered in hope but only six of them made it through sending six home


Stefano Langone and James Durbin were room mates from Hollywood week and have become very close but they friendship was to be tested when with only one spot left - it was only going to be one of them going through.

And the space went to James Durbin who had wowed the judges on Tuesday night.
All 24 had earlier rehearsed with the band and could choose any song from the competition.

They decided to listen to just six of the 14 who did not win the popular vote from the at home audience to hear sing again.

Ashthon was chosen first and said she was going to sing And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Hudson because she's 'not going anywhere' as it says in the lyrics and put on an incredible vocal performance.


Awaiting their fate: Brett Loewenstern, who failed to make it through, gives finalist Paul McDonald a hug as they wait for the results


Steven told her: 'I thought you brought it'.

'I felt your passion and you deserve to be here', Jennifer told the confident firecracker.

Randy told her: 'I'm still loving the attitude'.

Stefano Langone was next up and sang a rousing rendition of I Need You Now by Smokie Norful.

'I love that you sang this song to anoint this moment', Randy told him.
'I don't get this nervous when I perform but when you needed to come through you came through', Jennifer Lopez.


Ambition: It has been a long journey for the contestants who made it past thousands of other hopefuls to get to this stage


Kendra Chantelle was thrilled to hear Steven Tyler call her name - she sang a sultry Georgia on My Mind.

'It started a little low and then you rocked it. Very nice', Randy critiqued.

Jennifer then called Jovany up on to the stage and he chose to sing a Spanish inspired version of John Secada's Angel.

'You did a good job baby you did all you could do', Jennifer said to him.


Perseverance: Some of the girls had tried out numerous years previously only to be turned away again at the final hurdle


Steven then chose Naima to sing for her supper and sent the remaining four women home.

She then made the clever choice of singing For All We Know by Donny Hathaway and broke down in tears at the end of her incredible performance.

'You came from way deep down inside again and you brought it to me', Steven told her who was obviously touched by her performance.

The last person being thrown a bone was Robbie Rosen who sang Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word by Elton John.

Randy told him: 'Robbie very nice very tender'.

While Jennifer, Randy and Steven deliberated Jennifer's new video for her dance track On The Floor was debuted.


Feisty: Jennifer debuted her new video On The Floor on the show last night, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending for the video


Ultimately the judges made their choice after hearing the six and chose Naima Adedapo, Ashthon Jones and Stefano Langone as their wild cards.

Jennifer also treated viewers to the first look at her new music video On The Floor, after giving fans the chance to choose the ending to the video.

The singer filmed two different endings, and then gave fans the opportunity to vote for the one they liked the best - before debuting the finished version on American Idol last night.


'Those abs are looking good!' Ryan Seacrest commented on how good Jennifer looks in the new footage


In the video, the mother-of-two is seen baring her ever-toned stomach in several different oufits, causing host Ryan Seacrest to comment afterwards: 'Those abs are looking good!'

Talking about the video recently, Jennifer said: 'I play one character where she kind of runs this party, acts like she's kind of bored with it, but at the same time is really loving it and loves this underground party dance culture.

'So I got to be wild and crazy, and at the same time I got to be sexy and sweet too.'


AMERICAN IDOL 2011 SEASON 10 - WILD CARD PERFORMANCES & TOP 13


Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist Part 6



Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist (Jennifer Lopez Show ) Part 5



Exclusive American Idol 2011 - Top 13 Finalist Part 4



Jennifer Lopez performing On The Floor feat. Pitbull.



source: dailymail

American Idol judges give their first standing ovation of the live shows as the ladies take their turn on the stage

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Ladies turn: American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler gave Pia Toscano a standing ovation


The lucky 12 ladies who made it past thousands of other hopefuls performed on the big American stage tonight, one step closer to achieving their dream but already one woman, Pia Toscano, is making her mark.

She got the judges on their feet in a standing ovation with her performance - unheard of so early in the season.

The five favourite ladies chosen over the next few weeks will fast track into the top ten before things really get serious on who will take the American Idol crown.
Lopez said of the ladies: 'They are supremely talented and beautiful both inside and out'.


Great start: Pia Toscano was the last to sing but was by no means the least - she sang an amazing rendition of The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You which brought tears to her family's eyes


'The guys were amazing last night and they girls are just as explosive', she added.
Randy Jackson said at the top of the show: 'This is the final chance for American to pick the ultimate Top 10'.

'It is a full moon coming on and I sense a little nervousness. But they are singing for their lives today and they have to sing and move like there is no tomorrow', Steven said in his inevitable style.


Mixed reviews: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (left) was the first up and sang Rihanna's Only Girl In the World to underwhelming feedback as did Naimo Adedapo who sang Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime


Jennifer Lopez wowed the crowd in a sparkling silver dress with a very daring thigh-high split showing she was going to set a fashion agenda for the live shows and was not going to be outdone by the young up and coming singers.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson had the unenviable task of going first and took on Rihanna's dance hit Only Girl In The World.

She wore a 1950s style tutu dress and moved around the stage but her performance brought a mixed reaction from the judges.


Unique: Naimo Adedapo in her usual flamboyant style wore a bright yellow dress which she had designed herself


Lopez said: 'Being a performer is about moving the crowd and she moved the crowd'.
But Randy disagreed and said he was not moved although Steven said she did a great job and looked good.

Next up was young mother Naima Adedapo who said winning the show will 'change my life'.

She put on a sterling performance of Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime which she did in a more up-tempo style.

But as the song was a stand out for Fantasia in season three she drew inevitable comparisons.


Kendra Chantelle (left) sang Christina Aguilera's It's Impossible while Rachel Zevita (right) sang Fiona Apple's Criminal


She wore a unique yellow dress which she had actually designed herself.
The powerful ending of her song showed why she was a top choice for the judges to make it to the finals.

'You are an exotic flower', Jennifer Lopez said of the colourful performer.
'It was like early Ella Fitzgerald. They way you brought it was unbelievable. I liked it a lot and I like you a lot', Steven said.


Divas: Karen Rodriguez (left) belted out Mariah Carey's Hero and Lauren Turner (right) gave a sterling rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool


Kendra Chantelle was selling bathtubs before going through the audition process and although she sounded good she was accused of not bringing enough to the performance.
'Voice hot, clothes hot, style hot', Steve said of Kendra's appearance.

'You belong here but I feel there is more. I hope you make it so others can see that you can do more', Lopez said.

Rachel Zevita who had tried out four times went the sultry route and waltzed on stage wearing a cape which she threw off to reveal a sexy red and black dress.


Star power: The judges were animated throughout the performances and got into the spirit of the live show


She pranced and paraded around the stage and even by the judges but her efforts were in vain as it was compared more to a cabaret act than American Idol material.
'I was happy to be on stage and had a good time', Rachel retorted.

Latin firecracker Karen Rodriguez belted out Mariah Carey's Hero hitting some very high notes.

She looked stunning in a one shoulder green gown and looked comfortable on the stage.


Different styles: Ashton Jones underwhelmed with her version of Monica's All Over Me and Julie Zorrilla sang Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway


'Wow wow wow. Karen. Wow', Lopez said showing that she had goosebumps on her arm.
'I'm glad you went from English to Spanish showing people your flavour and who you are', she added.

Steven Tyler meanwhile was playing matchmaker during tonight's show.
The Aerosmith front man was so enamoured by her performance that he swung his chair around to where the guys were sitting to suggest she sing the sing with Jacob Lusk.


Young guns: Hailey Reinhart sang Alicia Keys' Fallin and 15-year-old Thia Megia sang a wonderful version of Irene Cara's Out Here On My Own which received great praise


Jacob's rendition of A House Is Not a Home won him rave reviews from the judges during Tuesday's show.

'You are one of a kind', he told the female contestant. 'You should get with Jacob and sing it with him'.

Former housekeeper Lauren Turner sang a rousing rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool.


High hopes: Lauren Alaina sang Reba McIntire's Turn on the Radio and was called a hybrid of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood


She belted out the big number with all that she had and got the crowd on their feet, including her fellow contestants.

'That's how you do it, man. I love that this is Amy Winehouse meets Florence and the Machine', Randy enthused.

'Lauren that was spectacular. I loved it and everybody loved it', Tyler said.

'Your voice is undeniable. Physically you are holding back. You can get in the cameras face and really give it more. It was here but you could take it to another level. No holding back', Jennifer encouraged.



American Idol: Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest presided over the live show tonight where the ladies took to the stage


Next on the scary main stage was Ashton Jones who took on Monica's All Over Me.
Her performance was not particularly memorable although she did showcase her vocal ability.

'You have the confidence of a queen and you sing so sweet', Steven said, adding: 'We've found one'.


'Your confidence is breathtaking. Really really great. You should be proud', Jennifer added.

Julie Zorrilla looked adorable in a cream prom-like dress and was noticeably nervous.
'I like it but it's not the best I've ever seen you do', Jennifer said clearly disappointed that Julie did not touch her as much as she had hoped.

'I love that song but you did not bring anything new or different to it', Randy said which received a loud boo.

'Great chorus on the song but wrong song for you. You have such a great voice', Steve said.

Haley Reinihart did a questionable rendition of Alicia Keys' Fallin' which in fairness is a tough song to sing.

'It's an amazing song but it did not do anything for you. It was a karaoke kind of thing', Randy said.

'I didn't hear that at all. I heard just the right amount of style or sexy. I liked it a lot', Steven said disagreeing with Randy.

One of the youngest contestants this year, 15-year-old Thia Megia left the judges stunned with her amazing performance.

Steven Tyler called her pitch-perfect. 'I can't believe you're only 15'.
'The mark of a great singer is the quality of the tone of the voice. Your tone reminds me of Michael Jackson', Randy said.

'This is what hot singing is about', he added.
16-year-old high-school student Lauren Alaina was next up. She has been a judge's favourite from the very beginning and Steven has a soft spot for her since she sang one of his songs in her first audition.

The young girl belted out the large number and was fearless on stage and it looked like she had been performing for years.

Jennifer Lopez said: 'You look so beautiful tonight. You don't even have to try. You just look so effortless. It amazes me how much of a natural you are. So great to see and so great to watch'.

'You kill me. You are the best and they haven't seen the best of you yet', Steven added.

Pia Toscano was last but by no means least and gave the best performance of the night receiving a standing ovation from the judges - unheard of so early on in the season.

Her family were in tears in the audience as they watched on in awe.

'That was unbelievable. You've put yourself in the category of singers who have been on this stage who have gone on to do great things', Randy said.

'I knew you were a stand out. You were saving that for when it counts. That was out of this world', Jennifer said proudly.

The public are now in charge to cast their vote to pick their favourite. Ten finalists will be voted - five boys and five girls - with another two selected as 'wild cards' by the judges.


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Julie Zorrilla (Breakaway)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Kendra Chantelle (Impossible)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Naima Adedapo


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Tatynisa Wilson (Only Girl)


American Idol Lauren Alaina March 2, 2011



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Haley Reinhart



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Ashthon Jones



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Lauren Turner


source: dailymail

The boys kick off the live shows... as Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler experience what American Idol is really about

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On trial: It wasn't just the contestants who got to perform live for the first time, it was also a first for new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on tonight's American Idol


After the long rounds of auditions and the drawn out knock out stages, the final 12 male contestants finally got the chance to perform for America tonight.

After months of vying to win over the judges, suddenly it was all about the viewer at home, as contestants including Casey Abrams, Scotty McCreery and Jacob Lusk sang their hearts out.

But it wasn't just their dreams on the line.

For the first time viewers got the chance to see the new judges in action, unedited. And their personalities shone through, with Steve Tyler keeping producers on their toes, bleeping out his colourful language.


First time experience: The judges got chance to comment on performances from the top 12 boys in the competition


Jennifer Lopez was equally passionate, although kept her comments suitable for a family audience.

But while opinionated, both seemed reluctant to criticise their hand-picked contestants, leaving Randy Jackson to take on the role of the bad guy, to much booing from the crowd.

But there were some contestants that even Lopez and Tyler had to let down, however gently.

First up was Clint Jun Gamboa who kicked off the show with Stevie Wonder's Superstition


Thumbs up: Clint Jun Gamboa got the show off to a good start with Stevie Wonder's Superstition; the judges praised him, although said he looked a little 'jittery'


With his round glasses and cheeky smile he won a big cheer from the audience, although seemed a little nervous.

But the judges couldn't have been more positive.

Jackson praised him, adding: 'There's no karaoke singer in the world that's got that kind of vocal talent. This is a singing competition and that was brilliant.'


Heartthrobs: Jovany Barreto was next to take to the stage, before Jordan Dorsey performed Usher's OMG

Daunting: The live show was the first time many of the contestants have performed in such a large audience


Lopez said she hoped the audience could see what a talent he was, adding: 'You must have felt good, you got it out.'

Not getting as positive a reception was Jovany Barreto, the former port worker who sang Edwin McCain's I'll Be.

Lopez loved it. 'People got to see you I think for the first time, I mean really really see what you can do, and you know what you did it,' she said excitedly.
But Barreto was brought back down to earth to Jackson.


Getting ready: Tim Halperin chats to host Ryan Seacrest ahead of his performance


Impressive: Tim won praise from the judges for his rendition of Rob Thomas' Streetcorner Serenade
'For me it felt very karaoke,' he said bluntly. 'The thing about doing cover songs is that you can bring whatever you want to it but it doesn't sound as good as the original.'


Angry Lopez responded, telling him: 'You should be very, very proud.'
But Jackson replied: 'You've had to many biscuits.'

Next up was Jordan Dorsey, who performed Usher's O.M.G.
The judges seemed unanimous in their dislike of the song choice.

Lopez told him: 'You know I love you, I do, and I have from the beginning. But I'm not sure that's who you really are. Is that who you want to be?'

After Dorsey admitted that the song didn't suit him, she finished: 'It didn't show off your voice, the voice that we know you have.'


He then told host Ryan Seacrest: ''I had to act because it's an Usher song and he moves a lot. I had to add some extra.'

Next up was Tim Halperin, who distinguished himself throughout the audition process with his use of instruments.

But tonight it was just his voice on show as he sang Rob Thomas's Streetcorner Symphony (Come On Over).

The judges missed his individual style.

To boos from the audience Tyler told him: 'Tim, I'm not sure if that song did you any justice man. I've heard you sing so many other better songs behind the piano.'

Lopez backed him up: 'It's not that you didn't do it well, you did do it well, but it didn't show America who you are as an artist.'

'That song is a cool, song but that's what I wouldn't equate you with,' finished Jackson. 'It really wasn't the best try today.'

But the criticism didn't dent Halperin's confidence: 'I felt it went pretty good to me and I hope America would agree with that.'

Following him on stage was the undeniably individual Brett Loewenstern.


Tossing his red curls around he bounced around the stage singing The Doors' classic Light My Fire.

Tyler loved it: 'You brought it home man you were on fire.'

And Lopez was impressed: 'That was like more hair tossing than me and Beyonce over the last ten years!'

Jackson had been counting.

'There were 14 hair shakes, that's a lot man. The things that were cool about that was that you were definitely fun and definitely bold.'

Next up was James Durbin who brought a new level of energy to the stage as he rocked the room with the unexpected choice of Judas Priest's Got Another Thing Coming. He also added the unusual touch of a zebra print scarf trailing behind him like a tail.

Tyler was thrilled, with the censors jumping into action to bleep out his dirty language.

'I think that's the first Judas Priest song that we've had on the show, ever,' he said.

Equally impressed was Lopez: 'I love the way you perform. I love the way you sing, where it comes from, it's organic it's real. You do it so naturally, it's insane.'

Jackson thought the performance should inspire the other performers.
'This is right here how you do it,' he told him. 'That was great man.'


Here comes Brett: Brett Loewenstern, the last boy to make it through to the top 24, sang The Doors' Light My Fire


Robbie Rosen performed Sarah McLachlan's Angel and with his puppy dog eyes and thick hair seemed designed to appeal to a female audience.

Tyler told him: 'Beautiful. Everyone right in the audience was hearing right what I'm hearing.'

Lopez agreed: 'I've said to you before that when you sing songs you have to tell a story and you do.'


Judgement time: Brett nervously awaits his comments from the judges, but received only praise from the judges


Young stars: James Durbin (left) and Robbie Rosen impressed the judges with their performances


Lopez agreed: 'There are just some people who are born to do something. You're born to sing country music.'

And Jackson found nothing to criticise.

'You know what's cool about you, you're like a throwback country boy. You're not trying to crossover. You're pure country.'

McCreery was the only one without a thing to say. 'It's been a dream,' he said. 'But I don't even know man, what in the world!'


Country strong: Scotty McCreery, who was voted through on account of his astonishingly low voice, impressed yet again


Stefano Langone couldn't have been a bigger change as he belted out Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are.

Jackson loved it, despite the occasional duff high note.

'This kid could be on the radio right now and that's what we're looking for. A real star,' he told him.

And Langone was looking for extra votes as he told Seacrest: 'That song it was for all the ladies out there. I love all you jut the way you are.'


Taking on a modern hit: Stefano Langone took a risk by performing one of the biggest hits of last year - Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are


Paul McDonald chose Rod Stewart's Maggie May.

Tyler was impressed: 'The way you shake it off and just are, I love that character in you.'

As were his fellow contestants, with Lopez saying: 'You have real character in the way you move.

'That smile you have it lights up the whole place. I love someone who smiles when they are singing.'


Rocking out: McDonald impressed the judges with his rendition of Rod Stewart's Maggie May


Jacob Lusk then added some soul to the proceedings with Luther Vandross' A House Is Not a Home, which frequent viewers will remember from the audition stage.

It was clear he was Lopez's favourite, as she led the judges in comparing him to Luther Vandross: 'He's gone, but now we have you.'

Ending the show was Casey Abrams, the contestant who nearly dropped out of Idol this week when he was hospitalised.


The new Luther Vandross: Jacob Lusk floored the judges with his performance of Luther Vandross' A House Is Not A Home


With anticipation for his performance heightened, he belted out I Put A Spell On You, flirting with Lopez throughout with little smiles.

He was the first contestant of the night to get the audience on their feet for a standing ovation, ending the show on a high note.

'Girls, what do you think about this man?' asked Tyler, to screams from the audience. 'As good as it get's, crazy good.'

Lopez told him: 'Casey, you're sexy Casey. I don't have to tell you, they told you.
'You took it, you ate it. I loved it, I loved it.'


Belting it out: Casey Abrams sings his heart out as he performs I Put A Spell On You; he was hospitalised earlier in the week with stomach problems, putting his appearance on the show in doubt


After his performance Seacrest questioned him about his hospitalisation.
'My stomach just wasn't in the right place,' Abrams admitted, honestly.

The girls will perform on Wednesday at 8pm before the final 12 are revealed on Thursday night's show.

Ten finalists will be voted for by the public, with another two selected as 'wild cards' by the judges.


American Idol Scotty McCreery March 1, 2011


American Idol Jordan Dorsey March 1, 2011


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Guys Perform - Brett Loewenstern (Light My Fire)


American Idol Jovany Barreto March 1, 2011


American Idol Casey Abrams March 1, 2011


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Guys Perform - Tim Halperin (Sweet Corner Symphony)


source: dailymail