American Idol 2012 Top 7 Round 2: Will There Be A Double Elimination?

April 18, 2012 Matt Boyer American Idol, American Idol 2012, Season 11 102

American Idol 2012 Top 7

American Idol has been pretty quiet this week regarding what we can expect following Jessica Sanchez’s elimination and subsequent save last Thursday. We’ve seen a lot of discussion on whether or not we’ll see a double elimination this week when the Season 11 Top 7 finalists take the stage for the second time, so let’s see what we know so far and can expect this week on American Idol 2012.

So far we haven’t heard anything from Nigel Lythgoe, production, Ryan Seacrest, etc. on how many eliminations will be coming up this time around. However, on Thursday night, FOX and American Idol released their PR memo with a few details on the upcoming week which noted that viewers could tune in on Thursday (April 19th) to “find out which Top Seven finalist is sent home.” Now that’s clearly a singular “finalist” in their press release which would hint at a single elimination, but that’s just a PR memo probably using some template with fill-in-the-blanks for a quick release. I’m not ready to go by what that brief announcement says, so let’s look at what’s happened in the past.

The Judges’ Save was first introduced in Season 8 when Matt Giraud was “saved” during the Top 7 week. The following week there were two eliminations to keep things on schedule. During Season 9, Michael Lynche was saved during Top 9 week. Sure enough, a double elimination followed the previous week’s elimination-void. Season 10 delivered a save of Casey Abrams during the Top 11 week (too early, huh?) and guess what? Double elimination the next week.

With all that in mind I think it’s safe to say we’ll most likely see a double elimination (see Update below) this Thursday on American Idol 2012, but how does that look for Jessica Sanchez, last week’s recipient of the Judges’ Save? Interestingly, in all three previous seasons of a Judges’ Save the finalists “saved” has never been eliminated the following week. I’m expecting that to be a repeat event this time around. Jessica’s fans will have a fire lit under their feet to get out the vote and save their favorite and will go that extra mile to make sure she’s safe this time around.

Of course, patterns are just patterns and nothing is certain until it happens. Right now I’m expecting a double elimination (see Update below) coupled with Jessica Sanchez’s safety this Thursday, but we’ll soon know more. What do you think will happen?

Update: Excellent comments down below pointing out Jermaine Jones’ disqualification earlier in the season could negate the need for a double elimination to keep the schedule going. Very true! We’ll soon know for sure either way.

Update 2: The question arises, if Jones’ disqualification required the use of the Judges’ Save to avoid ending the season a week early, then is it more of a possibility that last week’s “shocking!” results show was staged to avoid a “meh, sure we’ll use the save this week because we have to” moment during the Top 5?

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102 Comments

      •  Hi Matthew,

        The song list, is it in the right order of performance.  Because if it is
        then it would be easier to figure out who is singing what in both “Now”
        and “then”  this is a toughy!

    • to matt-you’re right, the elimination shows have more filler than white castle burgers and street heroin!!

    • no because they had 2 performance episodes with the top 7, thats how american idol has always been, obviously because of the save 2 must go

  2. Whatever format of elimination this week, I just hope that my personal list of “Fantastic Four” (Jessica, Philip, Colton and Joshua) is still in the game.

    • Let’s calculate.If we have a double elimination this week, we get to have 5 contestants remaining on 5/19. 
      Then we get to have 4 on 5/26. 
      3 on 5/3
      2 on 5/10
      and the finale would be 5/17. This way we would be 1 week under schedule.

      If we have a single elimination, we get to have 6 contestants remaining on 5/19. 
      Then we get to have 5 on 5/26. 4 on 5/33 on 5/102 on 5/17and the finale would be 5/24. JUST AS SCHEDULED!!!!! PERFECT!!!
      I suppose this proves that we get a single elimination FOR SURE. huh?

      • no because since they have 2 performance nights with the top 7 means when its done 2 need to go for the make up of top 6 performance night

    • ai should stnd to what its known for that is to vote for the best performers and not personalites

  3. But we had a dq with jermaine and elimination of Shannon that week. Wouldn’t it be just a single elimination tmw? Or else they’d be ahead of schedule again!

      • SONG SPOILERS!!!!! 
        like last week only the songs, not the artists!
        (copied off wikipedia)
        OrderContestantSong (original artist)[51]Result1TBA”No One” (Alicia Keys)TBA2TBA”I Believe” (Fantasia Barrino)TBA3TBA”Rolling in the Deep” (Adele)TBA4TBA”U Got It Bad” (Usher)TBA5TBA”Born This Way” (Lady Gaga)TBA6TBA”Fallin'” (Alicia Keys)TBA7TBA”Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)TBA8TBA”In the Midnight Hour” (Wilson Pickett)TBA9TBA”A Change Is Gonna Come” (Sam Cooke)TBA10TBA”September” (Earth, Wind & Fire)TBA11TBA”Son of a Preacher Man” (Dusty Springfield)TBA12TBA”Try a Little Tenderness” (Otis Redding)TBA13TBA”I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (Marvin Gaye)TBA14TBA”Let’s Get It On” (Marvin Gaye)TBA

  4. Pretty sure there’ll be a single elimination, since Jermaine was disqualified earlier, and the Finale is scheduled for May 22-23. I hope it is a single elimination though,  I couldn’t bear to see two contestants leave, I’m really attached to them all at this point!
    Whatever happens, one thing is for sure, Miss Jessica Sanchez will be SAFE.

    •  By the way, please don’t assume anyone to be safe! VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!
      (Holliepops, you guys need to do some serious voting this week!)

  5. i don’t think so it’s gonna be double elimination…because jermaine jones and shannon was eliminated in a week…so, it can’t be double elimination for twice…

  6. I guess there were some truths behind last week’s elimination. Elise and Joshua were really in bottom three. That’s why Joshua always got SO and Elise being pimped most of the time.
    This week is their time to go, unfortunately…..

    • So you just overlook that Jessica was the one that was on the very Bottom? Joshua us gonna kill it tonight, he’s not going anywhere!!

  9. the finale is on may 22nd.

    april 18 – top 7
    april 25 – top 6
    may 2 – top 5
    may 9 – top 4
    may 16 – top 3
    may 22 – final 2

  10. Do not assume anything!  All the Hollie fans out there that voted her safe last week, keep it up this week.  Vote the same, if not more than before.  I know I will not stop texting for Hollie during those two hours. I really would hate to see her sent home now just like the judges wanted last week.   

    •  I’m with you Kris! Hope the judges arent unfair once again! I see Hollie fighting and when the judges put her down I get so angry! Let’s vote vote vote!

  11. I agree with Gary. There’s serious need for Hollypop votes and the people here are sending the votes with all our love. I bet that Jessica is eliminated if she keeps singing boring songs. She could change things by finding a personality. So far, Colton is tops for me. Personality, voice, and everything. He’s got it.

  12. Hope it’s a double elimination just want this season over with since it’s the worst year so far for crappy performers.
     

    • I think the talent has surpassed every other year.  These guys came out like pro’s!  And I’m willing to give the judges props for finding/selecting them.  But since things have gone to America’s votes, I think the judges needed to have pulled back as far as trying to influence the voters – maybe there’s too much of a vested interest on their part(s) at this point.  Whatever the case, it’s the judges who have been spoiling this year’s Idol for me.  Simon may have been a little brutal for some (viewers’) liking, but he was fair and didn’t “play favorites”. 

      • I wonder if you just started watching AI this season to say that this season has surpassed every other season…This year’s talent does not even come close to the group we just had last season. We’ll probably be left with Phillip, Colton, Skyler, and Jessica after Thursday night (if a double elimination happens). At which point, I’m done for the season. I just hope next season they will be able to find contestants close to being as good as last season’s. Another season like this one and this show may be done.

      • I wonder if you just started watching AI this season to say that this season has surpassed every other season…This year’s talent does not even come close to the group we just had last season. We’ll probably be left with Phillip, Colton, Skyler, and Jessica after Thursday night (if a double elimination happens). At which point, I’m done for the season. I just hope next season they will be able to find contestants close to being as good as last season’s. Another season like this one and this show may be done.

      • But I do agree with you about the judges. They have made a complete mess of this season. If they insist on forcing their choice of a winner on the rest of us, then they should go get a gig with Simon on X-Factor. That way the will actually get to vote for their favorite.

      • But I do agree with you about the judges. They have made a complete mess of this season. If they insist on forcing their choice of a winner on the rest of us, then they should go get a gig with Simon on X-Factor. That way the will actually get to vote for their favorite.

    • I think the talent has surpassed every other year.  These guys came out like pro’s!  And I’m willing to give the judges props for finding/selecting them.  But since things have gone to America’s votes, I think the judges needed to have pulled back as far as trying to influence the voters – maybe there’s too much of a vested interest on their part(s) at this point.  Whatever the case, it’s the judges who have been spoiling this year’s Idol for me.  Simon may have been a little brutal for some (viewers’) liking, but he was fair and didn’t “play favorites”. 

    • Actually, I think it is far from being the worst year. True, there are no stand out performers such as Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood or Haley Rhienhart. But, their are not any stinkers that linger around way longer than they should either. That makes for a close compitition, that anyone can win. Some might call that … Entertaining.

    • I would like to believe you when you said this season is the worst year with crappy performers, if you will stay away from that show and never have even single sight on that show.

  13. I just heard on the radio (Ryan Seacrest’s station) the promo for AI tonight & tomorrow night and if it was a double elimination they would have promoted it for advertising purposes……Then again nothing surprises me with AI these days!!!!!

  14. Matthew,

    The finale will be on 23rd of May. If you count back the dates, there is only one elimination this week.

  15. They don’t need a double elimination on keeping on track of the shows schedule because Jermaine was let go. That was an elimination so with just one elimination, Jermaine makes a “double”. I think that was his name…the guy who had the history with the law and didn’t disclose it…that’s who I’m talking about.

    Also, last weeks jaw dropping “bottom 3” I honestly believe was a stunt that the producers of American Idol made on purpose. I truly believe they swapped the people who were going to be in the bottom three with the people who had the most votes. Therefore, Joshua, Jessica and Elise, I believe, we’re not the actual bottom three. I believe it was to not only boost ratings but also to make sure the judges used their save as well as to make sure America doesn’t become complacent in not voting for the people who are left since it is getting tougher to decide. Ther is NO WAY America would have ever put Joshua or Jessicain the bottom three-I wouldn’t have put Elise there either myself but I know others don’t feel the same way I do. On top of this, there is NO WAY Jessica Sanchez would have been voted off American Idol. Utterly impossible! So, America-open your eyes-how could that all really have been the case? It was “staged” unbeknownst to our idol finalists I’m sure, maybe even unknown to the judges. But as Randy Jackson said and this isn’t a quote but he said he thought Anerica was getting too comfortable NOT VOTING-he was trying to make sure everyone will vote. And after all, the show wants us all watching, they want us all voting and they can’t afford for America to become complacent at thi point in the season or during any part of any season where we are the ones driving the ratings up.

    •  Hi Sistersledge,

      So let me understand this correctly, what you are saying is all those votes that we did last week was a farce and and did not count and all the drama that went on is just a joke.  I don’t buy that one.   You got to prove that one and back it up with facts, so if you can we would appreciate more information.  What you are trying to say is this show
      is a joke and the american  idol voters don’t have a say in this. 

      Is that it?

      • I believe it was a ratings stunt. I also believe the judges and the contestants did not know. I believe that Ryan knew and the producers and maybe Elise Testone. 

        She was laughing during the commercial and when they came back from commercial. Sure enough she had a reason to laugh. She has been in the bottom three so many times and then all of a sudden she lands there again with what a lot of people consider the top two vocalists on the show. That was comical in itself. But I really do believe it was a ratings stunt. Melinda Doolittle is a past contestant and she wouldn’t have said what she said unless there had been things of this nature going on during the season that she was involved in. She said she doesn’t believe that Jessica was the lowest but that she was indeed bottom 3 and when they saw that they decided to have a little fun with it. That I can believe. 

        I just hope that their little stunt does not have any unintended repercussions. 

  16. They don’t need a double elimination on keeping on track of the shows schedule because Jermaine was let go. That was an elimination so with just one elimination, Jermaine makes a “double”. I think that was his name…the guy who had the history with the law and didn’t disclose it…that’s who I’m talking about.

    Also, last weeks jaw dropping “bottom 3” I honestly believe was a stunt that the producers of American Idol made on purpose. I truly believe they swapped the people who were going to be in the bottom three with the people who had the most votes. Therefore, Joshua, Jessica and Elise, I believe, we’re not the actual bottom three. I believe it was to not only boost ratings but also to make sure the judges used their save as well as to make sure America doesn’t become complacent in not voting for the people who are left since it is getting tougher to decide. Ther is NO WAY America would have ever put Joshua or Jessicain the bottom three-I wouldn’t have put Elise there either myself but I know others don’t feel the same way I do. On top of this, there is NO WAY Jessica Sanchez would have been voted off American Idol. Utterly impossible! So, America-open your eyes-how could that all really have been the case? It was “staged” unbeknownst to our idol finalists I’m sure, maybe even unknown to the judges. But as Randy Jackson said and this isn’t a quote but he said he thought Anerica was getting too comfortable NOT VOTING-he was trying to make sure everyone will vote. And after all, the show wants us all watching, they want us all voting and they can’t afford for America to become complacent at thi point in the season or during any part of any season where we are the ones driving the ratings up.

  17. All of the Idols have wonderful talent but it’s getting very annoying that most of the votes are going to the cute boys and one particular teenage girl who has a beautiful voice but no stage presence.  To be an American Idol, you have to have the whole package, great voice, stage presence and character/likeability.  If voters are truly voting based on this, Elise would NOT be in the final 3.   She has my vote and please consider giving her yours.   Peace and love!  Michelle

    • it is beyond me why people like bland colton who has to funkify his hair to try to come across as cool. I am tired of the same person winning year after year. viewers of this show are so lame. (Lol me included!)

  18. All of the Idols have wonderful talent but it’s getting very annoying that most of the votes are going to the cute boys and one particular teenage girl who has a beautiful voice but no stage presence.  To be an American Idol, you have to have the whole package, great voice, stage presence and character/likeability.  If voters are truly voting based on this, Elise would NOT be in the final 3.   She has my vote and please consider giving her yours.   Peace and love!  Michelle

  19. Why do people have to keep saying last week was a stunt?!?!  Just get over the fact that Jessica was almost sent home.  For that, she will most surely be safe this week. 

    Just keep voting Holliepops!!!!!!!

  20. Why do people have to keep saying last week was a stunt?!?!  Just get over the fact that Jessica was almost sent home.  For that, she will most surely be safe this week. 

    Just keep voting Holliepops!!!!!!!

    • yes, you maybe acting like a blind person or can’t accept that Jessica has lots of followers that haters. the only reason they hate this girl is the threat she’s up to her co-idols.Even Philip is angry last week that they (some of the finalist) didn’t talked to her after Thursday show. I loved Colton because he’s a true Christian in religion when he comments about Jessica’s nearly elimination.

  22. I hate to say this but it might be the teenie’s choice once again with the cute guy. Most likely it will be Colton as the winner. He’ll be another DeWyze or that other guy who won it all before (can’t even remember his name) who will soon be forgotten–at least by the actual people who buy the CDs. Hint: That’s not the teenies, who chose the winners but don’t actually have the cash to buy the winner’s CDs…

    • go jessica u r da best!!go gurl! lotz of love from Samoan People especially from Beyonc Siatulai

  23. The show was scheduled ahead of time before Jones’ elimination, right? So,  I guess there’s another twist with this season’s elimination after the save power.

    • She is a boring, bland, predictable 16 year old choir singer.that’s it! There are a thousand like here throughout the states. She has to show some commercial diversity! The best performer is elise, and frankly, she’s the only one that can be a commercial success.

      • Rick, I agree that Elise has the all-around best voice and complete package.  I know a lot of people that will jump to buy her CD’s.  She is a very unique singer and the audience needs to get this right and vote for her again and again. 

      • Rick, Like you I am a fan of Elise. As she tends to bring out the passion of a song in ways the two better singers (Jessica and Joshua) do not. But, I fear she will be eliminated soon, as her fan base is not that strong. As far as who will be the biggest commericsl success, I think it will be Colton. Not because he is the best singer or performer (he is neither). But, because he has the looks that young pre-teen girls go gaga over.

      • really?then why Elise doesn’t have that great fan base. and then why music expert in the case of judges doesn’t like her performances?is that what you mean when you say she’s the best performer?

  25. In re 2 Matt’s commentary, I’ve been saying all wk it was a fix..2 keep the excitement growing and to piss off J’s voters by eliminating her. .knowing she’d be saved.  How they thought this would help her is beyond me.  But again Matt is correct in saying after a person is saved, they get megavotes the following wk.

  26. But must remind you an extra contestant has already left, Jermaine, so there shouldn’t be a double elimination this week!

  27. This year they already lost one finalist for legal reasons, so we may just not see a double elimination. They already have the right number of eliminations to keep up with the original programming schedule. But who knows. 

  28. I hope that there is a double elimination just like all the past years. If there isnt a double elimination then what was the purpose of the save? The save was for a performer to have another chance to redeem themselves and possibly face the chopping block again the next week. And the bottom 2 could have been Elise and Jess but by sending Elise back before Joshua that i believe could be some manufactured suspense.Sorry Jess fans but if she was voted off last week and everyone is calling it a conspiracy then she really better watch out this week. People dont like having their vote not count..HmmHMM President Bush maybe?? Telling me that it was a hoax because they needed to be on schedule I dont imagine that is the case.

     I think she is a very talented person but she is 16 she has plenty of time to become a performer and get a contract. But I do not think she is more talented than the others who are singers, songwriters and musicians. I can not connect with her and she has had some bad performances in my opinion.

    And my last complaint still is the opening performance..THAT WAS THE WORSE INTRO so far. that was horrible.

  29. Joshua and Jessica will be eliminated if there is a double elimination. And it will a toss between the two in a single elimination.
    Voters for all finalists will up their game. So they practicall neutralize each other. The standing of the finalist will be the same as last week.
    Single or double elimination? Which one will generate more ad revenues?

  30. i believe this is not the best american idol
    there is better to come and better have gone
    but wish all the contestants best wishessss!!!!!! 🙂 🙂
    XD!!!!!!!!!!!!
    kevin

  31. I do not really understand what transpired last week, is it part of the show…to boost its rating…or the fans of Jessica has been complacent or let us face it Jessica has a truck load of talent in singing…however she will not be an American Idol because by blood she is not an American? Maybe so…there will be two who will be eliminated..let us cross our fingers..l just hope and pray that one of which will not be Jessica.

  32. I haven’t read all the comments on this page, but am I the only one that isn’t really a fan of Jessica? I’m even more not a fan of how the judges (especially J-Lo) have played favorites this season. Never have the judges gone on stage and made such a scene as they did last week when saving Jessica.

    • I agree with you 100%…and no ur not the only one who isn’t a Jessica fan..I think she is overrated & will go home soon!

    • sure. never have judges gone on stage and made such a scene as the did last week. I think this is ridiculous making this film!!! this is overdramatic!!!!

    • Simon would never have done that, the judges were very unprofessional and then last night showing all the video and pictures of Jessica crying and being  sad,  that was way unprofessional,  and in bad taste,    Jessica can sing yes, but she is not the best, she is not a preformer,   I love Skyler and Hollie is coming up

  33. I predict it will be a single elimination since they disqualified Jermaine……Hollie & Colton are the front runners & will be 100% safe
    bottom 3: Jessica Sanchez, Joshua ledet & Skylar..however phil & elise could be in bottom 3 also

  34. Finale date, may 22 & 23 (tues & wed) was set the week after jermaine’s elimination…and that week they still eliminated shannon (remember he was eliminated on the performance night)….so if you count down to finale there are just enough you save only one

  35. I hope that people can really consider the real people that have done it well since they began.  Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez, Philip, Colton and Skyler.  Those are the ones that should be totally saved this week with no low votes.  The ones that should be really in the bottom 3 are Hollie, Elise and Colton or Skyler.  Going home Hollieeeeee…shes been saved a lot of times and shes a great person and haves a cute voice but doesnt have the hole package to deserve to win the competition thanks for the votes.  Thats my opinion and I hope this week my favorites dont go home tonight.

  36. i agree that colton is great. he just can sing don’t you see he sings all the girl song. stop it please !

  37.  Branden posted a schedule for AI with two weeks of Top 7. When was that schedule updated? If you count down the dates, then there should be a single elimination tonight.

  38. It was all a publicity thing and in bad taste and the judges were very unprofessional, but I have to say, in all the excitment of all this, James Durbin got pushed aside in the talk,  and I have to say he looked GREAT and he SANG GREAT, loved the song and he is way talented…. Good luck James many happy concerts for you and sales of your CD and many more I am a fan

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