The "American Idol" 2013 top 20 results show aired March 7 on ABC, and featured a string of victory songs by the 10 aspiring singers who survived the season's first viewer vote. Not among the finalists was teen Charlie Askew, whose March 6 rendition of Genesis' "Mama" drew harsh criticism from the judges that prompted a near emotional meltdown. Despite his elimination, there's still a chance that Askew could earn a spot in the "American Idol Live!" tour.
According to show host Ryan Seacrest, the sixth place guy and girl will face off March 13 for an eleventh berth on the tour, allowing him or her to perform alongside top 10 stars in the making Angie Miller, Burnell Taylor, Candice Glover and the rest of the pack.
Although the two contestants' names have yet to be released, there's a good chance that Askew is the sixth place guy. His very public post-performance confession that he's not really the "happy, buoyant" person he seems to be struck a chord with viewers, many of whom rushed to Twitter in his defense.
Particularly enraged by the judges' harsh words and bemused response to Askew's performance was country star John Rich, who wrote "Hard critique is one thing, belittling someone in public is another. Didn't like it AT ALL."
Also frustrated was The Washington Post's Suzi Parker, who opined March 8 that "AI" should feature more contestants like Askew, who she predicted would've driven ratings up for the network and appealed to teenage girls.
For his part, Askew has remained silent following his elimination. But even show host Ryan Seacrest spoke up on his behalf following the results show, telling Access Hollywood that Askew impressed him by speaking publicly about a sensitive topic.
"American Idol" 2013 continues March 13 with performances by the top 10.
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