‘American Idol’ narrows the field to Top 10

On March 7, Ryan Seacrest opened the first live “American Idol” results show by saying, “This is the most important event of the season.” That’s because the Top 20 were narrowed down to the Top 10 and secured a place on the 2013 “American Idol Live” tour. After debuting the new live set, Seacrest explained that 39 million votes were cast, 10 million more than the same time in 2012. “The judges and families have no idea of what’s coming. The results are going to be a surprise,” the host added.

Every year, thousands of hopefuls from across the country audition for a shot at stardom on “American Idol.” To date, “Idol” alums have produced 349 No. 1 Billboard hits and garnered nearly 250 million iTunes downloads. Last year, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album, “Clear As Day,” which dominated the Billboard Country Albums chart and has gone platinum, selling more than one million copies. Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips’ first single, “Home,” which was released May 23, has been certified platinum.

Since debuting season 12 in January, “Idol” has had its share of ups and downs. New judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have had to settle in and resolve their early differences. Keith Urban has been a refreshing addition and seems to gel with everyone, fellow judges and contestants alike. Veteran Randy Jackson is once again “The Dawg,” offering up valuable advice to the new “Idol” hopefuls.

So, who was sent to the victory couch and who was devastated to learn that their “American Idol” dreams are over, at least for this year. Below is the newly named Top 10.

1. Lazaro Arbos: The extreme strutter from Cuba has the looks and pipes to win over America. The judges’ loved his last performance of “Feeling Good” by Muse.
2. Janelle Arthur: The third time’s the charm for this "Idol" three-peater and southern belle from Tennessee. On Wednesday, she performed “If I Can Dream” and received stellar reviews from the judges.
3. Curtis Finch, Jr.: The soulful gospel singer has a powerful and signature voice. On Wednesday night, the St. Louis native received a standing ovation from the judges after his performance of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
4. Candice Glover: It’s her third time around on “Idol” and this time she advanced to the Top 10. Her Wednesday night performance of John Legend's "Ordinary People" was slick, soulful and inspired.
5. Kree Harrison: She’s incredibly likeable and extremely talented. Her performance of “Stronger” by Faith Hill was one of the true standouts on Wednesday.
6. Amber Holcomb: Last year, she made it to the top 20, but went even further this year by making it to the Top 10. The Texas native received a standing ovation from all four judges after performing Whitney Houston’s “I Believe In You and Me” on Wednesday.
7. Paul Jolley: The Tennessee native has a big country voice. He sang “Just a Fool” on Wednesday night and was a huge hit.
8. Angela Miller: Even though she suffers from hearing loss, this frontrunner packs a powerful punch with her strong voice and original sound. She once again received praise from all judges after performing Colton Dixon’s “Never Gone” on Wednesday.
9. Burnell Taylor: He’s young, cute and a hurricane survivor. The New Orleans native last performed “I’m Here” from the movie “The Color Purple.”
10. Deven Velez: The 18-year-old has a good-natured personality and strong Latin influence. The audience and judges loved his rendition of Perry Cuomo’s 1970 hit “It’s Impossible.”

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