NEWS'American Idol' Recap: The Top 13 Perform "Songs By Your Musical Idol"
March 10 2011, Published 9:05 a.m. ET
With the top 13 contestants chosen last week, the competition is heating up on the American Idol stage, as the remaining competitors sing their hearts out to stay in the game. On Wednesday night, the more-talented-than-ever cast sang "Songs By Your Musical Idol" and were fortunate enough to be coached by the producers behind each number.
Pia Toscano, who took the judges by storm last week with her amazing vocals, wowed the panel yet again as she took on a huge challenge with a Celine Dion song to stay at the top of her game.
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Randy Jackson gushed that Pia has, “a natural gift” after she took to the stage to sing “All By Myself” with the help of Interscope Records producers. “You have that quality,” he added.
Casey Abrams, another contestant who blew the judges away on Wednesday night with a rendition of Joe Cocker’s “Help From My Friends,” didn’t let his recent hospital stay hinder his performance at all.
“I am very recuperated, it’s good!” Casey told OK! last week at the Top 13 Finalists party in L.A. of his minor illness.
Judge Jennifer Lopez was almost at a loss for words, exclaiming, ‘Wow,’ after Casey sang, while Randy couldn’t agree with his fellow panel mate more. “So unbelievable,” he continued.
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Other top contestants such as Jacob Lusk, who sang R. Kelly’s “I Believe I can Fly, Scotty McCreery, who did a rendition of Garth Brook’s “The River,” and James Durbin remained fierce contenders.
“This man can sing!” Steven Tyler screamed after James performed Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
James, a huge fan of Steven’s, must have been in awe at the amazing response he got from his idol as he told OK! last week., “The most shocking part of being on the show is knowing that Steven Tyler, one of my idols, of Aerosmith knows who I am, hears me sing, and swears after my performance! It’s incredible.”
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While many of the contenders had a great night on stage, it wasn’t all smiles for everyone as the usually amazing Lauren Alaina didn’t push herself far enough for the judges with her version of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine."
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Although Lauren has proven that she has spectacular range and vocals, Jennifer advised the adorable girl to, “Kick it into high gear,” while Steven agreed. “I wish it would have been a little more kick ass!” he added.
Karen Rodriguez also had high hopes with her rendition of Selena’s “I Could Fall in Love,” which Jennifer also sang in the biopic movie, but failed to impress the singer. “I could tell you felt a little uncomfortable with some of the notes,” J. Lo explained.
Ashton Jones also attempted a big number with Diana Ross' "When You Tell Me That You Love Me," coached by producer Rodney Jerkins. Steven said, "I see confidence in you," while Randy added that he, "liked it."
It's no secret that Ashton loves Diana! "The Judges have been telling me that I remind them of Diana Ross, so I would love for her to come on the show," she told OK! on Thursday night.
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Ending the eclectic night, Naima Adedapo tried to show America that she can dance, as well as sing, with a number by chart-topping artist Rihanna.
“Our competition is ourselves,” the doting mother to said of the show after her rocking performance of "Umbrella!" Fellow contestant Lauren even said that she was dancing to Naima’s routine backstage trying to learn some of her moves!
Check back tomorrow to see who will be sent home on this season of American Idol!
