RECAP: 'American Idol' Picks Top 13

by uInterviewMarch 3, 2012, 12:00 amNews >

Following a nationwide vote and another tense two-hour results show Thursday night, American Idol is just 13 steps away from naming the next superstar in pop music.

With 33 million votes cast, host Ryan Seacrest was once again tasked with breaking a few hearts as he announced who America had chosen, but not before Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine appeared via videotape to breath a little life into the show with some Simon Cowell-esque brutality. "[Contestant Reed Grimm] was way too kitschy for me, way too cabaret," Iovine said. "Not gonna make it on this show like that."

Grimm was not the only one to get slashed by Iovine's sharp tongue. "What he needs is a couch," Iovine said of DeAndre Brackensick. And about the "amazed" Baylie Brown, Iovine said: "Beautiful tune, nice tone, but she lost the plot."

Iovine's opinions aside, it was up to America to select its top ten contestants: Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Heejun Han, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Colton Dixon and Jermaine Jones.

To round out the top 13, judges Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez had their say. Each had a chance to save one of the eliminated contestants. The six rejected contestants had to "sing for their lives," in hopes of impressing the judges enough to secure one of three wild card slots.

Lopez went with Jeremy Rosado, following his emotional rendition of Carrie Underwood's "I Know You Won't." Tyler, disagreeing with Iovine, went with Brackensick, whose version of "Georgia On My MInd" was enough to earn him another chance.Jackson picked Erika Van Pelt, whose take on Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" proved strong.

Twelve contestants were left packing their bags, including Brown, Grimm, Brielle Von Hugel, Jen Hirsh, Chase Likens, Hallie Day, Adam Brock, Chelsea Sorrell, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, Eben Franckewitz and Haley Johnsen.

Next week's episode will showcase the girls singing from the late Whitney Houston's catalogue of hits, while the guys will test their vocal skills with some Stevie Wonder.