'Idol' wrap: 21st-century schizoid show

Apr 20, 2011

'Idol' wrap: 21st-century schizoid show

09:31 PM

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A "music from the 21st century" theme gave American Idol's top seven the chance to get contemporary Wednesday: So Haley Reinhart covered Adele, Stefano Langone did Ne-Yo and Lauren Alaina sang Sara Evans. Jacob Lusk paid birthday tribute to the late Luther Vandross. James Durbin had the night's most theatrical performance, bringing a drum corps to Muse's Uprising. But not everybody stayed new: Scotty McCreery covered John Anderson's '80s hit Swingin'. Highlight of the night? Casey Abrams surprising Jennifer Lopez with a performance-ending kiss. Is it the kiss of death? Find out Thursday night (8 ET/PT, Fox).

Rankings are tough for me tonight. I could make arguments for several singers to be a couple of places higher or lower. I also think the performances with the highest points also had some problems, and the worst ones had some good moments.

1. James Durbin, Uprising
2. Lauren Alaina, Born to Fly
3. Jacob Lusk, Dance With My Father
4. Casey Abrams, Harder to Breathe
5. Scotty McCreery, Swingin'
6. Haley Reinhart, Rolling in the Deep
7. Stefano Langone, Closer

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Victoria Pratt Diora Baird Dido Shakira Rihanna