American Idol‘s Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations

SAFE: Tyson Venegas

Venegas kicked off the dramatic evening, bringing big Bruno Mars energy to a silky smooth performance of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life.” (A very good suggestion from Lambert.) Nerves have gotten the better of Venegas in previous rounds, but he’s never been more confident on stage than he was tonight. Extra points for that little spin at the end!

I’d also like to give Katy Perry negative points for whatever imaginary rivalry she’s trying to create between Venegas and Smith.

SAFE: Warren Peay

Always authentic and never disappointing, Peay has proven that he knows exactly what works for him, reminding us once again with a ferocious take on The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” The gritty ’60s jam fit Peay’s gravelly vocals like a glove, one with which he slapped us all in the face — to which I say, “Thank you, sir, may I have another?”

And did I fall in love with Peay a little bit more when he revealed that his signature cowboy hat was M.I.A. last week because his fiancée was wearing it in the audience? Yes, yes I did.

SAFE: Haven Madison

Have you ever wondered what a Bebe Rexha cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” would sound like? There’s no need after Madison’s boldest performance yet, because that’s exactly what she gave us — and it sounded pretty darn good. Everything about Madison’s presentation was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t even know she had a shell, but it was a joy to watch her break out of it.

ELIMINATED: Lucy Love

Lionel Richie has championed Love on every step of her Idol journey thus far, so she chose to pay it forward this week with a proper tribute to her biggest cheerleader. And she paid in full with a run-derful rendition of Richie’s “All Night Long,” slaying both vocally and visually. That pink suit? Yes, ma’am!

And how could you not be feeling the Lucy Love after seeing her holding her baby girl on stage?

SAFE: Oliver Steele

Taking Lambert’s advice to heart, Steele added some much-needed flavor to his performance of Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” Dare I say it was… kind of funky? Whatever it was, it worked for Steele, who looked fully in his laid-back element on that stage. The question is: Did he add enough flavor to prevent it from being too snoozy? He made the safe choice picking a familiar song, but comfortable isn’t necessarily where you want to be at this point in the competition.

SAFE: Colin Stough

After setting his personal bar ridiculously high with “Dancing on My Own,” this season’s best head of hair returned on Sunday with a more on-brand song choice, The Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.” He sounded the part, he looked the part, he owned the part. Seriously, could he be a long-lost (and weirdly younger) third Allman brother?

SAFE: Marybeth Byrd

Few things make me feel older than hearing someone say that they know ABBA from the Mamma Mia! soundtrack, so let’s hope my creaky bones hold up long enough for me to get these thoughts out: I was pumped when Byrd announced that she’d be performing a countrified take on “Dancing Queen,” which had the potential to be this week’s stand-out moment. And while her vocals definitely became more impressive towards the end of the performance, it just didn’t have the oomph I was hoping for. It was a little too karaoke, even for a literal karaoke competition.

SAFE: Wé Ani

When Ani mentioned that she was considering Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” I couldn’t have been less surprised. Before she even sang a note, I knew it was a perfect song choice.

That said, I couldn’t have been more surprised — nor more pleased — by the full-on rock makeover she gave to this song, blowing my mind with an overall exciting, inventive, impressive performance. Richie put it best: “That is how you bring nasty to the table!”

I’ve always enjoyed what Ani has delivered this season, but after Sunday’s performance, I am Wé in on her. Like, fully eating my curds and Wé over here.

ELIMINATED: Nutsa

This season’s resident diva insisted on performing Queen’s “The Show Must Go On,” despite Lambert’s suggestion that she surprise the judges with something less dramatic. Taking that advice somewhat to heart (but not really), Nutsa opted for rock goddess status, taking the stage in a fierce red ensemble befitting a song of this magnitude.

In the end, Nutsa gave us more of what she’s been giving us thus far — big vocals, big gestures and big energy. A good time! It wasn’t perfect, but the overall presentation was so strong that I’m willing to forgive a few minor missteps.

SAFE: Megan Danielle

Danielle has always come across as an old soul, but that soul completely overtook her this week (in a good way!), blessing us with a chilling performance of Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel From Montgomery.”

“You are the reason American Idol works,” Luke Bryan told her, adding that her incredible performance would hold up at any award show anywhere in the world. At this point, Danielle is destined for the finale.

SAFE: Zachariah Smith

Lambert was immediately taken by Smith, recognizing the fun he brings to the show on top of his ridiculous vocals, both of which were on full display during his performance of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Don’t Bring Me Down.”

SAFE: Iam Tongi

I can’t say I’m surprised that Idol saved this fan-favorite finalist for last this week, but you also can’t say that it wasn’t the perfect way to end the night.

Performing without a guitar for the first time, Tongi put his signature spin on Sam Cooke’s Bring It on Home to Me,” infusing more personality than ever without the hinderance of an instrument.

He also gave us this incredible quote: “I already had a fly on my head, so nothing can stop me, you know?” Truth.

YOUR TOP 10 IS...

All told, here are the 10 singers performing again on Monday:

* Tyson Venegas
* Warren Peay
* Haven Madison
* Oliver Steele
* Colin Stough
* Marybeth Byrd
* Wé Ani
* Megan Danielle
* Zachariah Smith
* Iam Tongi

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