My Thoughts on American Idol: The Top 24

ellen's thoughts

There's a lot going down on "American Idol" this week. They're cutting so many contestants. Tonight it goes from 24 down to 12. That's crazy! They might as well eliminate half of them.

I'll tell you one thing about this season of "American Idol" -- the talent is incredible. I think this is the most talented group they've ever had.

On Wednesday night, some of the boys did a great job. I love James Durbin who sang the Judas Priest song, and Jacob Lusk who sang "A House is Not a Home," but I have to say my favorite guy is Casey Abrams. He has great musicality, which I hear is important in a music competition.

Last night, the girls really did an amazing job. I think Julie Zorrilla and Pia Toscano both have beautiful voices and they're both absolutely gorgeous, but Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina have an X-factor that really makes them stand out.

I love Lauren Turner and not just because she's from my hometown, but it helps a lot. I also really like Kendra Chantelle as well as Ashthon Jones, even though I wasn't crazy about her song choice this week.

There are so many that I want to hear sing again. I hope they get the chance. We'll find out tonight!

See Ellen's interviews with recent castoffs Colton Dixon and Jacee Badeaux here!

View photos of Ellen with "American Idol" stars!

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Dear Ellen,

I am a HUGE fan of Haley Reinhart and I totally agree with you that she has the X factor - amazing style and very special voice. It will be soooooo awesome if you could have her on your show! She definitely would need your support, now that she has a single and then an album coming out soon!

Best,
Jingping

Posted by Jingping | March 2, 2012 7:11 AM

Ellen, Haley Reinhart was the best ever on idol. Will you ever have her on your show?

Posted by Diane | June 2, 2011 12:30 PM

Hi Ellen,
I'm one of the many who were routing for Haley. Will she be on the show? If so, I'd likely take time off work to see her.
Thanks

Posted by Roland | May 30, 2011 2:03 PM

Meant to add what a fan we are of yours - love your show and all you do! Thanks for the laughs! Miss you this year on Idol!

Posted by Mom of two | May 19, 2011 3:04 PM

Thank you, Ellen, for having James on your show. He is such an inspiration to so many - particularly to my son who also has Asperger's. To say life has been a challenge is an understatement; kids are so very cruel. To hear James openly admit he had a condition that our son has tried desperately to hide from others was such a shock for him - and actually quite liberating. Hopefully one day he'll be able to do the same. Our son is a very talented guitarist - can master the most difficult of riffs often just by sightreading. Hoping one day these two can meet up - even better jam together. Would mean so very much to him. Meanwhile, we'll be watching and supporting James as fans.

Posted by Mom of two | May 19, 2011 12:57 PM

Thank you, Ellen. My nine year old grandson shares the same challenges as James. He is an inspiration to so many. Love you!

Posted by iris | May 19, 2011 8:16 AM

Thanks for having James Durbin on today, my Grandson has Aspergers also. ~ I will meet you some day! ♥

Posted by Anonymous | May 19, 2011 7:57 AM

AMEN AMEN

Posted by sonson | May 13, 2011 3:55 PM

AMEN TO YOUR COMMENT

Posted by Anonymous | May 13, 2011 2:15 PM

Please Please have James on the Ellen show. He is the best. I only watched Idol this year because of James. He is a amazing artist. I know his career will soar. I will buy all his cds and go to all his concerts and I am a grandma. This kid has earned his right on stage.

Posted by JAP | May 13, 2011 5:24 AM

when will Casey Abrams be on ELLEN...NOW THAT HE'S BEEN KICKED OFF "IDOL"?

Posted by MARILYN MALMBERG | April 29, 2011 1:57 PM

Hi Ellen,

Please please invite Robbie Rosen on your show. There are a lot of really disappointed fans out there. We would really appreciate it.

Thanks and God bless you

Posted by Elizabeth | March 5, 2011 7:01 AM

I love Lauren too, Ellen and really don't believe she was given a chance to show just how talented she really is... to me. she has that something extra to offer and needs the chance to prove it. I would love to see her on your show...she's spunky and so fun, I know you would enjoy her. I hate so much she was cut...the show will be a little on the dull side for me now, but I really like Scotty and Cassey and will continue to watch for them.:)

Posted by debbie new | March 4, 2011 2:56 PM

Ellen,

I hope you invite Robbie Rosen on your show.My husband and I heard him the first time when we attended our son's winter concert in middle school...and Robbie performed an original song he wrote...and we cried!!It was so beautiful..will be waiting to see him on your wonderful show...

Posted by Rosemarie Coppola-Shallash | March 4, 2011 1:23 PM

You are so correct, Ellen...this is a killer season for talented kids and it's going to be tough choosing just one. I'm torn between Casey and James Durbin. Miss having you on the judges panel, you were awesome!

Posted by Carol Puerto | March 4, 2011 6:35 AM

i just love scotty i never knew country music could sond so good

Posted by nathali cornejo | March 3, 2011 10:24 PM

I would love to see Robbie Rosen on your show, he has an amazing story and wants to do great things with his life.

Shawna

Posted by shawna | March 3, 2011 9:57 PM

You need to get Robbie Rosen on your show PLEASE. Not only does he have a great voice, he is also a really special caring kid. He wrote an original song to show support for kids with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), so our community was buzzing for him to get up there to bring some awareness to this terrible disorder these kids have. Maybe now you can help!! Robbie is a gorgeous boy, with an amazing attitude and talent.

Posted by Michelle | March 3, 2011 8:28 PM

I want to start by saying I loved you as a judge last year and am a huge fan of this years new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tylar. I did not like that they showcased one of Jennifers video's while the wild card contestants were awaiting their fate tonight.

I do not take issue with either one of them performing as a live guest at a later date, and although I am sure that is how tonight episide was scripted and rehursed I feel it was to early in the season to steal the contestants thunder.

Posted by Elaine Doucette | March 3, 2011 7:21 PM

You need to sign Jaycee to your record label. Trust me, you won't be sorry!

Posted by Yvonne Salazar | March 3, 2011 4:58 PM