“American Idol” has revealed its eleventh final four, and save for one persistent underdog in a spot many felt would be reserved for Colton Dixon, it is likely the one most predicted early in the season.
Thursday’s results show revealed that spunky performer Skylar Laine would not have a chance to give the country industry a second consecutive “Idol” crown. She was eliminated following well-received, but ultimately unspectacular renditions of “Fortunate Son” and “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.”
Laine was joined by Hollie Cavanagh in the bottom two. Cavanagh, who most initially assumed would be early elimination fodder, has stepped up her game in recent weeks, and received a second consecutive standing ovation for “River Deep, Mountain High.” “Bleeding Love,” her second performance Wednesday, also received high marks from the judges.
She advances along with Jessica Sanchez, Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet, all of whom have been viewed as strong candidates for the final two.
Cavanagh will need a shock outcome to make the final three, but luckily for her, Top 4 week has historically been home to some major surprises on “Idol.” And the fact that both Ledet and Sanchez have appeared in the bottom group–Sanchez was actually the recipient of the judges’ save after scoring the lowest vote total several weeks ago–means they are not invincible.