American Idol Top 9 Revealed, Charlie Askew Gets a Chance at 2013 Idol Tour

American Idol Top 9 was revealed Thursday on Fox, and viewers of the reality show had to see another disappointing stunt from Idol judge Nicki Minaj. A day ago, she was late for a live show. The next day, she airs a threat to quit the show go home if one of her favorite contestants is sent home. But the show has got to be about the contestants, so more attention is given to "Awkward Turtle" Charlie Askew, who might make it to the 2013 Idol Tour, after all.

RELATED | American Idol 2013: Top 10 Contestants in New Light, Best Victory Song, Dream Top 3

Why Curtis Finch, Jr. was not 'saved'

The judges - or at least some of them - made the right call by letting the voters have it their way this week. Curtis Finch, Jr. got the lowest number of votes as predicted here. Could it have anything to do with how he treated Askew in Hollywood? The truth is Finch has some power vocals that should last longer on the show. But if he couldn't draw enough voters to his side this early, people (read: Nicki Minaj) should let the show be what it has always been: a talent-and-popularity game.

Sure, the judges are "empowered" with one chance to save the least favorite of the week. But it does not make any sense to use it on Top 10 week. What if Candice Glover winds up needing it later on? Jessica Sanchez almost went home last year on Top 7 week, Barb.

Charlie Askew on Idol Tour?

What are the chances that Charlie Askew would lose out to Aubrey Cleland for a slot in the 2013 Idol Tour? Askew aka Nature Boy delivered an original called "Sky Blue Diamond" to make sure he gets to the tour. It was okay, as in it was not as bad as last week's grimace-inspiring number.

Luck is on Askew's side, because Cleland was not particularly mesmerizing when she sang Irene Cara's "Out Here on My Own." Considering the talent the Top 5 girls have been showing, Cleland would have nothing new to offer on the tour. In contrast, Askew knows how to put up a show. The big issue, however, is on Askew's ability to handle the harsh realities of life in the entertainment industry.

American Idol: Top 3 Girls All the Way to Pre-Finals?

In no particular order, the Top 3 vote getters are (not surprisingly) Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, and Angie Miller. It seems now that the only ones who can shake this mighty set are Burnell Taylor and Amber Holcomb.

There is really a good chance there would be an all-girls battle in the last few weeks of Idol Season 12. Angie Miller is right: It's definitely the year for a girl to win.

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