Tonight, American Idol XIII revealed the Top 13 finalists, including: Ben Briley, Caleb Johnson, Jessica Meuse, MK Nobilette, Emily Piriz, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Majesty Rose, Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf. After America’s votes were revealed, judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. chose C.J. Harris, Jena Irene and Kristen O’Connor as wild card contestants.
Next week, Wednesday, Feb. 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed) on FOX, the competition continues when the Top 13 finalists perform songs that convey the message, “This is Me.” On Thursday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), one finalist’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed. Plus, vocal powerhouse andAmerican Idol Season 12 winner Candice Glover will be back on the IDOL stage to perform a medley of “Cried” and “Same Kinda Man,” from her debut album, “Music Speaks”; and critically acclaimed singer Jake Bugg also will perform.
Starting next week, another exciting element begins as viewers at home will have five ways to vote for their favorite singer, including voting via Google Search when the IDOL vote window opens at the top of the show, by searching for IDOL-related terms. For the first time ever, fans will be able to vote immediately after their favorites perform. After casting their votes, fans will have the opportunity to share their votes on Google+, follow contestants, join community conversations or participate in Google Hangouts about the show. Viewers can also vote online atAmericanIdol.com; via the American Idol App; via text messaging; and via toll-free calling.
Below are the Top 13 finalists on AMERICAN IDOL XIII:
Ben Briley Age: 24 Hometown: Gallatin, TN
Meet Ben: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @BenBriley Facebook: facebook.com/IdolBenBriley |
C.J. Harris Age: 23 Hometown: Jasper, AL
Meet C.J.: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @CJHarrisMusic Facebook: facebook.com/IdolCJHarris |
Jena Irene Age: 17 Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
Meet Jena: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @JenaAsciutto1 Facebook: facebook.com/IdolJenaIrene |
Caleb Johnson Age: 22 Hometown: Asheville, NC
Meet Caleb: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @CalebPJohnson Facebook: facebook.com/IdolCalebJohnson |
Jessica Meuse Age: 23 Hometown: Slapout, AL
Meet Jessica: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @JessMeuse Facebook: facebook.com/IdolJessicaMeuse |
MK Nobilette Age: 20 Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Meet MK: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @mknobilette Facebook: facebook.com/IdolMKNobilette |
Kristen O’Connor Age: 24 Hometown: Sebastian, FL
Meet Kristen: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @ImKristenO Facebook: facebook.com/IdolKristenOConnor |
Emily Piriz Age: 18 Hometown: Orlando, FL
Meet Emily: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @RealEmilyPiriz Facebook: facebook.com/IdolEmilyPiriz |
Alex Preston Age: 20 Hometown: Mont Vernon, NH
Meet Alex: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @RealAlexPreston Facebook: facebook.com/IdolAlexPreston |
Dexter Roberts Age: 22 Hometown: Fayette, AL
Meet Dexter: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @ImDexterRoberts Facebook: facebook.com/IdolDexterRoberts |
Majesty Rose Age: 21 Hometown: Goldsboro, NC
Meet Majesty: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @PSMajestyRose Facebook: facebook.com/IdolMajestyRose |
Malaya Watson Age: 16 Hometown: Southfield, MI
Meet Malaya: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @MalayaTinaB Facebook: facebook.com/IdolMalayaWatson |
Sam Woolf Age: 17 Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Meet Sam: AmericanIdol.com / YouTube
Twitter: @SamWoolfMusic Facebook: facebook.com/IdolSamWoolf |
AMERICAN IDOL XIII is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. The series was created by Simon Fuller and is executive produced by Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Trish Kinane, Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager. Louis J. Horvitz is director and Rickey Minor is musical director. “Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following@AmericanIdol. Download the AMERICAN IDOL app for iOS devices from the App StoreSM; and for Android devices at Google PlayTM Store.** Data rates may apply for app download and usage.