Randy Jackson reveals his pick to win 'Idol'

'I think he’s giving everyone a run for their money,' judge tells Access Hollywood

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Rocker James Durbin could win season 10, judge Randy Jackson believes.

Access Hollywood

updated 5/4/2011 4:09:58 PM ET

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Past “American Idols” David Cook and Lee DeWyze better watch their backs — there might be a new “Idol” rock god in the making in the form of James Durbin, at least according to judge Randy Jackson.

“I think he’s got a shot to win it all!” Jackson told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Wednesday’s Access Hollywood Live.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Season 10 ‘American Idol’s’ Visit Access Hollywood

“What you look for now is who is just driving and rising to the top,” “Idol’s” Top Dawg continued. “I’m hoping that the public is looking at that going, ‘Hey, this guy is real dude.’

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“He really could win the whole thing, so I think he’s giving everyone a run for their money,” Jackson said of the 22-year-old rocker from Santa Cruz, Calif., who credits Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury and judge Steven Tyler as his musical influences.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Top 10 Most Shocking ‘Idol’ Eliminations

The seasoned judge also addressed why many of the show’s favorites, Pia Toscano and Casey Abrams, were given the boot so early.

Story: 'Idol's' new philosophy: It's not just salability

“I don’t think that the voting is flawed,” Jackson explained. “We just have so many interestingly talented kids that maybe the public just gets a little confused here and there… I always stand behind the public vote.”

Adding, “You can’t do anything of these kind of shows and start faulting the way the public votes.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: “American Idol,” Season 10: The Top 9 Perform!

“American Idol” returns tonight on FOX for “Now and Then” night where the contestants will perform one song from the ’60s and another song from the current Top 40.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Top 10 Best Selling ‘American Idols’

Discuss: Who do you think is going to win this season?

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'American Idol' season 10
The final two

16-year-old Lauren Alaina, left, and Scotty McCreery, 17, will compete for the "American Idol" crown on Tuesday, May 24. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Getting the bad news
A stunned Haley Reinhart, center, learns from Ryan Seacrest, right, that her "American Idol" run is over on Thursday, May 19. Lauren Alaina, left, advances to the final. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Si!
Italian singing sensation Il Volo perform on "American Idol" on Thursday, May 19. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
One more time
Haley Reinhart sings her farewell song, "Bennie and the Jets," after being eliminated on Thursday, May 19. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Unlikely duo
Nicole Scherzinger performs her new single, “Right There,” with 50 Cent on the show Thursday, May 19. Scherzinger will be one of the hosts on Simon Cowell's new show, "X Factor." (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Hometown girl
Lauren Alaina appears at an AT&T superstore in Chattanooga, Tenn., during the homecoming celebration for "American Idol" finalist on Saturday, May 14. (Chris Mckay / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Smile, smile, smile
Lauren Alaina waves to her many friends, fans and supporters as she rides by in a red convertible during a parade in Rossville, Ga., on Saturday, May 14. (Jenna Walker / Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
She holds the key
Finalist Haley Reinhart was given the key to the city of Wheeling, Ill., during her homecoming celebration on Saturday, May 14. (Timothy Hiatt / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Center of attention
"American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart is welcomed by her hometown with a parade and ceremony during Haley Reinhart Day in Wheeling, Ill., on Saturday, May 14. (Paul Beaty / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Get to work!
"American Idol" finalist Scotty McCreery bags groceries at Lowes Food Store in Garner, N.C., on Saturday, May 14. (Steve Exum / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Any requests?
Scotty McCreery performs at an outdoor concert for local fans at his homecoming celebration at Buffaloe Park in Garner, N.C., on Saturday, May 14. (Steve Exum / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
The final 3
After the Thursday, May 12 elimination on "American Idol," Haley Reinhart, left, Scotty McCreery, center, and Lauren Alaina remain in the competition. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
The bad news
Ryan Seacrest, right, tells James Durbin, left, that he has been eliminated, as Scotty McCreery learns that he is safe for another week. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Last song
Following his elimination on Thursday, May 12, James Durbin sang the Paul McCartney song, "Maybe I'm Amazed," which he sang during the second week of the live finals. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias performs his new single, "Dirty Dancer," from the "American Idol" stage on Thursday, May 12. The singer announced his new tour, in support of his album, "Euphoria." (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Jordin Sparks
Former winner Jordin Sparks performed her single, "No Air," on "American Idol" on Thursday, May 13. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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The final four contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," from left, Haley Reinhart, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Lauren Alaina. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Out of Lusk
Jacob Lusk hugs judge Jennifer Lopez onstage after being eliminated on "American Idol" on Thursday, April 5. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story Surprise! Singer in 'Idol's' bottom 2 is a shocker
Look who's 'On the Floor'
Jennifer Lopez shows the hopefuls how it's done as she performs her single "On the Floor" on Thursday, April 5. Her new album "Love?" debuted this week. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Time to go
Jacob Lusk sings his farewell song after being eliminated. CTODAY.com's Craig Berman says, as Mentor Jimmy Iovine saw it, Lusk looked and sounded nervous, and "when you lose confidence, everybody knows it." (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Lady night
Country trio Lady Antebellum performs the new single "Just a Kiss" on "American Idol" on Thursday, April 5. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
High five
The final five contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from top left, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery and Hayley Reinhart. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Leave 'em wanting more
Casey Abrams, left, gets the word from Ryan Seacrest that he's been eliminated from "American Idol" on Thursday, April 28. The recipient of the only judges' save this season, Abrams went out in style with a rendition of "I Put a Spell on You" that ranks as the best exit number ever, says TODAY.com's Craig Berman. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story Take that, America! Casey delivers best 'Idol' exit ever

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Knock their Sox off
Season nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox performs her new single "Riding With Radio" on "American Idol" on Thursday, April 28. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Let's get 'Lazy'
Singer Bruno Mars performs "Lazy Song" on 'Idol" on Thursday, April 28. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Six shooting for the top
The final six contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," from left: Haley Reinhart, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams and Jacob Lusk. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Last of the wild cards
Stefano Langone sings his final song after being eliminated on "American Idol" on Thursday, April 21. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story It's the end of the road for another 'Idol' hopeful

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What planet ... ?
Kanye West, right, joins Katy Perry for her single "E.T." on "Idol" on Thursday, April 21. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Hello, it's 'Goodbye'
Season seven winner David Cook performs his new song "The Last Goodbye." (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Lucky 7
The final seven contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from left: Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Casey Abrams. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story 'Idol' sends McDonald and his flashy jackets packing
First guy to go
Paul McDonald, center, waves goodbye as he is eliminated on "American Idol," marking the first time this season that a man was voted off the program. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'California' dreamin'
Sporting long red locks again, Rihanna performs her new single "California King Bed" on "Idol" Thursday night. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow The rise of Rihanna

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The champ is back
Season one "Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson performs the duet "Don’t You Wanna Stay" with Jason Aldean. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Is this eight enough?
The final eight contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from left, Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, Paul McDonald, Srefano Langone, Casey Abrams, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and James Durbin. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
One for the judges
Pia Toscano sings after being eliminated on "American Idol" on Thursday, April 7.

The judges didn't take the cut from fans well. “I’m shocked. I’m angry. I don’t even know what to say,” J.Lo ranted.

"I’m gutted. You’re one of the best singers in this. I’m never upset on this show, but this makes me mad. Really mad,” Randy Jackson told the tearful Toscano.

"A mistake is one thing, but lack of passion is unforgivable. They’re wrong. She’s beautiful when she sings -- she’s a bird,” Steven Tyler added. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story 'Idol' judges berate fans for sending Pia home

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Something off his chest
Iggy Pop struts his stuff in front of the judges' table while performing on "Idol" on Thursday, April 7. (Michael Becker / FOX) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Nine alive
The final nine contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from bottom right: Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Pia Toscano, Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Two not for the show
Naima Adedapo, left, and Thia Megia bid farewell after being eliminated on Thursday, March 31. The first four singers eliminated this season have been women, thanks to the judges’ use of the save on Casey Abrams last week. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story 'Idol' kicks off double elimination with a big lie

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Diva style
Fantasia returned to "Idol" stage and "took it back old school" for a performance of "Collard Greens and Cornbread" on Thursday, March 31. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow ‘American Idol’ alums

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2 of out 3 ain't bad
Thia Megia, left, Haley Reinhart, center, and Pia Toscano perform on "Idol" on Thursday, March 31. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Oh, 'Rio'
Jamie Foxx and will.i.am perform "Hot Wings," a song of the soundtrack to the movie "Rio." (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Strike up the band
"Idol" contestants, from left, James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Stefano Langone perform on Thursday, March 31. MacDonald was among the lowest three vote-getters this week. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Final 10 plus one
Usually only the top 10 Idol contestants go on to perform on "American Idol's" Live tour, but this year there will be 11. The singers are (clockwise from top left): James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart and Thia Megia. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
A Hulk-ing announcement
Pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan makes a surprise appearance on "American Idol" to reveal the fates of James Durbin and Paul McDonald, who were both safe and going on tour. Hogan also gave Ryan Seacreast a pro-wrestling punch to the head, hurling him into the audience. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Jennifer Hudson returns
Jennifer Hudson was back on the stage that made her famous to perform her new song, "Where You At?" "It feels good to be home!" she exclaimed. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Nail-biting time
Ryan Seacrest reveals to Casey Abrams, left, and Stefano Langone who must "sing for their life." (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Saved by the judges
Casey Abrams, who was voted off "American Idol" Thursday, reacts after being saved by judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Sugarland
"Sugarland" took to the stage to sing “Stuck Like Glue.” (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Happy birthday, Steven
Stevie Wonder sings to help celebrate Steven Tyler's 63rd birthday. “I’m speechless,” Tyler says. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Eleven sent
The final 11 contestants on "American Idol," clockwise from top left: Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Lauren Alaina, Paul McDonald, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Naima Adedapo, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Thia Megia. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
No save tonight
Karen Rodriguez gets the word, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, that she has been eliminated from season 10 of "American Idol" on Thursday, March 17. She did well enough in her last-chance performance to have judge Jennifer Lopez lobby the other judges for her, but not enough to earn the save. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story Adios! 'Idol' fans send Karen home

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Have a seat
Fergie and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas perform on "American Idol." (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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DeWyze man said ...
Season nine winner Lee DeWyze performs on "Idol" on Thursday, March 17. Seacrest introduced him by noting that he’d gone from “salesman to superstar overnight.” (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Dozen done good
The final 12 contestants on season 10 of "American Idol." Top row, from left: Pia Toscano (holding a Casey Abrams mask), James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Jacob Lusk and Scotty McCreery. Bottom from left: Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia and Laurn Alaina. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Glow in the 'Aftermath'
Former "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert performs "Aftermath" on the show on Thursday, March 10. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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A little Diddy
Diddy-Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey took the stage to perform "Coming Home" on Thursday night. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
First to go
Ashton Jones, with Seacrest, is elimintaed on "Idol" on Thursday, March 10. Joining her in the bottom three were Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart. (Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story 'Idol' audience rejects a wild-card pick

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The finalists
"American Idol's" Top 13 are (bottom row from left) Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Pia Toscano, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Scott McCreery. (Top row from left) James Durbin, Naima Adedapo, Jacob Lusk, Thia Megia, Karen Rodriguez, Stefano Langone and Lauren Alaina. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Casey Abrams
Casey, a 20-year-old from Idyllwild, Calif., has fought every step of the way to continue in the competition. He was nearly eliminated during semifinals week when he had to be hospitalized for a stomach ailment two days before taping. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Thia Megia
Thia, a 16-year-old from Mountain House, Calif., is one of the competition’s youngest hopefuls. During the semifinals, judge Steven Tyler said that her “pitch can be so perfect that it doesn’t matter what song” she sings. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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James Durbin
James, a 22-year-old from Santa Cruz, Calif., is the only rocker in this season’s competition. His penchant for screams and his big stage personality have drawn comparisons to season eight runner-up Adam Lambert. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Pia Toscano
Pia, a 22-year-old from Howard Beach, N.Y., got a standing ovation during the semifinals for her performance of “I’ll Stand By You.” (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Lauren Alaina
Lauren, a 16-year-old from Rossville, Ga., brought the crowd to its feet with Reba McEntire’s “Turn on the Radio” during the semifinal round. She first ingrained herself in America’s memory by singing Aerosmith -- with Steven Tyler -- for her initial audition. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Jacob Lusk
Jacob, a 23-year-old from Compton, Calif., has a smooth, soothing voice that judge Jennifer Lopez compared to crooner Luther Vandross’s. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Haley Reinhart
Haley, a 20-year-old from Wheeling, Ill., sang “Fallin’” well, but J.Lo thought she was too stuck in her head. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Paul McDonald
Paul, a 26-year-old from Nashville, won high praise from the judges for his version of Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” Judge Steven Tyler loved his style (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Karen Rodriguez
Karen, a 21-year-old from New York, gave judge Jennifer Lopez goose bumps with her Spanish version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” It was a move that won America’s votes during the semifinals. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Scott McCreery
Scott, a 17-year-old country crooner from Garner, N.C., was the first of the guys to become a finalist. He performed “Letters From Home” during the semifinals to clinch his spot. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Ashthon Jones
Ashthon, a 24-year-old from Nashville, was one of the judges’ wild-card picks. She performed “I Am Telling You” to win them over one more time. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Stefano Langon
Stefano, a 21-year-old from Kent, Wash., was the only male singer the judges picked for a wild-card spot. He performed “I Need You Now” for his last-chance performance, and Steven Tyler declared that the young singer “gilded the lily of your own passion.” (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Naima Adedapo
Naima, a 26-year-old Milwaukee native, was the last of the judges’ wild-card picks. Steven Tyler said she was the new Ella Fitzgerald after she performed “Summertime” during the semifinals. (Michael Becker / Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Michael Becker / FOX
Above: Slideshow (71) 'American Idol' Season 10 - Top 13
FOX
Slideshow (25) 'American Idol' Season 10 - Top 24

Show more slideshows

Randy Jackson reveals his pick to win 'Idol'

'I think he’s giving everyone a run for their money,' judge tells Access Hollywood

Below:

Jump to discuss comments below

Jump to photos Top 13

Discuss: Who do you think is going to win this season?

Photos: Top 13

'American Idol' season 10

Getting the bad news

Si!

One more time

Unlikely duo

Hometown girl

Smile, smile, smile

She holds the key

Center of attention

Get to work!

Any requests?

The final 3

The bad news

Last song

Enrique Iglesias

Jordin Sparks

Out of Lusk

Look who's 'On the Floor'

Time to go

Lady night

High five

Leave 'em wanting more

Knock their Sox off

Let's get 'Lazy'

Six shooting for the top

Last of the wild cards

What planet ... ?

Hello, it's 'Goodbye'

Lucky 7

First guy to go

'California' dreamin'

The champ is back

Is this eight enough?

One for the judges

Something off his chest

Nine alive

Two not for the show

Diva style

2 of out 3 ain't bad

Oh, 'Rio'

Strike up the band

Final 10 plus one

A Hulk-ing announcement

Jennifer Hudson returns

Nail-biting time

Saved by the judges

Sugarland

Happy birthday, Steven

Eleven sent

No save tonight

Have a seat

DeWyze man said ...

Dozen done good

Glow in the 'Aftermath'

A little Diddy

First to go

The finalists

Casey Abrams

Thia Megia

James Durbin

Pia Toscano

Lauren Alaina

Jacob Lusk

Haley Reinhart

Paul McDonald

Karen Rodriguez

Scott McCreery

Ashthon Jones

Stefano Langon

Naima Adedapo

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