‘American Idol’ recap: Meet your talented top 10

Fine work, “American Idol” voters. You picked a pretty much perfect top 10 (which is to say a perfect top 5 women, and a perfectly fine top 5 men). “Idol” producers? You did well too -- giving us an hour-and-a-half results show devoid of fluff and tease and filled with emotion and a sense that true talent triumphs.

It was also intimate, presenting a special, quiet moment backstage with each of the 10 finalists as they absorbed the potentially life-changing news, a private reveal ahead of the big one before the judges and the crowd.

Like Keith Urban, we were brought to the brink of tears by the possibilities for these talented kids, particularly the young women.

“I’m virtually crying down here, because I’m watching her sing, and I’m watching her eyes well up and everything,” Urban said after Angie Miller staked her claim to the spotlight. “All you needed, baby, was a break. ... A chance for America to listen to you and know who you are. ... You’re just so ready to go, baby. I’m so happy for you.”

So which contestants will get that needed break? Who, courtesy of the voters, nabbed a top-10 slot and spot on the “Idol” tour? Which singers had a chance to step onto “Idol’s” Hollywood stage and sing a victory song?

The boys:

Paul Jolley, who alone will carry the cute-white-guy banner (so far, no guitar), though he might be a bit too smarmy and crazy-eyed to carry it far.

Burnell Taylor, who sang skillfully and soulfully and reminded us all why he deserved his spot.

Curtis Finch Jr., who pulled out a new trick -- a full-on falsetto -- proving we haven’t yet seen all he’s capable of.

Devin Velez, who showed he can make us move with an up-tempo as well as he can move us with a ballad.

And Lazaro Arbos, who has clearly built up a fan base with his moving backstory and gentle smile.

The girls (Pat yourselves on the backs, voters!):

Janelle Arthur, who looked and sounded beautiful, moving Nicki Minaj to predict -- again -- that she’d soon be a “humongous country star.”

Candice Glover, whose “I’m Goin’ Down” indicated precisely the opposite. “This girl can really, really sing,” Randy Jackson noted. “And in case anybody’s wondering, this is a singing competition.”

The aforementioned Angie Miller, who really seemed to relish the moment.

Amber Holcomb, who Mariah Carey said had “so much potential,” as well as a good heart.

And Kree Harrison, who I’m convinced can sing anything and make it sound (Urban’s favorite word) effortless and lush and gorgeous.

I’m beginning to think this really could be the year a woman recaptures the “Idol” crown. What do you think?

ALSO:

‘American Idol’ recap: Top 10 women wow

‘American Idol’ recap: Last five fellas reach final 20

‘American Idol’ recap: Two stand tall; one brought low

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