The new American Idol rule that gives the “American Idol” judges the power to save one singer voted off by the fans wasn’t enough to keep the first two finalists from getting the boot. Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were sent home Wednesday, reducing the number of contestants to 11.
The new rule essentially gives the judges the power to veto or overrule the choice of the voters. For example, the judges can decide not to send home the contestant getting the lowest votes. This is however a one time privilege meaning the judges can only to this once this season. Plus all four judges have to agree to save the contestant.
Once saved, the contestant is however on their own for the next week and could end up going home the next week if they are one of the two lowest vote getters. If a contestant is saved, then two contestants are eliminated the next week. Also this veto has to happen before the finalists get down to the final five.
This rule might just be what AI needs to shake things up and perhaps help a deserving contestant stay on longer. The French version of the show has had this rule in place, and it has been a success. It makes it less of a popularity contest and more of a talent competition.
