LOS ANGELES, Calif. --In a surprise move, “American Idol” unveiled the Top 13 on Thursday night — sending 11 hopeful contenders packing.

Having received the least amount of viewer votes, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Julie Zorrilla, Lauren Turner and Rachel Zevita were the first women to get the “Idol” axe, while Jordan Dorsey, Tim Halperin, red-headed teen Brett Loewenstern, and Clint Jun Gamboa were eliminated from the Top 24’s men.

The judges chose six contestants to “sing for their lives” in the wild card round — Ashton Jones, Stefano Langone, Kendra Chantelle, Jovanny Barreto, Naima Adedapo and Robbie Rosen.

Ashthon Jones led the wild card pack, performing Jennifer Hudson’s demanding “Dreamgirls” ballad, “And I Am Telling You,” because, as Ashthon put it, she’s “not going!”

Jennifer Lopez agreed with Ashthon’s declaration, telling the diva-in-training, “I felt your passion and how much you want to be here — and you deserve to be here.”

Stefano Langone was next, performing his version of “I Need You Now,” which prompted Steven Tyler to blurt out a classic “Steven-ism,” saying, “You gilded the lily of your own passion.”

Kendra Chantelle gave an impressively soulful rendition of “Georgia On My Mind,” while Jovanny Barreto crooned a Spanglish version of Jon Secada’s famed lovesong, “Angel.”

Next up was Naima Adedapo — who left the stage in tears following her wild card performance – and finally, Rosie Rosen, who wowed Randy Jackson with his performance of Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.”

“Very nice, very tender,” Randy told Robbie. “The Robbie we fell in love with is back!”

All six contenders gave it their all – leaving the judges with a tough decision. While the big three conferred on their final picks, Jennifer Lopez’s sexy music video for her new single, “On The Floor” made it’s world premiere – and it was clear that “Jenny from the Block” definitely still has the moves!

The Latina mother of twins showed off her impressive figure in a metallic bodysuit and revealed her toned abs in a midriff-baring ensemble during a seductive high-energy dance montage.

Following the video, the judges revealed their wild card verdict and granted Ashthon Jones, Stefano Langone and Naima Adedapo a second chance at becoming America’s next Idol.

The eliminations reduced “Idol’s” numbers to 13 - making the final group that gets to perform on the show’s big stage.

Top 13 are:

Scotty McCreery
Lauren Alaina
Pia Toscano
Karen Rodriguez
Jacob Lusk
Casey Abrams
Thia Megia
Paul McDonald
Haley Reinhart
James Durbin
Ashthon Jones
Stefano Langone
Naima Adedapo

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