Which two finalists will compete in next week’s American Idol 11 finale? I’m gonna attempt to break it down for you here.
1. Phil Phillips – He had, arguably the best and most consistent night of the Top 3. All of his song choices were solid and varied. Despite the judges’ lack of enthusiasm for the performance, even the Matchbox 20 cover he chose for himself was compelling and well sung. Phil’s rendition of “We Got Tonight” was tender, sweet and nuanced and I can imagine millions of ladies swooning at his emotional performance (weird nervous tics notwithstanding!) Phil also had the most touching and emotional hometown visit, which had the potential to influence last night’s voting. Phil is a lock for the final
2. Joshua Ledet – Here’s where it gets tough. Will Joshua or Jessica make it into the final? Jessica is ahead in the polls I posted on the site last night, but I think casual viewers will go for Joshua and his big moments. I was really only impressed with his cover of Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama”, which hit all of the voting public sweet spots. Passion? Check. Glory notes? Check! Great performance? CHECK!!! His first song “Id Rather Go Blind” was safe but well sung and although “Imagine” was not my cup of tea, it may have connected with gospel and R&B fans.
3. Jessica Sanchez – Foremost, Jessica suffered from really, really poor song choices. Shame on Jlo and the judges for saddling her with the difficult “My All” from Mariah Carey. She got through the song, but never quite mastered it. The performance was tentative throughout and was off-pitch in spots. She chose “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” for herself, and God knows why. It’s been sung by both David Cook and Allison Iraheta on the show, and even they couldn’t make it a great song. The tune is sung be a rock group, but really isn’t a rock song. I wish she had chosen something contemporary for her personal pick. The entire performance was lacklster. Jimmy chose “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5, and while pretty lacked the big moments the judges and viewers want and expect from her. At some point, there needed to be a “And I Am Telling You” or a “I Will Always Love You” style moment. Three meh performances will not cut it against formidable competition like Joshua and Phillip. You can argue whether the two had moments last night, but I think they both did–maybe not in a way that will continue to resonate once Season 11 is over. But in terms of last night’s show, both made their mark. Can’t say the same for Jessica. She is my prediction for elimination, despite Steven declaring last night that she could take it all the way.
Your thoughts? Who will make the final two of American Idol!
