The finale duet partners for the Top 3 were announced tonight: Jena Irene will sing with Paramore. Caleb Johnson will perform with KISS and Alex Preston will join forces with Jason Mraz.
Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson were revealed as the Top 2 vote getters and will face off against each other in next TUESDAY’S final performance show. Alex Preston was eliminated.
I can imagine the producers are very happy with the results. Two powerhouse singers–one male and one female–will face off against each other for the crown. Both put on very entertaining performances. Alex is a talented, but laid back performer. They probably figure he wouldn’t bring excitement to his finale performances.
Caleb is an entertaining performer, but he’s a throwback to another era and would be a hard sell as a recording artist. Both Jena and Alex write and perform contemporary music that fits nicely into the current market. I can imagine the type of album Jena and Alex would make. Caleb, not so much. For that reason, the producers are probably hoping for Jena to ultimately win. But, she’s going to have a tough go of it. His vocal issues this week notwithstanding–over the course of the competition, Caleb has been a very consistent performer. When Jena is good she’s VERY VERY GOOD. But she’s had quite a few misses too.
There’s also the matter of the southern vote. NINE Idol winners hail from the south. THREE from Caleb’s home state, North Carolina. Jena is from the northern state, Michigan. The geographic odds are against her. Also, Idol viewers have shown a distinct preference for men in the last 8 seasons or so. A guy who sings retro rock is super appealing to Idol’s older audience. If I had to call it now, I would give the win to Caleb.
Idol production did a great job with the hometown visits! They were beautifully shot and moving. I love seeing the kids get their “heroes welcome.” It’s an experience they’ll cherish for the rest of their lives. I’m glad the visits are back on the results show where they belong. They shouldn’t be used as a tool to manipulate voters, as they have been the last couple of years. But can we NOT cut to the judges during the visit clips? Ugh.
I was hoping for a Jena Irene/Alex Preston finale. I LIKE the kind of music Alex makes. While he’s not the most dynamic performer, he’s interesting and unpredictable. I bet he had a few surprises up his sleeve for the finale. But now, we’ll never know. Between the producer manipulations, and the geographic (Will I live to see the day a northeasterner wins Idol?) disadvantage, he wasn’t going to win. Although there were moments during the competition when I thought he could buck tradition and take it all. Like Caleb, he was consistent, but with the added plus of originality and real artistry.
Alex has a shot to make it in the business. Not that it’s going to be easy. Idol isn’t the entre into the music world that it used to be. He’s got a bit more exposure than he had before. Now, he has to run with it.
The American Idol Top 3 Results – We’re live blogging them RIGHT HERE. Season 10 winner, Scotty McCreery performs. Season 8 alum, Danny Gokey drops by to talk hometown visits. Speaking of, we’ll see highlights of the trips Alex Preston, Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene made to their hometowns over the weekend. Grab a tissue!
Check out: Caleb Johnson Asheville Hometown Visit, Jena Irene Farmington Hills Hometown Visit, Alex Preston Mont Vernon Hometown Visit.
Aw. Ryan brings his adorable puppy, Georgia on stage! I LOVE PUPPIES. The Top 3, sitting in the lounge. NOT SMILING. They look pretty nervous.
Jlo is wearing Pucci. In case you wanted to know.
Time for the dinner recap! Why is Randy in this? STILL harping on Caleb’s messed up vocal chord. Alex remains completely mum about his bronchitis. He says he has a new found respect for drummers. Caleb was told Jlo danced around the judges table like a fool. But he didn’t see it. He was so into his performance! Randy says Jena’s version of Creep was amazing. The Top 3 agree they have to remember to have fun–while not looking like they’re having fun at all.
The Ford commercial features SNEAK PEEKS of the winners singles! You’ll be able to download after the show tonight!
“I Love This Feeling” by Alex
“We Are One” by Jena
“As Long As You Love Me” by Caleb
We see clips from Jena’s Farmington Hills, MI Hometown visit first. Jena arrives, she waits tables at her restaurant job. She visits her folks at home. There’s lots of hugging and crying. She’s so happy to be back in her bedroom! We see her at her electric piano. She plays a bit of an original tune. “My Own Worst Enemy”. Fade to her parade. She’s tearful. There’s a split screen of Jena reacting to the video. She gets a key to the city. Now, she plays a set at her high school. Her grandad is crying. Aw. She puts on a private show for her senior class. She’s tearful thinking about the impact she had on her community.
Jena Irene – Hometown Visit – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic
Ohhh. Jena will sing with Paramore on the finale!
Elliott Yamin and Danny Gokey are in the house. They both finished 3rd in their respective seasons, 5 and 8. AW DANNY’S WIFE IS EXPECTING AGAIN! His album is out for pre-order. Elliott is working on his 4th album.
Season 10 winner, Scotty McCreery, takes the stage to perform his new single, “Feelin It.” Scotty looks and sounds great! “My baby’s giving me a kiss” – Scotty lets Jlo give him a little kiss on the cheek. Ha! He got some lipstick on his cheek. “Jlo likes younger guys” says Ryan “I’m not the only one,” Jlo shoots back. Heh.
Alex Preston’s Hometown Visit to Mont Vernon NH is next – Alex’s dad says he has no clue about the support at home! His mom can’t wait to give him a big hug and feed him! “We’re celebrating his life,” says grandma. Alex is surprised by some of his friends. Alex isn’t expecting a lot of people to show up. Ha. The gov of NH proclaims Alex Preston day! THE WHOLE STATE. He sings in front of the town hall. The parade. I WAS THERE! Mom is crying. She’s so proud of him. SPLIT SCREEN WITH JLO WHY. The big concert at the university. I WAS THERE!
Alex Preston – Hometown Visit – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic
Alex will sing with Jason Mraz at next week’s finale! Who didn’t see that coming.
And last, Caleb Johnson’s Hometown Visit to Asheville, NC – The excitement is palpable, says Caleb. BIG WORDS. Caleb makes the rounds of the radio stations. After, he heads home to visit his family. He visits the Bitmore estate. Seems random. At the Orange Peel, he jams with his bandmates. The mayor declares Caleb Johnson day! He COLLAPSES on stage at the end of the set. Later, at the Emerald Lounge, there’s more music. He and his brother ride the parade car. They’re cute together. His little brother Houston, joins him on stage.
Caleb Johnson – Hometown Visit – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic
Caleb will take the stage next week with KISS! His brother’s FAVORITE band. Shocked?
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH. It’s time for results. Jena Irene is the first of the Top 3 to advance to the finals. That leaves Caleb and Alex standing together, awaiting their fates.
And Caleb Johnson advances to the Final 2! Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson to compete against each other in the final!
Alex Preston is eliminated. He sings out with his original song, “Fairytale” He’s very composed. Singing his heart out! You go Alex. The world awaits you and your talent.
Final Results & Elimination (Top 3) – American… by IdolxMuzic
Final Two
- Jena Irene
- Caleb Johnson
Alex Preston is eliminated
