American Idol 15 Recap – Final Performances and Results – VIDEOS

Back to the subject at hand: The Top 3. Trent Harmon, La’Porsha Renae and Dalton Rapattoni will perform tonight LIVE from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. At some point there will be an elimination of one contestant. It’s not clear when that will be, but if the past couple of shows are any indication, the singers will perform one song before one is eliminated and receives a lovely goodbye package and hopefully some parting remarks. The remaining two contestants will compete for YOUR VOTES in any case.

The three songs include the finalist’s winners single, a reprise chosen by the finalist and…in prior seasons it was a song chosen by Idol creator, Simon Fuller.

The show opens with the Top 3 talking about the legacy of former Idols and how they inspired them. But now it’s their turn! OH THERE IS A GROUP NUMBER. It’s “Stole the Show” by Kygo feat Parson James. It was just a taped snip of a song, before Ryan is introduced.

Here come the judges! Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.

Here’s how tonight will proceed: The Top 3 will sing the winners single, Simon Fuller’s choice, followed by the Reprise. But there is NO JUDGING after the Winners single round. ETA: Because a singer will be eliminated after the round.

Trent Harmon – Falling – In his video package, Trent tears up as he thanks his fans for their support. Just as I thought. The recorded version of the song isn’t radio friendly, at least by today’s standards. But it’s the perfect vehicle for the singer to deliver a passionate vocal tour de force. Trent holds nothing back on stage. He’s not afraid to wear his bloody heart right on his sleeve. Along with the stellar vocals, hard work and ability to improve, his open emotion is one of the reasons why he’s still standing. Keith sings along to his own song (Keith is a co-writer on the track!) – Download from iTunes – Download from Amazon

Scott Borchetta says the minute the winner is crowned tomorrow, they go to work with Big Machine Records. He promises the label will be Idol’s legacy.

Dalton Rapattoni – Strike a Match – His dad pushed him to audition. This is a really fun song, and it’s the kind of thing I can imagine Dalton singing in the real world. But maybe it’s not competition material. The song doesn’t give the young singer the opportunity to go all emo, which is his strength. When he connects to a song, Dalton can really make an impact. His vocals are the usual–clipped and a bit pitchy. It’ll be tough to compete with La’Porsha and Trent tonight. But that song–so many 80’s and 90’s feels. I really enjoyed it. – Download from iTunes – Download from Amazon

La’Porsha Renae – Battles – She auditioned in Providence Rhode Island and vowed to keep going until Idol let her in. “Kelly..a woman started it and a woman is gonna finish it!,” the singer declares. I like this song for La’Porsha because it’s a big, powerful, and empowering. But it’s also current sounding. I can easily imagine this tune playing on pop radio. I bet she’s saving a real big song for later in her set. – Download from iTunes – Download from Amazon

OK. THE ELIMINATION IS NEXT. I figured as much when Ryan announced there would be no judging for the first round of songs.

Ryan chats up the The Top 3 first. Dalton says he’s happy America cared to listen to him for so long, as if he is saying goodbye.  La’Porsha Renae is announced into the Top 2 first. Trent Harmon is next. Dalton Rapattoni is eliminated. He is so excited for them both. Such a sweetie. His goodbye package rolls. He’s all smiles as he watches! No tears from Dalton. It’s obvious he knew it was coming and prepared himself.  A very classy and generous exit. But his mom is balling her eyes out. Bye Dalton. Good luck to you! That kid really grew on me.

The Top 2

La’Porsha Renae
Trent Harmon

Dalton Rapattoni is Eliminated

We’re rolling straight into Simon Fuller’s choice. Trent and La’Porsha did a quick “pull a number out of a hat” backstage. Trent will go first, La’Porsha second. Simon in the audience with his toddler daughter in his lap–she’s a cutie!

Trent Harmon – If You Don’t Know Me By Now – I wish Simon had chosen a contemporary song for Trent to show his potential in the marketplace. But, having said that, it’s an impeccable vocal. Go back in listen to Trent’s “Tiny Dancer” performance at the showcase, and you’ll see how far he’s come. He’s a better singer, more comfortable in his skin. Ready for what comes next. Keith loves that song! Such a good song for you, he says, adding that it’s been extraordinary how far he’s come. Expecting the closest race in Idol history, Jlo calls it a “real battle.” Harry thought the song was a great choice. “Nice job.”

Keith and Harry will duet on “A Wonderful World” tomorrow. Jennifer will debut her new song.

La’Porsha Renae – A House is Not a Home by Dionne Warwick – One of the great songs out of the Bacharach/David catalog. The duo’s songs are HARD to sing. The melody and rhythms can be tricky, but La’Porsha navigates the song effortlessly. A rare display of her head voice is just lovely. Jlo was singing along and confesses it’s one of her favs “So beautiful baby.” Harry loves that she never overdoes it. He’s impressed that she interpreted a complicated song so skillfully. Keith calls it “smouldering.” He needs a cigarette!

OK The judges choose a favorite in the round. Jlo thought both songs were amazing. If she had to edge one out over the other, she would pick La’Porsha.

Trent Harmon – Chandelier by Sia – It’s a little quick to reprise the song. It’s only been a couple of weeks. But it was arguably his stand out performance of the season. At first I thought the second version of the song wasn’t having the same visceral impact, but the song sucked me in AGAIN. I literally got chills and began to tear up. It was more moving and perfectly rendered than the first time. A vocal masterclass. Agree with Keith that those transitions into his head voice were gorgeous. Harry says he should be very proud of such a strong performance. Keith calls it extraordinary and compliments his vocal transitions. Keith believes “Chandelier” is the best song Freddie Mercury never wrote. Jlo says he could not have sung more beautifully “YOU DESERVE TO WIN.”  She said it!  After his performance, Trent pulled out a diary in which he wrote all the advice the judges gave him over the season. I love that guy!

Paul McDonald, Haley Reinhart, Anthony Fedorov in the audience!

La’Porsha Renae – Diamonds by Rihanna – Probably my favorite of all La’Porsha’s performances over the season. I’m glad she brought it back. It’s another emotional, stately but passionate rendition. She brings a deeper meaning to the lyrics than Rihanna ever did. The audience is chanting for La’Porsha and she cries.  Keith uses a sports analogy: “If you were skiers they would be multiple black diamond runs,” says Keith about all the Top 2 performances. Jlo compliments the singer on her control and composure. Jlo can’t wait to go to a La’Porsha concert and watch her let loose! Harry thought it was incredible. La’Porsha says the lyrics “You and I” refers to herself and her baby. Harry had nothing more to say at that point.

The show ends with La’Porsha and Trent on stage. They tearfully thank their fans. What an incredible night of music. This is a dead heat, people. Trent and La’Porsha are evenly matched. American Idol goes out with two of the finest vocalists to ever grace their stage.

Click to Watch ALL Trent Harmon’s Final Performance VIDEO
Click to Watch ALL La’Porsha Renae’s Final Performance VIDEO
Click to Watch Dalton Rapattoni’s “Strike a Match Performance VIDEO

The Top 2 – VOTE!

Vote at AmericanIdol.com, American Idol Facebook, or search Google: American Idol Vote.

Trent Harmon – Text 10 to 21523 – 1 866-436-5710
LaPorsha Renae – Text 8 to 21523 – 1 866-436-5708