FINAL PERFORMANCES

PHILLIP HAS THE EDGE!

Jessica Sanchez

Although a powerful vocal, I find that the songs are a little too exhausting to listen to for prolonged periods.

She has a great career to look forward to and I'm certain that a great songwriter will find her.

God bless you Jessica. May your journey be a happy one.

Phillip Phillips

The more I listen to Phillip, the more he grows on me. Whether a ballad or rock song, he delivers a strong and steady performance. His interpretation of songs is consistent, original, and sincere.

His winners song, "Your Home", is a masterpiece! With a hint of Rod Stewart and Sting, the song is totally touching and memorable. It passes "the old grey whistle test" with fling colours!

Phillip's delivery was flawless...the perfect storm. Throughout this competition he has shown great humility,sincerity, originality, and an unwavering adhesion to his unique style.

Phillip, you deserve the title. Your groundedness and sense of humour will serve you well as you rock your way through the madness that is the "music Bizz".

Now the work begins.

12 Finalists

All of the twelve finalists have shown their mettle. They are strong, passionate, and dedicated. Each one deserves admiration and respect for the way in which they handled the enormous pressures of the last few months.

God bless you all.

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JOSHUA OUT OF THE FINAL!

IDOL'S GREATEST SINGER EVER!

Joshua Ledet, master of his gift, is let down by the American voters.

He was robbed of his rightful American Idol title.

Joshua's vocal power, passion and phrasing, put him alongside the greatest vocalist ever, Tom Jones.

Give it up for Joshua Ledet, he is the next Tom Jones.

* Lisa Marie Presley sang her new song "You ain't seen nothing yet."

She was right.

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PHILLIP - SEMI FINAL

JUDGES CHOICE - MADCON

Phillip's first song "Beggin'" left everyone beggin' for more!

He did a great job...strong, passionate.

CONTESTANT'S CHOICE - DISEASE

Matchbox 20 was Phillip's choice for his second performance.

I'd never heard this song before tonight, and so for me, this could have been Phillip's own song. It was made for him!

He was smooth, punctuated, and confident. Amazing phrasing.

There were times, in the lower register, when he sounded like Sting!

I've really grown to like this guy's singing. This is the kind of stuff that has meaning. I wanna put my headphones on and groove!

Judges didn't like it too much....who cares!?

JIMMY'S CHOICE - BOB SEGER

Phil sings the melody!!!! Great tone, lots of feeling and sincerity. Beautiful job Phillip!

...And a standing O from the judges!

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JESSICA - SEMI FINAL

JUDGES CHOICE - MY ALL

Jessica's performance of this delicate Mariah Carey song was exquisite.

In this first performance, each note of the song was a flower and Jessica's amazing voice was a butterfly.

Absolutely beautiful.

CONTESTANT'S CHOICE - AEROSMITH

Second song was "Don't wanna miss a thing"......in front of Steven Tyler...that took moxy!

Another powerful performance...though the song choice was a bit "ooh! la la!" for such a young lady...;O)

JIMMY'S CHOICE - I'LL BE THERE

Jessica's final performance was the all time classic from The Jackson Five. I was expecting her to be all over with fancy runs.....but to my extreme delight, she sang it straight, strong, and true! It brought a lump to my throat remembering how Michael Jackson sounded when he was happy.

Let the judges whine all they like, I loved it!!! Solid gold!

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JOSHUA SEMI FINAL

JUDGES CHOICE - RATHER GO BLIND

Something told me...it was all over but the crying! Joshua had it in the bag with his first performance of the night.

Although I'm deeply attached to the Faces/Rod Stewart version of this Etta James classic, tonight's performance was still amazing!

Another standing ovation from the judges.

CONTESTANT'S CHOICE - IMAGINE

Joshua chose for his second performance, John Lennon's "Imagine".

He breathed new life into this beautiful song. His phrasing was excellent, he made it his own. 

Joshua gave this song the power it deserves. Fantastic!

JIMMY'S CHOICE - NO MORE DRAMA

Joshua's final song of the night (Mary J. Blige) thrust him into the stratosphere!

Utterly fantastic...he is the master!!!

* Hollie loves him to bits!

Great choice Jimmy.

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END OF THE LINE FOR HOLLIE!

THE HOLLIE AND THE IOVINE

Good bye and good luck to Hollie Cavanagh. A great contestant, sweet and humble. Hollie's final song had everyone in tears but she sang it well despite her disappointment.
Jimmy Iovine predicted it...and once again, he was absolutely right.

She will go far. She has great talent. I will miss her Ameripool accent.

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STRAY CAT STRUT

JEN'S READY FOR BED!

J-LO arrived dressed ready for bed tonight....then demonstrated the fact by performing her latest song!

Sexy, energetic,....she playfully presented her bountiful booty like a cat in heat! Delicious!

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SOON-TO-BE MAMAS AND PAPAS

CALIFORNIA DREAMING!

The top four were on form tonight with their warm rendition of The Mamas and Papas. "California dreaming".

Joshua carried the song...he was the backbone.

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WAITING FOR THE SONG

SOUNDED FOREIGN TO ME

The final four's attempt at Foreigner's "Waiting for a girl like you" left me waiting at the bus stop.

I love the original...but not this version. This was elevator music stuck between floors...neither here nor there.

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WE ALL NEED A HOLLIDAY!

EFFORTLESS PERFECTION!

Jennifer Holliday's "I'm telling you" was #2 for Jessica Sanchez...WOW!

MAGNIFICENT!AMAZING! POWERFUL! .....AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!

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ETERNAL FLAME?

MORE LIKE A COZY FIRE!

Sorry ladies....

Hollie and Jessica's duet version of the Bangles hit "Eternal flame" was a little cool. It was powerful but slow.

A bit iffy.

I think someone poured water on it at the end. Fizzle.

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JILLIP?

BROMANCE?

I don't think so!

Phillip and Joshua's duet version of the Maroon 5 classic was outstanding!

IN SYNC! IN TUNE! ENERGETIC!

Great job!

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...AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN!

IT'S JOSHUA'S WORLD!

Joshua's #2 song "It's a mans' world" by James Brown....AMAZING!

PASSIONATE! BELIEVABLE! EXPLOSIVE!

Once again...total mastery of a song!

I could definitely listen to this!

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YOU DON"T HAVE TO MAKE ME LOVE YOU!

A BONNIE SING FOR A BONNIE LASS!

Hollie's #2 song, Bonnie Raitt's "I can't make you love me" was beautiful!

It was powerful, believable and passionate!

The judges didn't like it......I loved it!

EXCELLENT!

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ERUPTION!

PHILLIP'S ON FIRE!

PHILLIP PHILLIPS...WHERE DID THIS ONE COME FROM MAN!!!?

Phill's version of Damien Rice's "Volcano" had everyone gushing!

GREAT SONG CHOICE! PASSION! EXCELLENT PHRASING! TOTALLY BELIEVABLE!

A FABULOUS JOB!

Well done PP...You just could be America's #1

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NERVES OF STEEL

JESSICA STEALS THE SHOW!

Etta James "Steal away" was the opener for Jessica Sanchez...and what an opening!

STAGE PRESENCE! ATTITUDE! EFFORTLESS PERFECTION!

OOOOOOHAAAA!

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JOSHING!

JOSH RAISES ME UP!

Joshua Ledet's first song of the night was Josh Groban's "You raise me up".

EMOTION! MASTERY! SWEET!

He's gonna be tough to beat!

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HOLLIE'S JOURNEY

FAITHFULLY YOURS

Hollie Cavanagh's first song by Journey was a bit pitchy and shaky...but strong! Great power notes.

Still not quite there.

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PHILLIP'S SEEN THE RAIN

IT'S RAINING...

Phillip phillips' first song of the night, "Have you ever seen the rain" by CCR, was pitchy and boring. Steven Tyler said it was "something else"....it sure was!
Randy Jackson's jacket was more interesting.

Phillip is a super nice guy, great sense of fun, and I wish him luck. Hope #2 song is better.

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VOTING

CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

    Or at the end of each post!

ABOUT THIS BLOG

PLEASE NOTE...

The comments and observations put forward on this site are directed only at the performance of the contestants and judges within the context of the show.

All of them do their best in the face of enormous pressure, and show great dedication, perseverance and professionalism.  

This site in no way infers judgement upon anyone's character, talent, or work ethic in their everyday lives. 

They are all human beings and deserving of respect. 

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THE STAGE IS SET

Musicians, sound and lighting
The stage lighting, presentation, and sound is absolutely fabulous!
The scenes are amazing. The sound is awesome.
Best to date.
Exceptional job. Perfection!

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HOST WITH THE MOST

This......is Ryan Seacrest!


RYAN SEACREST
Absolutely the best host to ever host!
American Idol would be mediocre if it weren't for the warmth and enthusiasm of Ryan. He puts contestants at ease and keeps the audience focused. He's very polite, concise and charming. Simon  never gave him the respect he deserves.  Don't get me wrong, I like Simon Cowell but now that he's gone I can watch the show without wincing.
Great job Ryan.

Presentation -     10
Entertainment -  10
Sincerity -           10

JUDGES ROW

THE JUDGES SCORES


RANDY JACKSON
I like Randy. He has class.
Though sometimes he can be misleading, his comments are extremely insightful and heartfelt.
This week he was on his best behaviour.

Presentation -        10
Entertainment -     10
Sincerity -              10




STEVEN TYLER
Great!
Stays very true to himself. Keeps it real. Sometimes too kind and sometimes too lecherous! That's not a fault...just an observation! ;O)  He's a great asset to American Idol and he definitely knows his stuff.
He can walk the walk this way.

Presentation -       10
Entertainment -    10
Sincerity -             10




JENNIFER LOPEZ
Gorgeous!
She is the jewel in the crown on the judges row. Extreme eye candy. Jennifer knows her stuff and won't be beaten down. Sometimes too generous though.
And did I mention that she's gorgeous?


Presentation -      10
Entertainment -   11
Sincerity -            10




JIMMY IOVINE
Straight shooter!
I would trust Jimmy with any song, any arrangement. Every contestant would do well to hang onto his every word of advice. He's never afraid to tell it like it is. He didn't like Hollie's second song this week and so I'm only gonna give him a 9.
Jim'll fix it!
    

THE FAB FOUR?

JOSHUA LEDET
Incredible talent!
Joshua knows his voice. He owns it. It obeys his every command. His runs and peaks are an amazing controlled explosion. I do sometimes miss a solid melody though. His singing can make me feel like I'm cruising on smooth, dry road, reliable, easy on my mind....then suddenly hitting a patch of ice.
Joshua is already The American Idol. He has nothing left to prove. He should step aside and give the remaining contestants a shot at the title. Take your star and run with it Joshua!
Could I sit through a Joshua Ledet concert? Possibly.

Presentation -   9
Tone -                rounded, bright.
Phrasing -         8
Passion -           10
Believability -   9
Entertainment -9
Listenability -   8
 

JESSICA SANCHEZ
Amazing!
Jessica's control is excellent. Her runs seem effortless. She was born to sing...and was probably born singing! Her focus is incredible. Once again though, too many runs can be uncomfortable. Considering that she has had to perform songs from what must seem to her like the "dark ages", she has shown remarkable respect. (as have all of the recent contestants.)
Jessica, you are a star.
Could I sit through a Jessica Sanchez concert? Possibly.

Presentation -     9
Tone -                  sharp, bright.   
Phrasing -           7
Passion -             8
Believability -     8
Entertainment -  9  
Listenability -     9

Is this your American idol?
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	NO
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HOLLIE CAVANAGH
Sweet!
Love her half-Liverpool accent! She has finally emerged as the worthy contender I knew she always was. She rocked her first song this week, confident, strong and powerful. Her second song was absolutely beautiful! Her best performance so far. It showed the gorgeous, rich tone of her voice with power to spare even at the top of her range. She was both gentle and strong and full of emotion. Gave me goosebumps just like Jennifer Lopez gets...only hers are more attractive. Fantastic job Hollie!
Could I sit through a Hollie Cavanagh concert? Hollie Holy, yeah.

Presentation -        8
Tone -                     rich, smooth.
Phrasing -               7
Passion -                 7
Believability -         8
Entertainment -      8
Listenability -         9

Is this your American idol?
	YES
	NO
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PHILLIP PHILIPS
Determination!
He certainly does his own thing. He sings with passion and enjoys his time on stage. The girls love him. I'm not so enthusiastic. I'm not moved. I'm left wanting, waiting for something to happen. Maybe if he sang "Couldn't love you more" by John Martyn...( which would actually suit his vocals) and embraced the subtleties of the melody...and the light and shade....then maybe...just maybe, I'd love him a little more.
Could I sit through a Phillip Phillips concert? Only if I was asleep.

Presentation -        6
Tone -                     monotonous, strained.
Phrasing -               5
Passion -                 9
Believability -         7
Entertainment -      6
Listenability -         5

Is this your American idol?
	YES
	NO
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Incidentally, the Righteous Brothers duet performed by Joshua and Phillip was cruel. It crashed like a wounded duck, flapping hopelessly and ending up on its arse.
The girls group song was fabulous! They should take time out from their solo careers and get together once in a while and perform as a trio.

MEMORY LAINE

SKYLAR LAINE


Energy plus! What a beautiful bundle of fun. Powerful, clean vocals. Commanding stage presence. Confidence.
Skylar was always a joy to watch. I was lifted by each performance. She has such a positive attitude. I can't believe she's out of the running. Give your heads a shake America! She'll have a #1 album this year.
Could I sit through her concert? Absolutely.

Presentation -      9
Tone -                   bright
Phrasing -            7
Passion -              10
Believability -      8
Entertainment -   10
Listenability -      10

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SUPER TALENT SLIPS AWAY

Colton Dixon, Elise Testone :- Saying goodbye to some awesome talent. 

COLTON DIXON
I was surprised and saddened to see Colton Dixon leave the competition. Although some of his interpretations missed the mark, some of them were brilliant! He sang with passion and conviction. Great to listen to.... a modern Howard Jones.
Could I sit through his concert? Very easily.

Presentation - 9
Tone - smooth.
Phrasing - 7
Passion - 7
Believability - 8
Entertainment - 8
Listenability -  9


ELISE TESTONE
What can I say! I was absolutely blown away by Elise's voice. (it was mentioned by the judges that there was a resemblance to the voice of Janis Joplin - BULLSHIT. Elise sang with as much passion but that's where the similarity ends. Joplin couldn't sing, she screamed. Sorry Janis, just not my cup of acid).
Elise's voice is a mixture of Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, Suzie Quatro...but mostly Elise! Fantastic! When she was in her groove she was unmatched. Her jazz runs were tasty, her phrasing was excellent and her interpretation amazing. She understood her music. Extremely likable and humble...and HOT!!!
Could I sit through her concert? Oh! YES!

Presentation - 9
Tone - rich.
Phrasing - 10
Passion - 10
Believability - 9
Entertainment - 10
Listenability - 9

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