Here we go people -- 3 rounds to determine the final 2.
So round 1, judges choice, 2nd round Jimmy's choice and 3rd contestant's choice. Or at least I hope that is the order because it is best to end with what each feels strongest about.
Joshua is up first -- "I'd Rather Be Blind" by Etta James suggested by the judges. Starts smooth and calm with the cool microphone and then goes all out as always, but it is always unique. Steven said he sang like the one Americn Idol tonight. JLo said they did struggle with whether to give him something modern or classic -- I'm hoping the old school doesn't hurt but considering how much I loved this and every classic he has done. He is the new R&B. B+
Jessica -- "My All" by Mariah Carey. JLo says she wanted to hear the tenderness. This is a tough song. Really tough. And from note one, it was a no from me and my blogging guest tonight. This is terrible. And I think it was so mean for the judges to make her to this. Randy said it was absolutely beautiful and perfect for her. What? Were we watching the same thing? JLo acknowledged it was hard and she could tell it was hard. So doesn't that mean it was bad? Maybe it sounded better in person? What Steven called her the winner? I think they don't want to critique her since they made her do it. C+
Phillip -- "Beggin'" by Madcon. It was chosen for the melody. I have never heard this song but Alana has. The energy was amazing, he played the **it out of that guitar. Love when he smiles when he plays. Steven and JLo loved it. "When you're facing the sun, the shadows fall behind you, my friend." CALLS HIM THE NEW SPRINGSTEEN. Wow, amazing. Randy says "You are who you are and we love it." A-
Why is Randy wearing that crazy tangerine jacket?
Round one re-cap -- Joshua, standing ovation but no clear cut winner per Randy. Vocally probably Joshua. JLo gave it to Phillip. Steven gave it to Phillip but kind of took it back.
Wrong order on my part -- contestant's choice is next.
"They are really acting like I am Barack Obama." This is Joshua Ledet on his hometown trip. I love his Dad and Mom and his personality. He invites his niece to ride with him in the car for the parade. Westlake New Orleans is excited! Back to the high school. Then a concert at night at the Coliseum. Wow. Fireworks at night? Awesome. The trip home always kills me. To see their personal story, meet their families.
Joshua's choice -- "Imagine" I am skeptical that this has been done by many before. I'm not totally feeling it. Does this feels old? Technically nothing wrong with it, but not as exciting for me. Judges went overboard. They missed something Agree he is a great storyteller but this was not my favorite story. Randy asked a good question, why? He didn't know what he wanted to do and he heard it on the radio on the way to rehearsal and picked it for the message. Good to know it was a last minute decision. He definitely connects to everything, agree with that Randy. B
Jessica goes home via helicopter to San Diego. His brother's are cute and his parent's are my age. Ugggh. Umm is it weird that there were a lot of Asians in the crowd of the parade? Good to know her (and my) peeps are supporting her. Well done heading to the Midway base - her Dad is overseas in the Navy -- just kidding, her Dad is right there and maybe 40. Yikes.
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith is her choice. No way - she cannot do this. Absolutely love her look, the hair is FINALLY modern, the jumpsuit is gorgeous and jewelry is perfect. Why didn't she dress like this from the beginning? This song is too low for her. Too melodramatic for me. Steven said she took a good song and made it better. The note at the end was not good for me. Randy was waiting on the big moment and thinks she hit it. What? I mean, I can't believe it. Apparently Steven doesn't like to comment when contestant's do his songs, but this time he did. B-
Can we talk about JLo's hair tonight? BAD.
Phillip -- So cute talking about his hometown. Leesburg, Georgia. And the little girls are pressed against the fence. So weird that the girl's love him like this - his music is so not for them? Back to Pop in the Porn Shop. I love Phillip Phillips Sr., even with the gun in his pants. His parents are older, he must be the baby. He is shell shocked at that parade. I loved seeing him get choked up. Reminded me of the David Cook moment.
"Disease" by Matchbox 20. Love this song. He loves that saxophone player. Smooth jam. The smile makes it even better. He's dancing while he's sitting. Fun jam. Not most energetic but so good. So good. JLo was ready to critique it, not the wow performance. Steven agrees with her. Randy Jackson built up that it seemed like he was going to disagree and then said it was subdued and not strong. B
Round 3 -- Jimmy Iovine's choice.
Joshua does "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige -- I gasped out loud. Wow. I don't know if it was original, but this kid brought it like I have never seen. The bounce was a little too much at first. But he was amping himself up. He took off the jacket. He brought it. He brought it. Randy says he brings it every time and delivers. Totally true. JLo loves the drama and excitement. Steven watched him and felt the last 40 years of the music business (please let me know what that means). Joshua was nervous doing the song. Jimmy gives it a fist pump A
I do not want to watch Lisa Marie Presley tomorrow. FFWD.
Jessica sings "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5. Jimmy picked it so it brings her to the older audience but keeps a youthful vibe. What is she wearing? I guess there is only one chance to wear something good. No originality -- another Mariah cover basically. She eve sang like the guy Trey Lorenz during his parts. Cannot deny her voice is amazing but I was not into this. Boring. Steven loved it. JLo said it was a good choice. Praise be to Randy -- he said it was just okay, not a moment. THANK YOU RANDY. No finale for her. B
Phillip gets his machine and phone. "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger -- Love this song. Wow. Jimmy picks it to appeal to women and men (women for the romance and men for the one night stand?) He's nervously rubbing his leg. A rocker's voice killing a melody. Surprised by his choice to sing the melody but I think it was the smartest thing he could have done. I love it. Standing O all through the house. Randy - The perfect song at the perfect time and his best performance on the show ever. Finally he created the giant moment. JLo called it a lullaby? For a one night stand? Steven said he used to act like he didn't give a **it, but this showed his passion. Love this so much, so much. A
Joshua B+, B, A
Jessica C+, B-, B
Phillip A-, B, A
I have rewatched Joshua's No More Drama (2x) and Phillip's We've Got Tonight (4x) and there is not doubt in my mind that they should be the final two. No doubt.
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