by Todd Betzold

 

This week on American Idol we get to see our Idols take on their idols...and to keep the two hours full, we will also get some trio performances...a night full of music.

 

Tonight's theme is the Top 9 Idols taking on their idols. Jimmy Iovine is joined this week by the legendary Stevie Nicks. They also meet with Tommy Hilfiger as a group this week to do some styling.

 

Colton Dixon - "Everything" by Lifehouse
This was a slow performance by Colton and he stepped back away from the piano. It was pure and innocent and he was feeling the emotion of the song...it's his worship song. Steven said he is a dream come true for a judge on Idol. Jennifer said she can honestly say she was moved...it was just about hearing his song. Randy said he thinks he could be looking at a contender for the title.

 

Skylar Laine - "Gunpowder and Lead" by Miranda Lambert
For this song, you need to sing it with a lot of sass and spunk...Skylar brought both of those with her onto the stage. I loved it...she had so much energy and owned the stage. Steven said it was over the top and it was like she was singing to her old friends...it was beautiful. Randy likes the range she brings to it...she is a powerhouse singer.

 

The first trio of the night: Colton, Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone (LOVE this trio). They do a Stevie Nicks medley and it is so fun and enjoyable. I think this could help Elise in the voting because it showed a different side to her and with those two guys it could only help.

 

Heejun Han - "A Song For You" by Donny Hathaway
He came in with a new attitude and Jimmy and Stevie said he was putting up a front so he didn't get hurt if he didn't win. This one gave me goosies! It was beyond amazing...it was raw and natural for him. He showed why he should still be in this competition and a standing ovation from the judges. Steven said you keep it up because that was great. Jennifer said you don't make it this far by mistake...we knew he could do this...when you connect, you move people. Randy said finally the Heejun that we selected came back to us.

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "Jesus Take The Wheel" by Carrie Underwood
She made Stevie Nicks cry in rehearsal...will that transcend onto the stage? I think she did a great job and we all know this girl can sing. Did I like it? No...not because of her performance, but I can't look past Carrie singing this song. Randy said she was pitchy in parts...he was worried about her singing that, but pretty good job...he was impressed. Jennifer said she is going to have to disagree with Randy and thought this was one of her best...she could feel the emotion.

 

DeAndre Brackensick - "Sometimes I Cry" by Eric Benet
Now don't get me wrong, I think this was one of his best performances of this competition. You could see he had the emotion going for the song and it was a good performance, but I just can't get into him or his voice...I just feel there are better singers in the competition. Steven said 100% passion...this is what your voice was meant to do. Jennifer said you have one of the most special voices in the competition...told people to pick up their phones and vote for him.

 

Jessica Sanchez - "Sweet Dreams" by Beyonce
She has been slacking in my eyes the past couple weeks...well folks, Jessica is back and showed us tonight why she will be in the finals this season. This was amazing...she took a fast Beyonce song and sang it slow and sang it flawless. This was beyond incredible to me...goosies again for me! Jennifer said it was a beautiful rendition of it...you left us wanting more. Steven thinks you're a star no matter what and you did it again tonight...it was delicious.

 

The next trio of the night: DeAndre, Joshua Ledet and Heejun. They will be singing a medley of Michael Jackson songs. I feel this could help DeAndre out...not only did have a look like Michael, but he sang the medley very well...good job to him. Joshua did great and Heejun was kind of outshined.

 

Phillip Phillips - "Still Raining" by Johnny Lang
Stevie Nicks said if this was back during the Fleetwood Mac days they would have asked him to be a part of the band...he's that great and cute. The looks do help, but his voice is what keeps him in this competition and he does amazing. This is going to be such a hard night to send someone home...everyone is doing awesome. Phillip is an awesome singer. Steven said every song you sing it's in your body and soul...love it. Randy said he loves the artist that he is and his individuality...he's got big things in front of him.

 

Joshua Ledet - "Without You" by Mariah Carey
Ooh, this is going to be a tough one for me to see...Jimmy said this is a tough one to choose and he's got to hit it. I am one to say that certain artists and certain songs should not be touched...this is one of them. He did well, but I can't look past the Mariah version. The judges loved it apparently as another standing ovation by them. Randy said when you have a voice this big you need to sing big songs...it was flawless. Steven said he doesn't know what's going on tonight, but they are all pushing it tonight...you did it so well/ Jennifer said he is an absolute angel from heaven.

 

The last trio of the night: Jessica, Hollie and Skylar. They take on a medley of Madonna songs. So, I love Skylar...she held her own with the powerhouses up there and has so much energy...I love her vibe on stage.

 

Elise Testone - "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin
Stevie Nicks said she'd hire Elise in a second...they even sang a duet together during the rehearsal. This, I believe, was Elise's breakout performance. She looked so comfortable on the stage it was unbelievable. She worked the stage and had an amazing vocal performance and another standing ovation from the judges. Steven said he wasn't sure she could pull it off...you made Robert Plant proud. Randy said that was a hard song to sing and all the flavor you put into it...amazing job.

 

Find out who is eliminated tomorrow night on American Idol at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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