by Todd Betzold

 

The Top 8 take on the 1980s tonight on American Idol and it is getting harder and harder to judge them when they all put on such great performances.

 

Tonight's theme is the 1980s. Jimmy Iovine is joined this week by Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal from No Doubt. No meetings with Tommy Hilfiger shown this week, but we get to hear from the Top 8 and what they miss most from home. We will get a song from each singer, but then they will all be paired up for a duo performance.

 

DeAndre Brackensick - "I Like It" by Debarge
Jimmy and Gwen told him he needs to get over his fear and nerves...if he doesn't, he could be gone. This was a great song choice for DeAndre...it fit his vocals very well and I enjoyed it. I haven't been a huge fan of his and thought it should be home by now, so now that I enjoy this one he will probably go home. Jennifer said she liked it...I liked it a lot. It was very natural...you had the crowd going. Steven said totally captivating...I forgot where I was...exceptional today.

Elise Testone - "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
She was torn between two songs and Gwen and Tony got goosies from this song, so she goes with Foreigner...will the goosies happen during her performance? I loved it...it started slow for me, but the way she can hit and sing certain notes is so amazing. I love her and voice and she gave me some goosies. Steven said he loves her and loves her voice, but he doesn't think that was the right song for her. Jennifer felt her emotion and the heart she put in it. Randy said she never quite hit the pitch throughout the whole song until the very end, so she was pitchy the whole song.

 

Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine - "Islands In The Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
This was a great combo and they rocked the song...great song for Skylar's vocals. Steven said match made in heaven. Randy said he actually enjoyed it. Jennifer thought it was a great duo and loved it.

 

Phillip Phillips - "That's All" by Genesis
I love Phillip, but this was just alright to me. He had very good moments in it and I love his voice, but not one of my favorites from him. He brings his brother up there to play the guitar while he sings...it's what he misses most from home. Steven said you just love who you are and that transcends. Jennifer said he felt out of his comfort zone at first, but brought it home by the end of it. Randy loved it and thought a great song choice for you.

 

Hollie Cavanagh and DeAndre - "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters
I enjoyed this duo...I think it will benefit Hollie, because it showed what great vocals she has and she had fun up there and it will hurt DeAndre, because it showed his vocals are not as strong. Jennifer said they sounded great together. Randy said very, very, very nice. Steven loved that Hollie got loose on the stage.

 

Joshua Ledet - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Simply Red
This was a major case of the goosies for me...beyond amazing. This was the perfect song choice for Joshua and he sang the crap out of it. It was so good and a standing ovation from the judges. Jennifer said they asked for a powerhouse performance and that's what we got...it was spectacular. Steven said over the top and outstanding...a perfect, beautiful song. Randy said it was so mature and he was in his zone.

 

Jessica Sanchez - "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston
We have an alter ego for Jessica, it is called BB Chez, and we apparently will see a lot of it tonight. I say BB goes back in the closet and we keep Jessica up there. She struggled with an up-beat song before (Gloria Estefan) and now this...she can sing, but it doesn't show. Jennifer said that is two powerhouse vocals in a row...your vocals make everything go away for me. Steven said your voice is so fantastic and everything you do is fantastic.

 

Elise and Phillip - "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
I love both of these two, so this duo was amazing to me. Elise had a rough performance tonight according to the judges, so singing with Phillip can hopefully help her in the eyes of the voters. This was great and they sound good together. Randy said Elise welcome back...that was hot. Jennifer wanted to hear more of that show. Steven said it was beautiful...just as good as it gets.

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "What A Feeling" by Irene Cara
Gwen told her to be tough and put that edge into her performance. After some technical difficulties with the keyboard, we get to the performance. The girl can sing and has great vocals and tonight she had fun on stage...showed America a less serious side of her. She worked the stage and I loved it. Steven said it took some time to get there, but she got there at the end...it was pitchy though. Jennifer said she is listening to everything people say and she needs to just let it go. Randy said if you stop thinking, your voice is amazing.

 

Joshua and Jessica - "I Knew You Were Waiting" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael
This was a great performance and they sing very well together...two powerhouses combined into one...excellent. Randy said this was one of the greatest performance I've seen on this show...you guys are ready. Jennifer said I am looking at you and final, maybe? Steven said that performance was so over-the-top it defies judging...a pleasure to watch.

 

Colton Dixon - "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
This is an amazing song, but Colton does it justice and beyond. He is proving himself to be a frontrunner, but can America choose a rocker as the champion? Steven said he has one of those voices where he can do a record. Jennifer said he was so in sync with the band and it was a journey...she really liked it. Randy said you took this song and you made it your own...you're so current.

 

Skylar Laine - "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
After just 3 notes and I already have goosies...keep it up girl and no bottom three for you this week. Amazing job...she put her country twang to eat and I loved it. She has so much range to her voice and country always does well in Idol. Randy said I think this is your best performance to date. Jennifer said she just told America with that performance that you can sing with the best of them that are here and don't count me out. Steven said a great song for the end of the night and the beginning of your career.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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