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American Idol Season 11: Top 7 (Again) Performance Recap

Posted on 04/18/2012 by Todd in American Idol

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American Idol Season 11

by Todd Betzold

 

Here we are again...the Top 7 will be performing again tonight on American Idol after the judges used the save last week to keep Jessica Sanchez in the competition. Now, we have seven singers and two songs each, so strap yourself in...it's going to be non-stop tonight.


Normally after a save, two singers get eliminated the next week, but rumors have been going around that since Jermaine Jones got kicked off earlier this season that only one singer may go home this week to make up for that. The themes for the night are hits from 2000 to today and then one soul song from back in the day in tribute to Soul Train...because we are going to be pushing the time button tonight we get started right away.

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele
I liked the performance...she has a strong voice and it seemed she got past the nerves everyone keeps knocking her down for each week. It's hard taking on such a big song like Adele, but she held her own. Steven said you finally came out of your shell and ruffled your feathers a little bit...it was perfect. Jennifer said I am so happy right now...you forgot everything and you just sang. Randy said he is not going to say it was perfect, but it was close to perfect...you finally had emotion.

 

Colton Dixon - "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
This was awesome...he took such a familiar song and completely made it a rock song. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I always do with Colton. Randy said you are so in the zone...I loved to see your interpretation of Gaga...job well done. Jennifer said it was an exciting, exciting performance...you have so much character when you sing. Steven said keep taking chances and risks and keep doing what you're doing. Also, he added a red/pink patch

 

Elise Testone - "No One" by Alicia Keys
Elise is one of the singers I have always enjoyed this season, however America loves her one week and hates her the next. Taking on Alicia is a big task to take on, but I think she did it well. She brought her raspy voice to it and I love it. Jennifer said she got her first goosies of the night. Steven said you have a voice for a better chorus, but it was good. Randy said you definitely have a huge voice and you stayed with the melody for a change...it was very good.

 

Phillip Phillips - "You Got It Bad" by Usher
Phillip singing Usher? Weird song choice, but I think his rendition may be amazing. And I loved it...it sounded very similar at the beginning to the original, but the middle and end were amazing. He is so good and I loved it, as did the judges who gave him a standing ovation. Steven said you have melody now...it was great tonight. Jennifer said that was so sexy...to take that song and do what you did with it, I love that. Randy said this year we have a true artist on the stage...every week you stay true to yourself and you are the bomb.

 

Jessica Sanchez - "Fallen" by Alicia Keys
First off, I don't think there was any way she was the person with the lowest votes last week. I think they set it up that way to make drama for the show. Second thing, she looked absolutely beautiful this performance. Third, she is Jessica Sanchez and has a beautiful voice and sang the crap out of that song. After a huge applause from the audience, Steven said you released the passion in that song. Jennifer said I am so glad you are still here with us...you did a great job tonight. Randy said I don't even know if you know how great you are and how greater you can be.

 

Skylar Laine - "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga
This started a little rough for me, but oh did she ever kick it in as it went on. She gave me goosies as the song ended...amazing. Jennifer said I love that version of that song...a more perfect song does not fit for you...perfect three weeks in a row. Steven said he is glad she was born that way...a lot of people vote country and western (so true Steven). Randy said you put your own spin on it...you are so beyond ready...amazing.

 

Joshua Ledet - "I Believe" by Fantasia
Fantasia is his Idol, so fitting he chooses this song. This was a huge song for Fantasia...it was her winning song, so for him to take it on he has to be huge. He had moments, but I think he fell short too much. It ended well, but too much of it lacked for me, but not the judges...another standing ovation (they love this kid). Randy said hopefully America votes for you...you are one of the most gifted singers we've seen. Jennifer said you leave it all on the stage every time...it's amazing to watch. Steven said this is a stepping stone for you to winning the whole thing.

 

Now time for their second performances:

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "Son Of A Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield
I feel she does a good job with the song, but her voice is made for ballads and when she goes to the fun, upbeat song it lacks a little something for me. Randy said he was worried about the song choice, but she worked it out. Jennifer said this one was better than the first song...you're showing a new composure. Steven said I see it too, but I think you can push it even more.

 

Colton Dixon - "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
I like the set-up of the stage and the piano, but this was not one of my most favorite performances of Colton. He sounded alright, but just alright...nothing more and he normally amazes me. Steven said this is the time of the competition where you need to find the song to show off your voice and this didn't do that. Jennifer said you sounded really good, but it didn't come together like it usually does for you. Randy said it wasn't the perfect song choice for you to do your thing.

 

Elise Testone - "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
This is such a classic and when you think of the song you think of Marvin Gaye singing it, but Elise does it well and has that raspy voice to sing it with justice. It was fun to watch her have some fun on the stage and it was a good performance...I enjoyed. Jennifer said you always sound so good...she wants her emotion to come out when she sings. Steven said she may hit a note with the guys in America, but she needs to step it up a notch. Randy said the song choice wasn't right for her voice...you oversang it and Marvin Gaye did it so simple.

 

Phillip Phillips - "In The Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett
I love this guy...I love watching him sing...he seems to have a smile on his face while he sings and it just brings a smile to my face...he's so damn good and reminded me of Taylor Hicks during this performance. Jennifer said you make me want to come up there and do that step with you, whatever that step is. Steven said everyone loves you because of who you are deep down...I love your character.

 

Jessica Sanchez - "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding
This was a step out of her comfort zone and we got to see a different side to her and I liked it. It was good and she got into it big time...I like it. Steven said bless my soul, you've done it again...it's all about stepping out and winning these people's souls. Jennifer said we have to start pushing your performances...your vocal ability is so great, but we have to start connecting with your heart. Randy said where you should grow now is with your emotion...the public responds with the emotion.

 

Skylar Laine - "Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
First off, it was awkward how in both performances this violin player was following her around...someone get a restraining order on this creeper. Second, I loved this...she put a country twist on such a familiar song...I think she is definitely safe tonight. Randy said she let it all out and every time she comes on stage it's a party. Jennifer said she's done a great job the last few weeks...you should be proud. Steven said she is like a wild horse that needs to be tamed.

 

Joshua Ledet - "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Same Cooke
Some of the notes that Joshua hits you wonder how he does that...he digs down deep and they come out from his soul. This was a perfect song choice for him and you gotta wonder how he was in bottom three last week...another standing ovation from the judges. Steven said you stretched your voice...it was the restraint at the beginning that made it pop at the end. Jennifer said you hold back at the beginning and by the end I still want more. Randy said this song was perfect for you...the talent this season is better than any show on TV right now.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Todd @tbetzold

 


  


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