by Todd Betzold

 

The big shocker last week on American Idol was Colton Dixon was sent home by America...with only six singers left, will another favorite go home this week?

The theme this week are songs from Queen...we start off with the artists sitting down with Queen and asking some questions on singing their songs...kind of cool to see. Then the Top 6 take on a Queen medley, as they sing together with the original band members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

 

Jessica Sanchez - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
I loved this performance...she starts out so strong and then breaks out into the fun side of her...she actually reminded me of Jennifer Hudson at times during this performance. She had a lot of emotion and showed us again on why she should never have been bottom vote-getter two weeks ago. Steven said Freddy Mercury would have been proud to hear that. Jennifer said the vocal was beautiful, but wanted more rock to it. Randy said he loved...there were no runs in it and the way she did it...you hit the high notes...very nice, I loved it.

 

Skylar Laine - "The Show Must Go On"
I enjoyed this one as well...Skylar brought a little country-twang to it and made it enjoyable. She has such a great voice and we may have a country finalist. Steven said that was over-the-top...the energy, the passion...it was incredible. Jennifer said she got goosies on that one...really articulating every part of the story...it was powerful. Randy said it was incredible and your best performance to date...she's gotta have it...that was phenomenal.

 

Joshua Ledet - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
I have determined when Joshua sings fast, upbeat songs I do not enjoy him. I have gone back and forth with my love for him and he lost me again with this song. He seemed to be screaming a lot and it was just too much for me to handle, but he got a standing ovation from Steven and Randy and Jennifer eventually joined them. Randy said dude, you are so ready...you just have that thing...I love it. Jennifer said that the Joshua part of the show is my favorite time of the show. Steven said you have such a classic style that sounds like no one else.

 

Elise Testone - "I Want It All"
Beautiful...just beautiful. I knew this night could be amazing for Elise and she did so well. Rock is her thing and her voice shines bright during this song...love her. Steven said you found your stride...I really enjoyed that...it was over-the-top. Jennifer said it was you in your element...it was sexy...find the right song and you murdered it. Randy said that was unbelievable...that style of song is right for you...brilliant...one of your best performances to date.

 

Phillip Phillips - "Fat Bottomed Girls"
Phillip does great each week, that is a given. To me, this was just alright...nothing special from him, but still an excellent job. I just want something different from him. Steven said I love watching you sing...it's that character that no one else has...great choice of song. Jennifer said he always makes the song his own. Randy said he liked it, but he wasn't jumping up and down about it.

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "Save Me"
Maybe she was taking the title of the sing literally, as Hollie came out with a lot of emotion and showed off that powerful voice that she has. I enjoyed this and think she showed off the emotional side that they always say she lacks. Steven said he thinks you did a really good job with it. Jennifer said I felt you got emotional in the middle and it went off a little at that time...she wants to see her enjoy it more. Randy said it was a good performance and everyone needs to have a moment and that song didn't have it.

 

For the second round of songs tonight, the contestants get to sing a song of their choice.

Jessica Sanchez - "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross
I got my first set of goosies tonight...this was amazing. She looked beautiful and sounded flawless. I loved it and love her voice. Jennifer said she loved Luther Vandross and that is probably the most beautiful I have ever heard that song sung. Steven said I don't think you can sing a song bad...it's been an honor to watch you. Randy said every time you get up and sing you know what is wrong with it...absolutely nothing.

 

Skylar Laine - "Tattoos On This Town" by Jason Aldean
Was that Reba up there singing? She has such a beautiful tone to her voice...it's so pure and she sings flawless. She sounded so much like Reba and we all know how successful she has been in the industry. Randy said he is a ginormous fan...you are fearless...another great performance. Jennifer said she is so comfortable up there...you slayed it. Steven said he missed the flare, but I am your biggest fan.

 

Joshua Ledet - "Ready For Love" by India.Arie
He calmed it down and no screaming during this performance and he won me back over again. It was calm and I loved it...this is the side of Joshua I like and another standing ovation from the judges. Randy said he doesn't even know what to say anymore...I'm just so speechless...beautiful. Jennifer said I don't even know what to say to you anymore...transcendent...it's such a gift. Steven said he is snapped into reality when I hear you sing...I hope the label finds you good songs and you are off to the moon.

 

Elise Testone - "Bold As Love" by Jimi Hendrix
Another rock song for her...this one was good, but not as good as the first one. I still love her voice and think she is amazing, so I hope they vote for her. Steven said you have to do songs that everyone knows, but I loved it. Jennifer said I know what Steven is saying, but you just slayed that song so much it doesn't even better...you're one of the best singers in this competition. Randy said it wasn't the right song at this time...I felt you were boxing with the song.

 

Phillip Phillips - "The Stone" by Dave Matthews Band
Oh Phillip, tonight was a rough night for me. I did not enjoy this song and your first one was alright. I don't know the song and it just was dull to me and Phillip looked pissed after his critique...he stood up there awkwardly. Steven said very entertaining and very off-the-wall...I love that you take chances. Jennifer said it was a pretty song, but a little too artsy and at this point in the competition song choice matters. Randy said you showed your true colors again...you are an artist and you will never be anything but an artist...what I love, die, sink or swim, Phillip Phillips will be Phillip Phillips.

 

Hollie Cavanagh - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
I think I finally see what the judges have been saying...this girl can sing flawless, but she is just not present on the stage. This is such an emotional song and I feel like she was not there...no emotion, but what I say the judges say the opposite...a standing ovation from the judges. Randy said that was the Hollie Cavanagh that we love...perfect. Jennifer said you stepped it up...it was perfect. Steven said it was so beautiful.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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