by Gina Scarpa

 

It's common for the American Idol contestants to receive conflicting advice and feedback from the judges, but this season really seems to take the cake. "Don't think about the votes, but we'll keep reminding you who our favorites are to win this thing!" "You should only change up a song when we want you to, but we're not going to tell you if we want you to or not until after you perform it for millions of people." "Just be yourself, but sing it like this famous artist."

 

Mentor Harry Connick Jr. returned to work with the final four, as they tried to show two different sides of themselves with songs from 2013 and standards as well.  Hey may have come across as a jokester but it got real when it was time for the second round, and he took on Randy to defend Kree's honor.  Read on to find out what happened!

 

NOW
Angie Miller, "Diamonds" by Rihanna
She definitely changed up the song, which I appreciated, but I definitely could've done without the screaming. I'm sure she's sick of being called theatrical, but when she steps away from the piano, that's how it feels. It seems like someone who's watched Katy Perry and Jessie J and Fergie and so on, and tries to be those things. It's when she's in front of the piano that it seems natural and authentic, and Mariah can't help but point that out. At least Randy liked her leather shorts.

 

Amber Holcomb, "Try" by Pink
Though I love Amber's voice, I'll be the first to admit that she doesn't look carefree or comfortable up on the stage as she tries to remember the words to the song. It's also clear the fact that she hasn't gotten a ton of love from the fans this season has her rattled. That being said, I don't understand why she doesn't try to perform in a more accessible and open way. So often, she's on a platform set far back on the stage and it just doesn't give her the opportunity to connect. None of the judges are jumping out of their seats for this one, and Mariah says she's looking forward to her second performance.

 

Candice Glover, "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
In the midst of the pressure of the competition, and almost going home last week, Candice has done a great job of staying calm, cool, and collected. It's a bold move to sing a song by the opposite gender, and you don't change the words, AND it's a Bruno Mars song at that. Somehow, she makes it sound like it was meant for her and Randy throws around his catchphrase, "Dude, you can sing INNYTHING!" True story.

Kree Harrison, "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood
Kree does remind me in a way of Carrie when she was on the show because as great of a singer as Carrie was, she wasn't that compelling of a performer (at the time). While Kree may have been singing with her eyes, according to Nikki, she sat on a stool and the whole thing fell a little flat. Mariah points out that she's very authentic, and Randy recommends she goes country. Was there ever any doubt about which genre she was pursuing???

 

THEN
Angie Miller, "Someone To Watch Over Me"
Whenever you pick a song because it has a special meaning to you, you're taking a risk. You're choosing the song because YOU like it, not because it's necessarily the best choice for you. "Someone To Watch Over Me" came across a little boring to me, but Nikki and Mariah felt it was overly theatrical. Randy said it was amazing, while Keith said he liked it. Doesn't seem like anybody was on the same page for this one, and I think I'm just as confused as Angie as to whether or not they liked it.

Amber Holcomb, "My Funny Valentine"
Amber decided to bring back a song from earlier in the season, one that she really impressed with. However, Harry put her on blast in the video montage because she didn't even know what the song meant. That has to be embarrassing and Amber looked defeated even before she sang her first note. Even though she sounded amazing, it seems she's lost her fight and breaks down during Nikki's critique. To completely contradict what Amber is feeling, Mariah says she feels like her spirit is back. If it had any chance of returning, Harry kicked her when she was down saying she shouldn't be doing runs during standards. He says he was talking about everyone, but it feels pretty directed at her.

 

Candice Glover, "You've Changed"
If Candice gets voted out this week, I will have no idea what America is thinking. Working against her is the fact that last week's votes will be combined with this week's to determine who will be going home. Considering she sang the hell out of this and received a standing ovation from the audience and judges, it seems she can mostly rest assured. Mariah said she would be downloading that track, while Randy threw another catchphrase out, "She's in it to win it!" She certainly is.

 

Kree Harrison, "Stormy Weather"
Once again, Kree doesn't give the most dynamic performance and while she sounds good, it's not her greatest vocal either. The judges are all in agreement that they would've chosen a different song but if she had to sing this one, then Randy prefers the Etta James version to the Lena Horne one. That causes Harry to jump up from his seat and join the judges' table to challenge Randy, saying that they're telling her to be herself, then saying to sing the Etta James version. While the two battle it out over who's right, Kree awkwardly waits for Ryan to jump in while Nikki looks like she's loving every minute of it.

The girls finish off the night by singing "Wings" and it was damn near impossible to focus on them with those fly girls thrashing around in the background. What the heck was that?!

 

Who do you predict will head home on tonight's live elimination episode? Let us know in the comments!

 

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

 

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