by Todd Betzold

 

It's do-or-die tonight for the finalists on American Idol. They've been through auditions, performance nights and elimination nights that has all led to this moment...three performances to prove why you should vote for them to be the winner of Season 11 of American Idol.

 

The three rounds of songs this week for Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez: executive producer Simon Fuller's choice for them, the contestant's favorite performance of the season and the contestant's winning song should they win it all this season.

Here we go...Round 1:

 

Jessica Sanchez - "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston
This was a very nice performance...we all know this girl can sing and she can take on one of the powerhouses, Whitney Houston. Was it an amazing performance...no, but it was very good.

 

Phillip Phillips - "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
I love me some Phillip...he's just got an amazing voice and he does his thing every time. I enjoy him, even though many people don't. It may be boring to some, but I think it is very enjoyable. I love how he takes such a recognizable song and can make it his very own...a sign of a true artist.

 

Now time for the judge's...Jennifer said this is a tough one because it is a battle of the opposites...it's a matter of who is making you feel something. Do they feel anyone won Round 1? Randy said Round 1 probably went to Jessica.

 

After we get a look at Jason Derulo performing the song written by fans in a contest for Idol, we move on to Round 2:

 

Jessica Sanchez - "The Prayer" by Josh Groban
She sang it to get to the Top 24 and this was beautiful, as is Jessica. She held a note for days during this performance and shows us why she should be the next American Idol. She has a very good range and tone...this was simple, but amazing. The girl is in it to win it!

 

Phillip Phillips - "Movin' Out" by Billy Joel
He sang it for Billy Joel week and I still love it. I have no clue what the song is, but he makes me love it. I love when he digs deep to get the notes...the rasp is very good. His facial expressions can be weird, but that just means he is feeling the music...I loved it and so did the crowd, as they did Jessica's.

 

Now back to the judges...Steven said Phillip has hatched a little, but he has to say Jessica took it again. Randy said that round was dead-even. Jennifer said Jessica blew it away the first round, but that was authentic Phillip there...have to give it to him that round.

 

Now to the songs they would release if they win this season...Round 3:

 

Jessica Sanchez - "Change Nothing"
I like this song...I am not one to enjoy a song the first time I ever hear it, but she makes me like it. This night is so tough...I really don't have a true favorite. I like them both and would be fine with either of them winning and I can hear that song on the radio right now. Randy said he did not love the song, but he did love she made something out of the song. Jennifer said she sang the song really well...it was a pop ballad and you have so much soul, so it surprises me...we missed that soul. Steven said I know how good you can sing, but I don't feel that song was the proper choice for you.

 

Phillip Phillips - "Home"
Seems like a fitting title to be used as the song for whoever gets eliminated next season? This was a very big production on the stage, as the band came out and played and the singers...did I enjoy it? I don't know...it was good and it may grow on me over time. He sings it well and was the same Phillip as always that I do enjoy. Randy said everything about that was perfect...it was amazing...true artists performance. Jennifer said it was so different...that was a Phillip Phillips song. Steven said you were perfect tonight and I think you are the man.

 

Scotty McCreery ends the night performing "Please Remember" as we take a look back at the season.

 

Four hours to vote...who is your Idol? Find out tomorrow night on American Idol at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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