‘American Idol’ recap: who is out and missed the top 4?
Carrie Underwood came back to "Idol" to sing "Blown Away," looking quite tan. CREDIT: Michael Becker/FOX
Loading ...There won’t be a country “Idol” winner two years in a row.
Why? Skylar Laine is going home after 60 million votes.
The Missisippi teen-ager possessed a valley full of poise and stage presence galore. Her very Reba-like country twang, though, didn’t turn everyone on.
Her problem last night is she did well but it was neither her best nor worst week. This meant her supporters were not overly inspired to vote for her as hard as others. Some may have assumed she was safe or that they didn’t feel she NEEDED the votes if she had done poorly (like Phillip Phillips.)
Hollie Cavanagh, after one of her best weeks to date, still landed in the bottom two. I think this is her fifth trip in the bottom – yet survived.And despite his worst week to date, Phillip didn’t even fall in the bottom two though it seems he really wants to go home, given his kidney stone issue. Heck, he skipped the Ford ad again.
Jessica Sanchez pleased her fans and survived. Ditto with Joshua Ledet.
I actually called this one right, the first time I’ve done so since Heejun Han, which wasn’t a tough call.
Jimmy Iovine’s comments:
Joshua: “Joshua’s performance is going to be tough to beat. Just fantastic. When he sang ‘To Love Somebody,” the sky opened. To me, that was the best performance this year. He learned the song in 15 minutes, rearranged it. It sounds like he sang it for 30 years. Stevie Van Zandt was floored. Of course, Joshua is safe. [The judges] are right. He is greatness.”
Hollie: “This is a critical week for Hollie. She needed a game changer. I think she did it with ‘River Deep, Mountain High.” She approached it like a pop girl and paid homage to Tina Turner. It’s the most believable I’ve seen her. [The second song.] Was it magical? No.”
Phillip: “The way he’s feeling now, most people would quit. He’s that strong a personality. This week, I think he did two very bland songs. I feel Phillip has been coasting. He should be in the bottom two but he has so many assets for so many weeks, that he probably won’t be.” (He got that right!)
Skylar: “She’s a fighter. She suits up and shows up every night. [First song.] She had great energy with ‘Unfortunate Son.’ I wish she had understood the lyrics a little better. They are very very powerful. But she sang it really live and it was exciting. [Second song] It had Nashville but it had Vegas and Broadway in it… it was very strange for me. It didn’t have the darkness that Dusty Springfield had.”
Jessica: “You are So Beautiful” was magnificent. But yesterday with ‘Proud Mary’ was a travesty. That dress was too mature for her. It turned into burlesque. Stylists, what are you doing? You’re torpedoing this girl. Jessica’s was too mature, too racy. That’s going to hurt her.”
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
Check out video from the show.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
169 comments Add your comment
ryan
May 3rd, 2012
9:15 pm
Bill O’ Reilly and Dennis Miller Boulder Fresh Tour coming to Atlanta just heard the news on the show .
Smokey
May 3rd, 2012
9:17 pm
How is Taylor Hicks doing on the show?
I used to love this show
May 3rd, 2012
9:20 pm
Did I miss something ? Jessica’s dress sang last night?
as Simon used to say ” this is a singing com pe tit ion”
I used to love this show
May 3rd, 2012
9:21 pm
Jimmy I is a moron and needs to go away.
JDawg
May 3rd, 2012
9:24 pm
My money is on Joshua to win it all. Jessica is just to young and Butt ugly !
Nana
May 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
America voters got it wrong AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
Rod
May 3rd, 2012
9:30 pm
Oh give me a break you 12 yr olds stop voting for Philip Phillips he is not that good. When he sings the only thing he proves to America is that he needs more Fiber in his Diet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He should have gone and they put him in the top 3 ……………WOW………………..They need to call this Kiddie Idol……LOL
Nana
May 3rd, 2012
9:30 pm
America got it wrong AGAIN!!!!!!. It should have been Phillip that left tonight.
Dardoninc
May 3rd, 2012
9:31 pm
FANS
You were wrong tonight to send Skylar home what is wrong with you people.
There is two others that are far worse.
Country fan have not heard the last of Skylar
PickPickler
May 3rd, 2012
9:31 pm
P.Phillips is Taylor Hicks reincarnate. Lame and useless at this point.
Love Hollie; Joshua should win. Skylar’s better than Lauren Alaina…(love them both.)
I’m old – what’s a 60 y/old grandfather doing watching this stuff anyway?
Somebody help me.
Stephanie Edenfield
May 3rd, 2012
9:33 pm
Skylar to me you and Joshua should be the two battling it out! I love you so much Skylar and you so remind me of my favorite singer of all times Reba, so please keep pushing forward and know I will be praying for greatness for you on my end. We need a country girl with the rockin that you add on stage I would be proud to own your Cd,s and be one of the first to see you preform in concert! I love ya Skylar and keep your head high and stay strong! Love and prayers from TN!!!!
Pete
May 3rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Skylar was the one who deserved to win it all. Hollie is cute so what? Jessica and Joshua just scream and Philip looks like he is taking one for the gipper everytime he opens his mouth.
WhoIsTheOldManInaSteveTylerMask
May 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
Skylar is going to be a big hit in Nashville. This is Daughtry all over again.
Joshua and Jessica are ringers that is why the judges keep propping them up.
Skylar Was the Best
May 3rd, 2012
9:44 pm
When Philip sings he looks like he’d rather be passing gas.
JTesla
May 3rd, 2012
9:48 pm
Phillip cannot lose at this point. He gets the WGWG vote and NOW he gets the sympathy votes. He can do the worst performance EVER on Idol next week and tons of people will vote for him because “if only he weren’t in so much pain”.
I’m not saying that he isn’t in pain, he’s a trooper and I think that’s great. I’m just saying that it will cause him to get more votes and for people to forgive mistakes that they normally wouldn’t.
"And The Winner Is.......... "
May 3rd, 2012
9:53 pm
It will be between Phillip and Hollie next week. Hollie leaves – NOT because she’s the worst talent of the remaining four but because history says Phillip will draw enough votes again – even though he can only growl (as in Joe Cocker) – because of his looks. The following week – the bottom two will be between Phillip again and Jessica with Phillip leaving this time because of his lack of effort and talent beyond singing and strumming the guitar. The final will be between Joshua and Jessica with Joshua winning IDOL in 2012.
Glenn
May 3rd, 2012
9:55 pm
Philip can barely stand up right now, much less sing, so cut him some slack you haters. His kidney stones are so bad he’ll have to have surgery, but he can’t until after the show’s done. Why do you think he’s been doing slower songs and not moving around as much?
Seth T
May 3rd, 2012
10:04 pm
Skylar will soon be on a couple tv shows, as the elim’d girl, and will get more exposure for her singing/performing skills. Since she made it to Vegas and to the top 5, she has had well over 2 months of National TV exposure already, twice a week.
There are thousands of aspiring artists that would give a lot to have that much promotion, and Skylar will now have many doors open to pursue a career. So now, it will come down to “who’s willing to invest” – (management group/record label) and “who’s buying”.
The Country Market is one of the better markets to sell and schedule bookings in. Check your State Fair shows, which pay very well, and you often see more Country shows than anything else.
So after the tour, Skylar will be looking at a “Who’s Investing/Who’s buying” situation. But from the pay-per-televised-show and following tour, it is estimated that the top 5 will all make over $100,000.
The 2nd place person will make over $200,000 with a gauranteed contract, and the Winner well over $300,000 with album completion.
MyPatootie
May 3rd, 2012
10:05 pm
My only concern is that it will come down to Jessica and Joshua in the end and I will have wasted all these hours even watching it. Of what’s left I would have to go with Hollie and being the most talented and marketable. BTW, do people really think that is music that Coldplay does? I don’t get that at all?
JOSHUA FAN!!!
May 3rd, 2012
10:06 pm
Sorry to see Skyler leave tonight. She rocked it right on out the door. Now it’s down to the nitty gritty and only the best will survive. The bottom two will be Josh and Jessica. Winner will be Josh!!!!
*****Jessica,Skyler,Elise.Colton will have a great career*****
****If Josh don’t win he will be signed almost immediately***
TOM
May 3rd, 2012
10:12 pm
WELL WELL WELL over due she is really bad couldn’t stand her from the beginning. As for a country singer we had a great one last year. She wasn’t even close to that. Joshua will take it all if not joshua it will be jessica. but i know it will be josh. no doubt………
bdawg
May 3rd, 2012
10:33 pm
i think america got it right.
Nutmeg
May 3rd, 2012
10:35 pm
I can’t ever be sad about a country singer leaving Idol.
In all honesty, this has been one of the first years that I wouldn’t have mutinied if *any* of the top 7 had won.
I like Phil. It’s not because he’s cute (he ain’t that cute). It’s not because he sings better than everyone remaining (he doesn’t). It’s because he does a style of music that I like. Joshua, for instance, does *killer* R&B and I don’t really care for R&B… I’m over big diva ballads, too. I like a laid-back vibe, a Dave Matthews-Colbie Caillat-Jason Mraz-Norah Jones kind of thing. Phil to me is the most listenable voice left.
I don’t vote, so don’t flame *me*, but I think other voters may be feeling the same. I don’t, however, object to anybody left winning.
issi
May 3rd, 2012
10:39 pm
I hope josua goes home ,he is a hater who was to hug him
bknsty14
May 3rd, 2012
10:46 pm
Glenn
May 3rd, 2012
9:55 pm
Then he should bow out. He has been bad for weeks and he’s taking up a spot for someone deserving that wants to be there. Skylar will be missed. Wouldn’t miss Phil a bit.
Kat
May 3rd, 2012
10:48 pm
Jimmy Iovine has been in the business forever and KNOWS his stuff. Those suggesting he leaves the show don’t understand how well respected this man is.
Bob
May 3rd, 2012
10:55 pm
I’m a forties balding fat white guy. I don’t like Phil because he’s cute. I’m married (which means to a woman). I like Phil because he kicks ass, and most of the others–talented all, no doubt–are sure-fire channel-changers, as in, if I hear their “dope” voices come through the speakers of my Rover, the channel’s getting changed.
I don’t hate any of them, and they’re all talented in various ways. But the bs about Phillip getting through just because of little girl teenies, and not because he’s damn good is…well, bs. Plus, I could knock down a cold one with Phil, and that counts for something, too.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I can’t seem to find my mother f’ing strawberry flavored lip gloss.
Seth T
May 3rd, 2012
11:01 pm
One thing I noticed from the show tonight, is that the Judges have let us know that it is to their credit that Hollie made it to at least 4th place. J. Lo made it clear that she has always been advising Hollie to make her better.
I now feel confident that Hollie owes whatever success she might achieve in life, to the Judges.
bknsty14
May 3rd, 2012
11:10 pm
I’m a 38 year old white guy who would also like to have a beer with Phil Phillips…after he got done playing at the local dive bar I walked into not knowing he was playing there that night, but appreciating a good cover band at a bar. My ears also work just fine, which is why I will put my vote toward Hollie. Who can both hit and hold a note (talking to you Phil). Liked him at the beginning, but it’s time for him to go away. Joshua really did scream that second song at the end. Am I the only one who hears this? Jessica’s first song sucked. If she’s SO polished she should be able to sing anything, and not have the “she’s only 16″ when she doesn’t do well. Which one is it judges??? Skylar’s Fortunate Son was unfortunate and her Dusty was sub-par. I’ve always liked her, but if it wasn’t horrible Phil, then it had to be her. Hopefully next week is Jessica or Phil. Skylar’s fans go to Hollie, especially if she does a country song next week (which she should).
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:16 pm
First, before I say anything else, I’d want to send a big congrats to Rx on the new baby!!!!!!! SO happy for you!
I like Phil…always will for the same reasons that Nutmeg mentioned. He has a style that appeals to me. I think he has a chance to win because 1. the wgwg syndrome, 2. the camera loves him and 3. he makes a listener believe in the music, not the voice behind the music. However, I hope he doesn’t win because 1. his health issue require him to get surgery and rest, 2. Winning can only chnage him into something I’m not sure I would still like.
Jenny
May 3rd, 2012
11:17 pm
Wow. Thanks, D and the other live bloggers, for the real time updates. Much appreciated! I was really worried Hollie was a goner, which would have been such a shame after her stellar songs last night.
On another note, I guess I’m going to have to start posting my husband’s predictions. He called it AGAIN. After the performance show, during the recap he always points to one and says “I think she (or he)’s in trouble.” And now that’s 4 of the last 5 he’s gotten… only missing Jessica’s “elimination”. (Though he would have preferred it to be Phil this week.) Hey Pitchy, maybe this is a better bet than Bert’s kid.
Jenny
May 3rd, 2012
11:19 pm
Oh, and Rx, check the end of the last blog! I wrote you a note there before realizing we’d moved. Congrats again, and loved your Hollie and Phil analysis.
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:20 pm
I think Jessica has a wonderful voice and am shocked by the negative comments about her. She exudes professionalism at such a young age. Her pretty voice is used to its best advantage and her rocker chick voice works almost as well. I’m still bothered by her vibrato and her youth. Winning might also do her more harm than good.
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:22 pm
Hollie has stepped it up at just the right time. her obvious work with the voice coaches has helped her learned to keep her pitch and stay away from sliding into the sharp zone that I kept hearing during her performances. She still has a ways to go and I’m just not sure that she can get there.
Jenny
May 3rd, 2012
11:24 pm
bknsty, GOOD point. Hollie would be so smart to do a country song. I was thinking she might pick up some of Skylar’s votes, only because I don’t see the Skylar fans going for Josh or Phil, and Jessica’s more slick-pop. Hollie, though similar only by virtue of also having a big voice, is the closest thing.
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:26 pm
So that leaves Joshua who I think should be this year’s winner. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to reawaken America’s love of R&B? Yes, he goes way overboard. Yes, he’s overly dramatic and screams a lot…but just imagine where he could go with the right mentor to help him learn control and restraint. He has the voice. He has the passion. He is definitely not a wgwg!
Rio
May 3rd, 2012
11:27 pm
I was glad to see Skylar go – the child just got on my nerves from day one. And has anyone noticed how much she looks like Rachel Dratch from ‘SNL’ and those weird Zaxby’s commercials? Scary!
Seth T
May 3rd, 2012
11:29 pm
bknsty14 May 3rd, 201211:10 pm
Hollie, especially if she does a country song next week (which she should).
That would be a very smart move for Hollie, if she does well with it.
According to some other sites, Hollies organized “Fan Base” is by far the smallest of the remaining 4 – but they have been very dedicated. Hollie escaped by pulling some former Elise fans and some uncommited that went for her after the show last night.
Jenny
May 3rd, 2012
11:33 pm
I also think Jessica’s voice is wonderful, and I’ve never understood the negativity towards her either. And I noticed on the live blog, people wondered why she doesn’t seem to have friends on tge show… well, she’s the youngest, the only one still in school, and think back. At their ages, 16 to 18 is a huge gap. She just doesn’t have anyone her age to bond with.
Fr
bknsty14
May 3rd, 2012
11:34 pm
I’ve seen Hollie do a couple country songs on you tube and she can definitely pull it off. It would be a smart move. Deirdre – I do think Jessica has a good voice, but I just prefer Hollie’s. Something about Jessica has rubbed me the wrong way since Hollywood week. That bad taste coupled with the judges refusal to ever say that she does miss on notes and is sometimes flat has really soured me. Joshua was my favorite guy at the beginning from the auditions, but again, soured.
Jenny
May 3rd, 2012
11:42 pm
Oops, fat fingered on my phone. But from the first note of “I Will Always Love You”, we called her as the winner. (”we” meaning me and my apparently-psychic husband.)
I’d love to see Hollie take it also… but Jessica’s just effortless. She’s been ready right from the start.
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:44 pm
Here’s my problem. SOOOOO often, people will blame the singers for what the judges do.
Joshua always gets standing o’s. Is that HIS fault?????
Jessica never gets the criticism that Hollie gets. Is that HER fault?????
I hear this so often from comments on the blog and I can’t help but wonder why people let the judges influence their choices. If you like a singer, why should anything the judges say(either negative OR positive) change that?
Seth T
May 3rd, 2012
11:48 pm
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:20 pm
I think Jessica has a wonderful voice and am shocked by the negative comments about her. She exudes professionalism at such a young age. Her pretty voice is used to its best advantage and her rocker chick voice works almost as well. “” …………………………..
I fully agree with your comment. When you listen to the studio/ITunes versions of their songs, all of the contestants sound pretty good, and Jessica is pleasant to listen too. I really prefer her recordings and rendition of songs to Joshua’s voice, although he does well in the studio too.
And I see where a lot of times where some may overestimate or underestimate the potentials of the top 4 — some believing that __________(pick a name) will crash and burn after the show, others that think they will be mega-stars that the world has been waiting for.
I think this group will be more toward a “typical” Idol top 4, not the best and probably not the least successful from over the years.
Deirdre
May 3rd, 2012
11:52 pm
It seems like every time a singer becomes a judges’ favorite, people turn against that singer. Why? Is it that we don’t like being told how to think….even if we actually DO like the singer? If that’s the case, then maybe the show shouldn’t have judges at all….because truly, I think that the more talented singers would win if there was no one telling us how talented they are.
The judges loved Adam.
The judges loved Kat.
The judges loved Crystal.
The judges loved Elliot
The judges loved Melinda
Simon hated Taylor
Anybody else see a pattern?
bknsty14
May 3rd, 2012
11:59 pm
OK. Jessica can sing well. If she wind, so be it. She’ll have deserved it (aside from the fact that she was voted off). I just personally don’t care for her. No question though that she sings well. I openly admit favoritism towards Hollie. i hope she wins. I wouldn’t enjoy the show as much without being able to look forward to her performances. Phil is a good performer/musician. Not a great singer. Maybe the kidneys are just that bad, in which case Idol should let him leave. it won’t effect his career one bit. I called Kris Allen and David Cook. I even cheered for Lee (sometimes). WGWG is ok with me, just not this one. Every few years that one performer comes along that you get attached to. For me, it’s Hollie this year. She’ll do well regardless. She has a beautiful voice.
All that one handed with a cat sleeping on my stomach.
Deirdre
May 4th, 2012
12:01 am
Seriously, there are few things more relaxing than a cat sleeping on your stomach.
bknsty14
May 4th, 2012
12:04 am
well he seems comfortable
Jenny
May 4th, 2012
12:07 am
bknsty, I’ll go out on a limb and predict Hollie will do something country next week. I hope she does get Skylar’s votes. Though I think Jessica’s wonderful and effortless, Hollie’s the one I prefer listening to. But those two are my dream finale.
Albert
May 4th, 2012
12:07 am
Except for the mistake of voting Jessica off a few weeks ago, America has gotten this right week after week! Holly should have been sent home, but with the most improved award she now belongs in the top 4.
polenipper
May 4th, 2012
12:08 am
Jessica has been voted off once,it will happen again and the judges wont be able to save her,Phillip can only carry the pity thing so far,I look for him to leave next. Joshua is a great talent but not whats going to sell,America isnt looking for his style music. If Holly can go “a little bit country” and win Skylars votes…She could take home the Title. I vote for her because she tries harder than all the rest, and the Judges have labeled her the underdog from the beginning. And face it…The girl can sing.