‘American Idol’ top 4 results recap: who is out on ‘Idol’ and who made the top 3
Phil Phillips will be flying to his hometown Leesburg this weekend, paving the way to a possible win. CREDIT: Michael Becker/FOX
Loading ...Hollie Cavanagh had a great run but picking a Bonnie Raitt song did her in.
There were 70 million votes, 10 million more than last year. Jessica Sanchez was the first announced to be safe, followed by Joshua Ledet. Hollie joined Phillip Phillips for the final minutes, but Ryan Seacrest never said he was necessarily in the bottom two so he probably wasn’t.
Jessica, Phillip and Joshua are now guaranteed hometown visits. For the second time in two years, Georgia gets a hometown visit. Last year, it was Lauren Alaina.
Hollie, when she made it to the semifinals, was one of those half-dozen blond women, virtually indistinguishable. For a time, her performances were just so so. She had a good voice but her interpretation skills were a bit stiff. Then a few weeks in, her competitive juices kicked in, she took advice and began singing better, with more confidence. Her top 7 “Rolling in the Deep” received plaudits, as did her “The Climb” top 6 and “Bleeding Love” top five.
Even though she may have picked the wrong song Monday night, she definitely wins the “Idol’ award this year for most improved. And how could you not love her Texas/British hybrid accent?
Next week’s results show will feature Adam Lambert and Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa Marie Presley?
Jimmy Iovine’s comments:
Phillip: “[On first song, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," where he had Miss Saxy] He’s hearing his voice in his head. That’s a magical thing to watch. [Song two: "Volcano"]. He finally delivered on the promise that we’ve been looking for all year. He sang the song like he wrote it, understood it.”
Hollie: “[On "Faithfully] All the thing that concern me about Hollie – over singing, over dramatizing, actually aided her in this song. This is a very dramatic song. This kind of worked for her.” [On "I Can't Make You Love Me"] I thought she understood the core of the song. She did not. She didn’t have the personal experience or professional experience.”
Joshua: ["You Raise Me Up"] It might have worked if he had kept it simple. But instead, he went for the full glorious gospel rendition. That didn’t work. I’d try to talk him out to put songs like this on the album… he can’t use that trick on every song. ["It's a Man's Man's Man's World"] He created a piece of magic you rarely see on the ‘American Idol’ stage… it was so so captivating. I want to see it again again and again. That’s the first time I’ve felt that way. Now how can we find an original song that good on his album? Heck, let’s just do that song.”
Jessica: ["Steal Away"] Was impersonating a great older jazz blues singer a good idea? No. She ended up going back to that trick of hers when she was five years old. Everyone knows the rabbit’s going to come out of the hat. ["And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going"] This she brought her artillery in the right proportion.. she brought her power, the dynamics. It was flawless. She murdered it. As a matter of fact, Tommy Mottola emailed me and said, ‘I’m going to her first concert.’ It was shock and awe.’ ”
Last year, he noted, he knew Scotty was going to win. This year, he’s not so sure. Indeed, I have no idea who’s going to win. It could be any of the final three. And that’s a good thing for “Idol.”
In other “Idol” news:
Phillip Philips told E! he plans some major surgery to help his kidney stone problems before the tour starts. Aerosmith will perform on the “Idol” finale. “Idol” ratings slipped last night to around 16.5 million viewers and a 4.5 18-49 rating.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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462 comments Add your comment
cat
May 10th, 2012
6:13 pm
Has anyone heard if J Lo, Steven, and Randy are coming back next year? I hope not! Bring Simon back or least someone that can act like a judge and not a devoted fan.
Jubie
May 10th, 2012
6:18 pm
Simon is a has been. Look what happened with X Factor. I love Randy and Steven, Jlo is the only one that needs to go, IMO.
bknsty14
May 10th, 2012
6:21 pm
I just want them to act professional and do their jobs. Be judges, give constructive criticism and stop cheering so openly for people. Judges should be impartial. that is something Simon knew how to do and these guys have done such a poor job of.
Calvin G. Sims, Sr.
May 10th, 2012
6:43 pm
I am dissapointed about all of the negative remarks about Joshua Ledett (and Jessica Sanchez as well). I won’t say that it is racism, but I am certain that it boils down to race or ethnic culture. Black people tend to gravitate towards the passionate or soulful stylings that dominate television commercials nowadays ever since “The Big Chill” popularized (among whites) Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grape Vine.”
Many of the bloggers today complain about Joshua’s “Screeching” when to me, he is often channeling Freddie Mercury or even Steven Tyler.
Everyone is entitled…Still, Last night’s performance of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” was the Greatest performance of any song I have seen by anyone, ever, ever.
Simon Cowell
May 10th, 2012
6:47 pm
Rodney, I think it is downright cowardly, at best, that you refuse to comment or blog tonight when last night we witness two of the greatest performances ever seen on “Idol.” Just because the two performers are not as popular among your fans. Why don’t you grow a pair, and say what you really think.
JTesla
May 10th, 2012
6:49 pm
Calvin G. Sims, Sr., I don’t agree with many parts of your argument, but to say that Joshua is channeling Freddie Mercury or Steven Tyler is insulting to Joshua. Don’t worry, I won’t say that your slight was racism.
JTesla
May 10th, 2012
6:52 pm
Oh and for the record I’m the whitest white guy I know. I don’t care for Joshua’s styling’s, I don’t like soulful or R&B, but I will say that Joshua is one of the top two best singers left in the competition. Go figure, so conflicting.
Seth T
May 10th, 2012
6:53 pm
Just four days after Idol finale – Jessica Sanchez will be in the lineup of PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert (May 27, 8/7c), along with Natalie Cole, Chris Daughtry and other celebrities..
She will be singing the national anthem and ‘The Prayer’,” . She has previously sang the NA at San Diego Chargers football games.
BB Chez has a solid fan club called the Blujays, and a lot of followers for her young age..
Jenny
May 10th, 2012
7:03 pm
From end of last thread… D, oh, then you should be OK with Grey’s. *I* still say they could’ve left out a TINY bit of the barfing details and the show would’ve been juuuuust fine…
Josh is that young? Didn’t realize that. I really thought he was more like 27-ish.
Calvin, I adore Jessica, and thought Josh’s “Man’s World” was excellent last night. I only meant I wish he (well, really, most of them… not just him) knew a little more about classic older music and artists. I think all musicians ought to know their history.
Jenny
May 10th, 2012
7:04 pm
Seth, not surprised about the fan club. I think Pitchy’s child, for example, knew of her long before the show via YouTube. I think it’s *possible* those fans could even… maybe… defeat a WGWG.
JD
May 10th, 2012
7:29 pm
For those who asked about the “6″ pins last night, it was to honor vets as in “I’ve got your 6″ Web site.
Cat
May 10th, 2012
7:30 pm
Calvin, while I am not a fan of Josh or Jessica, my favorites include George Huff, Reuben, Tamyra, Melinda, and of course Jennifer Hudson. So I disagree agree with your comment about race. About half of my music collection is from black artists. I think it boils down to personal taste.
Merlek3
May 10th, 2012
7:32 pm
Star Power After AI. My opinion only:
Elise: Maybe a one hit wonder. I like her, but I don’t know if the public will.
Jousha: Depends on what route he takes. Gospel or R&B. I really like him. but I not sure he would make it in todays market.
Colton: Really like, maybe another Daughtry.
Skylar: Really like – like. Great performances, but I don’t know if the public would buy a CD. Depends on song choice. Would like to see her live!!!!
The rest, I really don’t see them as star power. GREAT talent, but no star power!!! We are not talking Carrie or Kelly, maybe Taylor Hicks!!!!
Seth T
May 10th, 2012
7:36 pm
Hi Jenny -
As some remember, Jessica appeared on America’s Got Talent at age 11, and did an amazing job. Idol is a great stepping-stone, but she does not need to win to follow the path she is on. Perhaps one day, someone from The Voice will be a back-up singer in her band.
And I would not be surprised if Hollie gets plenty of offers for work after the Idol Tour – even if she is eliminated tonight — imagine this scenario: a relative of the Governor, offers Hollie Cavanaugh $10,000 to sing at their wedding. Hollie draws a crowd of 6,000 at for a performance at the Pavillion –Hollie will be the Fashion model statement on the front page of ___________ magazine this month.
Each of the 4 have their strengths and we all have our favorites. Look forward to see how it all plays-out tonight..
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
7:45 pm
Fantasia is a success in the R&B market. I liked her better on Idol than I do today. Mandissa has done some well-respected work in the Gospel market. There are lots of avenues for success after Idol that many of us don’t hear much about because our tastes are in different areas.
Cat
May 10th, 2012
7:45 pm
Merlek I agree with your predictions. I think Colton and skylar will be the most successful of this season. Colton might go into christian rock and if does he will be very successful. I wish Colton and Erica were still in it They plus Hollie were my favs
Barbara B
May 10th, 2012
7:50 pm
Calvin please try to not paint us all with the same brush. I think Joshua has a beautiful voice but I also feel he over sings most of his songs. Jessica for me is not diverse enough which I put down to her youth and inexperience. Though I am white, race is not ,nor has it ever been, an issue to me. My dearest friend is Japanese and I am B.B. Kings biggest fan! I will be happy for whoever wins. They are all extremely talented but I do not have a favorite.
Sierra
May 10th, 2012
7:55 pm
I guess I’ll join the “slow blog,” although you all seem pretty speedy to me.
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
7:57 pm
Sierra we may be slow but we’re fun….except for needing to hit refresh all the time.
Cat
May 10th, 2012
7:58 pm
Thanks deirdre on the update. I have not heard much of fantasia but I am not a fan of hers. That year I wanted Jennifer or latoya to win I have heard that mandasia was doing well. I really wanted her to go further in the competition.
Donna
May 10th, 2012
8:00 pm
Deidre – you are all fun I have enjoyed reading this blog over the last several weeks
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:00 pm
Time to go!!!!
Pitchy
May 10th, 2012
8:01 pm
Present!
Did you guys get your prayer in?
I’m making salmon croquettes and homefries for dinner
Barbara B
May 10th, 2012
8:01 pm
Anyone else feel pretty sure Hollie is leaving tonight?
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:01 pm
Happy to hear that Donna. We try very hard to keep it friendly
Sierra
May 10th, 2012
8:02 pm
Mandisa is doing quite well in her genre; she’s one of the very few Idols who has managed to have her third CD (What If We Were Real) outsell her second CD (Freedom).
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:02 pm
Barbara…I would think so but this year is hard to figure sometimes
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:03 pm
Idol doing a red carpet style entrance…weird
Sierra
May 10th, 2012
8:03 pm
I voted for Hollie last night, but I imagine it will be her turn to go.
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:04 pm
For the live blog people, I’ll be doing a running commentary of what’s happening for our many readers who can’t see the show until later.
Yummicake 2001
May 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
Hi everyone, Did I hear correct, that JLo is performing tonight?
Barbara B
May 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
I like David Cook!
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
Idol group sing California Dreamin’
Cat
May 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
Yes pitchy I did. I didn’t realize what time it was. I have got my fingers crossed too
Barbara B
May 10th, 2012
8:06 pm
Not a JLo fan. Not my kind of music but yes she wil sing tonight.
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:06 pm
Yummi…unfortunately yes
Weary Traveller
May 10th, 2012
8:06 pm
Dangit…no liveblog. Well…I’m calling a shocker…JESSICA goes home tonight. Y’all have fun.
Mercedes S.
May 10th, 2012
8:06 pm
Hollie’s hair is down, and she is in a cute, appropriate dress – all good signs!
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:07 pm
Group sing was mediocre at best
Cat
May 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
I think they all did great! Somehing about Phil that I liked during that
Yummicake 2001
May 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
Deirdre..I asked that last night and Uncle Buck..asked if it would be on a pole…haha
Alex
May 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
they were out of synch.
Phil, Hollie and Jessica were singing “California Dreaming”.
Joshua was singing “California Screaming”.
Donna
May 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
I voted for Hollie as well but am not at all sure how this will turn out.
Barbara B
May 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
Deirdre I think that was due to poor song choice
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
LOL Yummi!
Mercedes S.
May 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
Where is that refresh key? Non-live blog is tedious!
Yummicake 2001
May 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
Hi Weary Traveller..glad you are here
Cat
May 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
Really JLo performing again
Deirdre
May 10th, 2012
8:10 pm
Will Phil be in the Ford video? They Usually give him that time to rest
Yummicake 2001
May 10th, 2012
8:10 pm
I actually voted quite a bit for Phillip, which I had never done before