‘American Idol’ top 2 performance finale recap: a good… original song?
AMERICAN IDOL: L-R: Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez on AMERICAN IDOL airing Tuesday, May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Loading ... Loading ...Could the original song make a difference this year?
What was turning out to be a relatively unmemorable, rather sleepy night turned around the moment Phillip Phillips starting singing the original song “Home.”
I have to say Phillip has the winds going in his direction based on recent history. He’s a guy with a guitar, period. He’s got the looks, the humble attitude. He has never been in danger to date of going home. I don’t think tonight changed matters any on that front. He performed well, be it Simon Fuller’s pick “Stand By Me,” Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out” or that “Home Song.” I feel he will still win this.
But it’s not a guarantee. If Jessica Sanchez’s fans can regroup after a disappointing original song “Change Nothing,” she could win this. She could draw the Jordin Sparks-type voters (though Jordin’s competition was the never-going-to-win Blake Lewis). Maybe those fans in the Phillipines can find ways to vote as rumors have it.
Though I prefer Phillip and would love to see Georgia get a winner for a change, if Jessica wins, I wouldn’t be bummed. She certainly has the vocal tools, the looks and the potential to be a great artist. She’s still inexperienced and sings a bit mechanically at times. But that isn’t hopeless. It would also be nice to have a female win for a change after five years of guys and this would not be a case of affirmative action by any stretch.
Anyway, here is my take on the six songs:
Round one: “Idol’ creator Simon Fuller’s picks
- Jessica (”I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston) – Ugh. Simon Fuller picked the song sung more than any other song on this show. This will be the eighth rendition in 11 years, the second this season alone. Trenyce (season one), Jennifer Hudson (season three), Vonzell Solomon (season four) and LaKisha Jones (season six) all tackled it and did well. Shannon Magrane earlier this year? Not so much. Anyway, this was a servicable version but I’m sick of the song. Next. Grade: B
- Phillip (”Stand By Me” - Ben E. King) – I love this song but again, it’s been done already, most notably by David Archuleta season seven. This tune involves almost no range so that helps Phillip, who gives it his usual twisty spin to it. It’s good, not transcendent but solid. Grade: B-plus/A-minus
Round two: personal picks
- Jessica (”The Prayer” Andrea Bocelli/ Celine Dion) – This pop classical nugget just sung by Chris Mann and Christina Aguilera two weeks ago on “The Voice” fits Jessica’s voice well. It’s pleasant, not a gamechanger. She should have gone for “I Will Always Love You,” but may have felt two Whitney songs after doing “I Have Nothng” would have been a bad idea. I would have opted for “Sweet Dreams’ by Beyonce. Grade: B-plus
- Phillip (”Movin’ Out” Billy Joel) – He slows down an aggressive Billy song and gives it a more bluesy edge. Again, I enjoy it. And having sexy Saxy, as we on the live blog call her, never hurts! Grade: A-minus
Round three: originals
- Jessica (”Change Nothing”) – She is saddled with a rather pedestrian pop song though it’s hardly the worst coronation song ever heard on “Idol” (Carrie’s “Inside Your Heaven” is probably my least favorite). At least it has a big loud chorus for her to belt. The judges rightly complained the song didn’t showcase her R&B side. But in some odd ways, I prefer when she doesn’t overdo the runs and vibrato. Grade: B-plus
- Phillip (”Home”) – Generally, most of the originals have been stinkers. Think how Kara DioGuardi tortured Kris Allen season eight so much with “No Boundaries” that they didn’t even bother with an original song season nine. But here is a winner. Sure, the song is a blend of Paul Simon circa 1973 and Mumford & Sons, but it perfectly fits Phil. It has catchy melody, a pretty chorus, Coldplay-esque “oohs” and a driving beat that you can dance to. This should be a single, win or lose. I could hear it on the radio and really get into it. I can’t wait to here the studio production! [UPDATE: credit Drew W. Pearson for the song, according to Shirley Halperin, an "Idol" expert and author.] Grade: A
Here’s highlights from the show.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
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
175 comments Add your comment
Alex
May 22nd, 2012
11:55 pm
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 22nd, 2012
11:52 pm
Spot on.
mrs_pld
May 23rd, 2012
12:02 am
Well, if Phillip doesn’t win, he’ll probably still have a pretty good career… heck, he may have a better career.
Vast Wastrel
May 23rd, 2012
12:10 am
@Alex – Given the larger voting window and the much publicized methods to vote a near unlimited amount of time I’m thinking the over/under will be 175 million votes. This meaningless number will be trumpeted by Nigel, et al via Seacrest as a new record as further proof that the numbers that really count (18-49 share) are not down.
Vast Wastrel
May 23rd, 2012
12:12 am
amount of times
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
12:16 am
Wow. That wasn’t even a contest. Jessica mopped the floor with him. Then she wiped it again, and still had water left over!!
If Phillip Phillips wins after those two WOW moments from Jessica… then America needs a very large collective hearing aid.
And the difference, Jennifer Lopez… the DIFFERENCE is that only a very select few can do what Jessica did. Only a rare individual has that kind of talent. While you can find a Phillip in every dive bar and coffeehouse in every city. THAT’S the difference.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 23rd, 2012
12:24 am
Jenny, beg to differ. Jessica WILL do better as she matures, but the quavering screaming is all too common. Phillip is unique AND talented. And in all my **mumble** years around the music business, i’ve not seen very many like Phillip ANYwhere, from Dive Bar to Theatre to Arena … But then….we all have our own taste, right? They’ll both do well, as will Joshua, Elyse, Colton, and Holly (as she, too, matures). It was just nice to have TALENT this year….maybe there’s hope for the “music” industry yet, because the last few years have seen very little MUSIC (lots of beat, lots of talk (rap), but not a lot of MUSIC…imho, of course.
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
12:31 am
I loved my husband’s quote and am trying to remember it verbatim: (he doesn’t mind Philip but has always thought Jessica was far, far better than the rest.)
“There’s no doubt Jessica should win, but Jenny, don’t be surprised if Phillip does. Remember, his main voters are young kids, who don’t know anything about voice. And they don’t have the best taste… that’s evident by the music that’s popular today. They just vote for who they think looks cool.”
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
12:38 am
Linny, it was SO nice to have talent this year. I think it was one of the best years in a while, in that respect. Sorry to be so hard on Phil. I’ve been frustrated for a very long time with the voting system and the WGWG thing.
He does have talent… my ears just strongly prefer Jessica’s lovely voice. (And “Movin’ Out” made me mad both times he did it.)
But those posts were partly my frustration with the show spilling out. No disrespect meant!
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
12:46 am
And Linny, I could not agree MORE with this: “…the last few years have seen very little MUSIC (lots of beat, lots of talk (rap), but not a lot of MUSIC…imho, of course.”
Sam-A and I have lamented that fact OFTEN. I’ve had to repaint the soapbox a few times. (And that was the main point of me posting my husband’s quote, not to bash Phil fans. But to say that music today, with a few exceptions like Adele, is not good. And kids don’t know what they’re missing.
)
mrs_pld
May 23rd, 2012
12:51 am
Don’t think all of Phillip’s voters are young kids. Everyone I know over 30 who watches AI is voting for him, and actually don’t like Jessica. I like her when she’s not yelling, but that’s not often.
JTesla
May 23rd, 2012
12:51 am
It’s funny that people are still debating who was “better”. That has never mattered on Idol, and the fact that Phillip won it weeks ago and it had nothing to do with talent of drives that point home. I did like his coronation song, at least they picked a good one for him there.
JTesla
May 23rd, 2012
12:53 am
As for music today: it’s about as good as music was yesterday. I know you old folks would like to just forget about Tiny Tim and the other horrors your “real music” produced, but just because you’ve forgotten it doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen.
Beth
May 23rd, 2012
12:54 am
GO JESSICA!!! Although I did think P2 did better on the last round, Jess was 2-1 for tonight… Also I’m SICK of white guys with guitars winning.
Show has become a “good looks” contest, not singing.. It would be a shame of P2 won. He reminds me of Lee Dewyze.. U females remember Lee?? He was the guy you power voted for over the AMAZING crystal Bowersox… Well his album flopped and he was dropped..
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
12:57 am
Woodpappy- It DID feel rushed! I know we complain about 2 hour shows, but I would’ve at least liked to hear comments after each song.
And WHO is Jason DiRuelo and WHY was it necessary for him to take up time in an already short finale? The time would’ve been better spent on Jessica and Phil. (yes, I know Ryan’s yapped about him on other shows but I’ve skipped over it.)
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
1:04 am
JT- (quoting you but not verbatim) “Who is better has never mattered on Idol”…
And thus the reason I get more and more disillusioned with the show every year. When the frustration outweighs the fun, I’ll stop watching… and I fear that day is speedily approaching.
mrs_pld
May 23rd, 2012
1:06 am
I do have to say, this is the first season in a long time that’s held my attention. This season, the talent was just so so so good. I don’t like Jessica’s and Joshua’s style of music, and I honestly think that’s what it comes down to. Who’s style do you prefer? To me, they just sounded like they were screaming most of the time.
I don’t think winning the AI title will either help or hurt either of them.. so even though I just spent four hours voting, if PP doesn’t win, I’m OK with that. I still can’t wait to buy his CD when it comes out. (And I’m in the process of downloading all of his and Colton’s music from iTunes – I ran out of $$ in my acct, so I need to get another card.)
mrs_pld
May 23rd, 2012
1:09 am
Jenny – I agree… I wasn’t impressed with Jason-whoever-he-is on tonight’s show. If they wanted to feature him tomorrow on the results show, fine, so be it… but not on the performance night. Same with Scotty, but at least he was at the end so if they ran out of time, we just didn’t get to see him.
Jenny
May 23rd, 2012
1:12 am
Yes, mrs_pld, Scotty too! The results show tomorrow would have been a much more appropriate place to put them. (Plus it’s two hours!)
I really did want to see the season montage (while Scotty sang) – wish they’d have zoomed in on it a bit more.
chkrdr
May 23rd, 2012
6:20 am
phill has it……and so humble…jessica..ugh!! i have noticed in the last couple of shows she was beginning to get arrogant. i guess all that praise from the judges (jlo) went to her head. phil is phil…different…and steps out of the box! jessica is too young for all this. plus, i am sick of the whitney houston songs!
Highlander
May 23rd, 2012
7:16 am
As I’ve said before (over and over), I don’t really care one way or another which one wins. But I do think it’s a bit foolish to predict that “so-and-so” is going to go on to a great career in music. The past CD/iTunes sales stats (on any of contestants from these ‘competition’ shows) simply don’t support that.
Scotty McCreery has done a little better but I would base that more on his genre. (Country music fans have seemed to rally behind him.) But Off-Key Lee has been dropped from his label, Kris Allen has faded fast and with David Cook’s sophomore CD not getting much airplay, he may be next.
It’s been quite a while since any of these shows (Idol included) have found an actual, bankable, Star.
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
7:30 am
Morning!
Highlander: But I do think it’s a bit foolish to predict that “so-and-so” is going to go on to a great career in music
It’s called rationalization. “If my favorite doesn’t win, at least I’ll be proven right when he/she becomes a big star!!!!”
I really enjoyed the show last night. I thought they both brought their A games. Jessica’s beautiful voice and Phil’s emotive interpretations were both terrific. Great season. I would have been pretty happy with Joshua in this spot as well.
Tough choice for me. On the one hand, we have this sweet girl with a powerhouse voice. Her songs were lovely even with the sometimes soulless interpretation. With maturity and a little more life experience, she could be amazing.
On the other hand, we have a guy whose voice is nothing spectacular but who can make a piece of music come alice with his soulful and sometimes brazen interpretations.
Did I pick the voice or the musician?
Mark
May 23rd, 2012
7:30 am
The difference should be obvious to everyone. Jessica is a vocalist. She can sing the music in front of her. Phillip is an artist. He can create his own music.
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
7:31 am
come “alive” !
Mo Schreibman
May 23rd, 2012
7:32 am
If the telephone company picks the winner it will be wife’s mother for sure but don’t get me started please she may be listening on the extension.
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
7:48 am
BTW, dialidol has Jessica and Phil in a virtual tie and has not picked a winner. They couldn’t pick the winner between Kris and Adam either. Also Carrie and Bo, although that vote wasn’t quite as close and it was dialidol’s first year. And let’s try to remember that twice this year, the only person they called as safe was eliminated. dialidol is kind of a crapshoot right now. Luck plays a part more than technology.
StoptheMadness
May 23rd, 2012
8:01 am
Very boring finale. Phillip sounds and loooks the same in each song- and those facial expressions-give me a break!Jessica is a better singer but they are both young kids trying to pursue their dreams and I think both will be successful.
Breezy
May 23rd, 2012
8:15 am
I missed the show entirely, but judging from the blog, Phillip did well as did Jessica. I wouldn’t be upset if Phillip wins.
Mercedes S.
May 23rd, 2012
8:34 am
Morning!
In the midst of finalidol hoopla, let’s give thanks for the life of Eugene T. Polley, who recently died, at 96.
From the NYT obits:
“Eugene Polley, an inventor whose best known creation has fostered blissful sloth, caused decades of domestic discord and forever altered the way consumers watch television…was the inventor of the wireless television remote control.”
If Mr. Polley invented the “mute” button too, double thanks.
Rodney Ho
May 23rd, 2012
8:43 am
Finale tonight features John Fogerty, Reba McEntire, Neil Diamond, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, Jordin Sparks, Gloria Gaynor, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Kristin Chenoweth. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-finale-mantasia-fantasia-john-fogerty-jordin-sparks-328127
Donna
May 23rd, 2012
8:44 am
I think Kelly Clarkston took the night. LOVE her voice. On AI, I think Jessica did the best. I’ve started to really like Phillip, but I didn’t like the original song. Had absolutely none of his “style”, which I had come to enjoy. He sang it straight (read “boring”) and it wasn’t even the kind of song he’s been getting famous for. Just not enough from either of them to excite me.
Annie
May 23rd, 2012
8:46 am
Last night was rough. For the second week in a row Jessica wasn’t given one song that fit her. She has more talent than Phillip, but she hasn’t shown it in recent weeks. She’s lost a lot of the personality and confidence that she had when the competition first started.
The problem isn’t all her fault, since it seems like people aren’t going to vote for her, if she sings the more current r&b songs that she’s good at, so she’s stuck imitating Celine Dion, and that’s just not the type of music that she should be singing.
Rodney Ho
May 23rd, 2012
8:47 am
@Deirdre Dialidol is not accurate because it does not include online or text votes. Nigel has never said what % of votes are from online or text votes but I presume it’s significant.
Sam-A
May 23rd, 2012
8:53 am
First, Kelly looked and sounded spectacular on DWTS last night. A lovely girl with more talent than most will ever have. And her personality just shone – she’s one of those people who just glow. Lovely!
Dear Sis Jenny: We must part ways on last night. I didn’t like anything Jessica did – she’s suddenly deepened her voice in the past few weeks, with a bit of a “wobble” to it, and it doesn’t work for me.
Didn’t like Phillip’s “Stand By Me” – great song, was hoping he’d give it the Lennon treatment, but alas he totally ditched the melody. The BJ song – great. The new song – OMG! When it was just him, his guitar and the other guitarist, it was so beautiful, but what the hell were those drums – took away. But his performance was immaculate – loved it.
For me, Phillip deserves the win. Looks like the judges agreed with me. I can hear that song on the radio now. Jessica, I don’t know exactly what station would play her music. I’m certain the blues stations are not going to play songs by a little Phillipino gal. Don’t see where her future would be.
Sam-A
May 23rd, 2012
8:55 am
RoHo: Oh, NO! You said the “Fword”!!!!! Will have the remote on the ready (RIP Mr. Polley, we’re forever indebted to you!)
Rickster
May 23rd, 2012
8:58 am
Round 1:
Jessica: Showed great range, but I still hate when she goes all “growly.”
Phillip: Did no justice to a classic song. Bored, the lovely & gracious Mrs. Rickster and I made up our own “romantical” lyrics as we sang to each other.
Round 1 Winner: Jessica
Round 2:
Jessica: Nothing special about this song.
Phillip: Didn’t like his version during Billy Joel week. Didn’t like it now. Rodney & I have completely different opinions as to what’s sexy. She’s more “Scary Saxy” to me.
Round 2 Winner: Jessica
Round 3:
Jessica: Quite possibly the worst fit between a singer and a “coronation song” since Blake Lewis struggled through “This Is My Now” in Season 6. That song sealed the deal for Jordin. This song just cost Jessica the title.
Phillip: Actually really really really liked the song.
Every season Randy talks about a contestant having a “Moment.” Phillip, meet Moment. Moment, meet Phillip. And what at time to meet!
Round 3 Winner: Phillip
Winner: That wasn’t the judges giving the only standing O of the night. They were trying to get the attention of the referee to get the fight stopped. Phillip just knocked Jessica out of the ring.
Phillip is going to bring the Idol title “Home” to Leesburg, GA.
Rickster
May 23rd, 2012
9:07 am
Talking about Kris Allen (you know, Kris, the guy who actually won?) – his second album was released yesterday. Most of the reviews have been favorable.
bill
May 23rd, 2012
9:11 am
Joshua Ledet would have blown them both out of the building and delivered a suitable finale
I thought this year was going to be different but noooooooo
Chuck in War Town
May 23rd, 2012
9:20 am
Quit cryin bill Joshua is gone and should be.Hands down Phillip he is humble and very talented.You are probably still cryin for Mick Vick
Sam-A
May 23rd, 2012
9:21 am
The audience seemed to be about 80% Phillip – his applause/yells were many times louder than those for Jessica, and they stood much longer for him. But, it’s all in the votes – so who knows what’s gonna happen.
I hope Px2’s imminent surgery is a grea success and he has a quick and painless recovery. Will be hard going on the road so shortly after major surgery.
Mercedes S.
May 23rd, 2012
9:23 am
This year WAS different, bill. A lot of interesting talent, and even if favorites didn’t go all the way, they made an impression and will be remembered.
It also made us aware how incompetent the “judges” are.
And it seems enough “social media” have complained about the crazy voting system for a change to MAYBE be implemented next season.
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
9:25 am
Rodney, I only mentioned dialidol because someone will come on declaring a winner based on dialidol which can’t even declare a winner itself.
This year has the first WGWG I’ve really liked since Cookie. Too bad that we also finally have a girl with a voice capable of winning it all. Tough call but I have to go with Phil as much as I’d like to see a girl win it.
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
9:28 am
Agree Mercedes. First time in a looong time that I can find something good to say about ALL of the top 12(with the exception of Deandre…sorry Deandre fans but his voice was painful)
Alex
May 23rd, 2012
9:31 am
Mercedes S.
May 23rd, 2012
9:23 am
“It also made us aware how incompetent the “judges” are.”
Spot on comment.
cat
May 23rd, 2012
9:33 am
I thought Phillip won the night. Kelly on DWTS was awesome. She has a powerful voice but doesn’t overuse it like Jessica.
faith040603
May 23rd, 2012
9:33 am
Boring, simply boring; however, of the the two remaining contestants I favor Phillip Phillips for his originality!
Deirdre
May 23rd, 2012
9:35 am
Here’s an Idol article from the NY Times. Thanks Mercedes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/arts/television/american-idol-ponders-a-ratings-dip-on-fox.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
sharon
May 23rd, 2012
9:44 am
Deidre, I liked Deandre’s voice. He reminds me of Phillip Bailey, Maxwell and Eric Benet rolled into one. The finale was so boring!!!! I did like Phillip Phillips last two songs. I read that Fantasia was going to be on the finale tonight. Get ready for a pairing between her and Joshua. It’s going to be a real scream fest. They will no doubt try to out scream each other.
RxDawg
May 23rd, 2012
9:45 am
Look, I was pulling for Jessica because I think she’s an amazing talent. But I think Phillip was better last night so I think he should win.
That said, you people on here trashing and bashing Jessica are getting on my nerves. That girl is awesome. She’s done nothing but dedicate her life to singing and it shows. Watching you people tear her down like she’s some has been awful talent that doesn’t belong here… yeh to me it backfires and it makes you look like morons who know nothing about music and singing. She tried out for Idol the very moment that she legaly could and she made it in 2nd place (I’m guessing). That’s not to darn bad for a 16yo in a national contest. Give Jessica a few more years to mature and she’s going to be a big time star and most of you haters are going to eat your words about it.
Harriett
May 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
Good morning!
I have been MIA for almost a week. First, due to a trip to Greenville, SC last week for my high school reunion, and then swamped at work the first two days of this week. I did not feel like getting on my computer last night to blog with you, but I did love Phil’s last song.
For me, this year has been kind of a let-down. Cannot say exactly why, but perhaps it is that I never really, really loved any contestant enough to invest emotionally. They were all talented, and without much separation between them, maybe a little boring even. I know–this is heresy. The two I did like most were eliminated fairly early, so I spent the rest of the time enjoying the competion, but with no horse in the race. Having said all that, of the final three I liked Joshua.
Jubie
May 23rd, 2012
9:53 am
Rickster, nobody says it like you do.. Agree totally.