After an amazing show last week, I expected more of the same when the final three American Idol contestants took the stage.  Unfortunately, I felt that the show was a big letdown.  None of the songs chosen were particularly memorable or special.  All the contestants did "okay", but I truly wasn't impressed at all. 

I had absolutely no idea which of the three would be voted off.  I think they were all pretty equal in talent so I can't say I'm upset over Joshua being the one let go.  I personally preferred his brand of music over the other two, but I think Phillip and Jessica deserve their shot too. 

My prediction, along with pretty much everyone I think pick Phil Phillips as the winner.  I would rather it be Jessica Sanchez just because I think that female "curse" should be broken and I don't think Phil needs to be the American Idol to succeed.  In fact, I think the Idol has a harder time succeeding than the runner up. 

Speaking of runner-up, I loved seeing Adam Lambert back on stage, however Lisa Marie Presley could have stayed home. 

Sorry this is short and without much content, but I'm moving this week.  Hopefully, I'll be here after the finale, but I'm not sure if I'm going to have TV or not!!!!  Have a great week.  Bloggergal

American Idol's Final Four:
Phil Phillips, Hollie Cavanaugh, Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez

I don't usually write an American Idol blog on Wednesday, but after last night's show, I had to come here to express my excitement.  Was that incredible, or what?  Each contestant laid their hearts and souls on the line this week.  No one held back and America is the real winner!

Unfortunately, one of the four will be leaving tonight.  My guess (and hope) is that it's Hollie Cavanaugh.  Even though she has an incredible voice, the judges and Jimmy Iovine are right, she just doesn't connect as well with her material compared to the other three.  However, I do think she had a great night and has a lifelong career in front of her.

I was convinced that Joshua Ledet had taken the night until Jessica Sanchez gave that final performance.  I am consistently surprised at how she is able to conjure up that "old soul" and sing like she's lived an entire life of emotion.  It truly is awe inspiring.  The same is true for Joshua.  Something comes out of him that I think even he doesn't understand.  It is such a pleasure to watch Jessica and Joshua sing because they perform from deep inside themselves effortlessly. 

Last, but never least, we have Phil Phillips.  Everyone loved his second number and yes, it was really good--but I'm a CCR fan so I was partial to the first song.  What can I say?  Phil is consistent song after song.  He hasn't strayed from what's got him this far and it will continue to get him farther and farther in his career.  I love his music and I'll be one of the first in line to buy his recordings, plus his smile is killer!

At this point, picking between these contestants is just heartbreaking.  Can't we just have a three-way tie?  I'm looking forward to listening and watching these three (and also Hollie) for years and years to come. 

I'm heading over to ITunes and download those songs now!  Have a great day...Bloggergal

As expected, the eliminations are getting harder and harder to predict.  Since the talent is pretty equally distributed, you just never know who's going to be waving good-bye.  This week it was country gal Skylar Laine.  I think she was trying too hard in the last week or two and instead of singing, sounded like she was screaming.  She had a great personality and I think she has a good shot at making it in the music world.

By this point, someone should be standing out from the crowd, but that's not happening.  Each of the contestants have good moments and then bad moments.  Usually, you hear "water cooler" talk about one particular contestant, but I don't see that this time.  It's anyone's game.

There are only four remaining contestants.  The two guys are Phil Phillips and Joshua Ledet.  Joshua Ledet has the better ability to acclimate to song choices.  I loved him singing the Righteous Brothers song, but didn't love Phil Phillips as much in the Rite.  I wish American Idol would stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.  Phil is what he is and AI or the public or even the judges shouldn't wish he was something else. 

Then we have the two gals...Hollie Cavanaugh and Jessica Sanchez.  These two both have powerful voices coming out of teeny, tiny girl bodies.  I've heard this said a thousand times on Idol.  Young girls need to sing youthful songs, but that only works if the young girl can pull it off.  These two need to figure out who they are, what they want to sing and how they can perform.  Once they know that, then they can stop experimenting with this and that and get down to enjoying their incredible talent. 

I still have absolutely no idea who is going to win this thing and I don't have a favorite either.  I like or dislike all four for one reason or another.  Can you say "apathy"? 

Bloggergal

Phil Phillips

How could you go wrong singing a Queen song?  Well, actually it was pretty easy for a few of the remaining contestants on American Idol this week.  It's easy to go from singing to screaming and that was the case for Skylar Laine.  Her version of "The Show Must Go On" would have set off Simon Colwell, but as usual, the judges couldn't find fault.  Go back and listen, as I did...she's screaming at the end.  Her second number was Jason Aldean's "Tattoos on This Town".  Her kind of music done well. 

Jessica Sanchez had a terrible time performing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".  Randy (I think!) commented that rock music just wasn't for her.  Yep.  Then she went entirely in the other direction with her second song "Dance with my Father".  Yawn...

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was Joshua Ledet's choice in the Queen category.  The judges loved it.  I thought it was okay, but it wasn't one of my favorites from him. His second number "Ready for Love" was amazing in my book.  The judges gave him another standing ovation.  I loved it, but I don't think the judges should ever stand up.  It's not fair to the other contestants.

Then we have the always entertaining Phil Phillips.  His choice of "Fat Bottomed Girls" was perfect for him and a lot of fun to watch. His second choice of the Dave Matthews hit "The Stone" had mixed reactions from the judges.  Jennifer was concerned that it was too "artsy" for the competition and it could hurt him.  I will admit, I'm not a Dave Matthews fan.  I don't mean to say I don't like Dave Matthews.  I really haven't listened or watched, so I have no opinion.  So I went on You Tube and listened to Dave Matthews.  Huh!  Phil Phillips IS an exaggerated version.  I heard people say that, but since I never heard (or watched) Dave Matthews I didn't realize what they meant.  Once again, I say "huh". 

Hollie Cavanaugh sang Queen's "Save Me".  I had to go back to You Tube to hear Queen do their version because it wasn't sounding familiar to me.  I think the differences between Freddie Mercury and Hollie Cavanaugh made the song seem very different.  I thought Hollie did a great job on this song.  I actually preferred her version over Queens.  That's not easy for me to say because I am a die hard Queen fan.

Last and fortunately or unfortunately...really last is Elise Testone.  She chose "I Want It All" as her Queen song.  Hmm, did she choose this song because she wanted it all?  Her second number Jimi Hendrix' "Bold as Love" was too tame.  I think no matter what she sang and how well, she would have been voted off.  She was way past her time to be gone. 

So that's that.  We are down to five killer performers.  Who will be voted off next week is going to bring moans and cries from fans no matter what.  Voting for your favorite at this point is essential.  It's anyone's game.  I'm very excited that the remaining five performers are all extremely talented and deserving of being where they are right now.  This has definitely been a great season on American Idol. 

Here's hoping you are enjoying your weekend!  Bloggergal

Phil Phillips...your next American Idol?

Every time I watch American Idol now, I can't help but reminisce about the beginnings of the show.  In those days, the contestants weren't shown a whole lotta love by American Idol.  They didn't have amazing wardrobes, backup singers or elaborate stage sets. They didn't have mentors helping them chose songs. They just came out on stage and did their thing.  They sure have come a long way!  In that same vein, to me it seems the contestants are a lot better than they were then.  Maybe its the costumes, the mentors, the musicians and the sets?  I'm not sure.

This week, I thought it was pretty obvious that Colton Dixon was in trouble.  His songs just weren't up to the caliber of the other six contestants.  Okay, yes, I included Elise Testone in the mix, but I still don't feel she is good enough to still be in the top six, but yet there she is. 

Standing out, week after week is Phil Phillips, don't you think?  He's consistent.  He knows how and what he wants to perform.  He doesn't dress all up to impress.  And then there's the look on his face when he performs.  He's so happy.  I always heard that the best writers were those that write because they need to, not those that write for the book sales.  I think this goes for singer/entertainers too.  Phil Phillips sings because he wants to...in fact he needs to.  This is what makes him an incredible performer and a joy to watch. 

After Phil Philips, I have to cheer for Joshua Ledet.  He also has a joy emanating from him when he performs.  The only thing with Joshua is I don't think he has any of the younger audience on his side.  I love his music probably because I'm "old school".  He does that kind of music so well, I would hate to see him sell himself out for the younger sets votes. 

Sneaking her way to the top is Skylar Laine.  She has a natural stage presence and will be a success whether or not she wins this thing, but there IS a possibility she could win this thing!

That leaves Hollie Cavanaugh and Jessica Sanchez.  These two can sing--no doubt about that, but can they win the hearts of America and garner enough votes to make it to the top three?  Singing is only a tiny part of this competition, just look at some of the past winners!  They weren't always the best technical musicians, but boy they knew how to work that audience.  These two gals are young and perhaps they aren't quite there yet. Also remember that a female hasn't won American Idol in five seasons! 

That's it for me for tonight.  I will be doing a write up on my weekend at Reality Rally soon with lots of pictures.  See you then!  Bloggergal