AmericanIdol.Net
We're just WEEKS away from the finale!!!
Ryan Seacrest kicked off 'American Idol' tonight with introductions of our beloved judges Jennifer Lopez (looking BANGING in a crop top ensemble), Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban.
Our host with the most revealed that the Top 4 would be revealed tonight, with two themes:
Songs from the hometowns of the judges, and 2nd round songs that captured SOUL for the contestants. In quite the surprise, Ryan brought out Oscar winner Russell Crowe who handed over the all important envelope containing the results.
Time for competition mode though, so who was the FIRST person into top 4 meaning HOMETOWN visits next week:
1. Clark Beckham - "Livin' For The City" (New York/Jennifer) by Stevie Wonder
Always happy to see my boy Clark be the first one through and he didn't disappoint!!
Clark tackled the Stevie classic with ease, and the piano bit in the middle was absolutely genius on his part. He looked to be having a great time and his vocal was once again out of the world.
2. Jax - "Empire State of Mind" (New York/Jennifer Lopez) by Alicia Keys
Anyone else LOVE it when Jax slows things down?
The song choice was perfect, with Jax even showing some new notes from that crazy range of hers, but I do have a slight critique.
When she got up near the end, I felt it took away some of the momentum that she had. Vocally though, it was fantastic and I see her in the finale.
With Clark.
3. Nick Fradiani - "Bright Lights" (New York/Jennifer Lopez) by Matchbox Twenty
PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT song choice!!!
This may have been the best song selection of the entire season because Nick taking on front man Rob Thomas was incredible, and I'm in complete agreement with Harry. This gave Nick the chance to REALLY get comfortable and really show off his vocals. Best performance of the night so far!!!
This now revealed that Tyanna and Rayvon were in the bottom 2, and without the fan save, would Rayvon be able to slide through once again?
Only one of them would be performing in the two rounds tonight, as Ryan read out the results:
Rayvon was SAFE!!!
Well, it was farewell to Tyanna, and confession time.....
I'm a little bit shocked that Rayvon snuck through once again. What do YOU guys think?
Time for more performances!!
4. Rayvon Owen - "Need You Now" (Nashville/Keith Urban) by Lady Antebellum
CHILLS.
HEAD. TO. TOE. CHILLS.
Rayvon absolutely dominated this vocally, but I will agree that there needed to be a deeper connection to the lyric and the story of the song. However, all of that aside, this was the best vocal of the night so far.
Ridiculous.
Here we go with round 2!!
Scott Borchetta brought in some heavy hitters to help the Idols when they visited Nashville including Rascal Flatts guitarist/vocalist Jay DeMarcus and country superstar Martina McBride
1. Clark Beckham - "Your Man" by Josh Turner
In he rehearsal package, with Scott and Jay, there was some heated words between Clark and Idol mentor Scott. Borchetta had warned Clark that he was choosing the wrong sides and that it could lose him the competition. Clark fired back with "If it loses the competition, I don't want to win". Clark was adamant to staying true to himself and played the song nevertheless.
The judges seemed to back Scott as they felt Clark didn't really give it his normal type of performance and there was a bit of friendly banter back and forth. What did you guys think?
2. Jax - "Human" by Christina Perri
Outstanding.
Jax poured every bit of emotion she had into this performance and even with her slight vocal problems, it didn't matter. The soul was there right from the very first note.
The judges were all in agreement that it was brilliant and praised Jax for it.
3. Rayvon Owen - "Believe" by Justin Bieber
I'm officially done bitching about this man .
To quote Jennifer Lopez:
"Everybody is crying"!!!!
Rayvon FINALLY connected with the lyrics and brought tears to my eyes in the process. Incredible!!!
4. Nick Fradiani - "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts
How cool was it to see Nick rehearse this with Jay in the room!? And when they harmonized?
Loved it.
Nick once again delivered an outstanding performance and ONCE AGAIN echoing Jenny because Nick was the MVP of the night!!!
Incredible vocal!
The show was coming to a close, and next week we discover the TOP 3....
Jax.....Clark.....and Nick?
Or will Rayvon squeeze through? With his vocals tonight, it could happen!!!