American Idol – Recap & Review – Top 5 Perform

photo: fox

American Idol
Top 5 Perform

Original Air Date: May 2, 2012

Patricia Morris Buckley — Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

In this post-Elise world, I feel for the contestants because they have to sing three songs tonight: a song from the ‘60s, a British song and a trio (girls) or duet (guys).

And what the heck are Abbott and Costello doing on Idol? Whoops, it’s really Jimmy Iovine and Steven Van Zandt, better known as Bruce Springsteen’s bandmate. These two bicker, swear and serve up a comedy routine as they mentor the singers. Several, like Jessica, looked as if they didn’t know how to take their crazy banter.

So how did the singers do? Here’s a look:

ROUND ONE: Songs from the ‘60s

HOLLIE CAVANAGH: “River Deep, Mountain High”

Finally she’s wearing a dress that’s age appropriate and flattering – and a bit ‘60s. I love how she attacked the song and went for the big notes with ease. She really nailed it and gave a rousing performance.

STEVEN said it was the first time she stepped out and did the blues. JENNIFER could feel her attack the song and said it was a different type of Hollie. RANDY loved it too.

PHIL PHILLIPS: “A Letter”

He promised he’d changed up the song a lot but goes overboard — the song is barely recognizable. The rhythm is off too and the horn section overpowers his voice. I don’t get why the judges give him a standing ovation.

RANDY said he made it his own and vibed it up. The melody wasn’t there, but it worked for him. JENNIFER agreed it lacked melody, yet felt he was a dynamic performer. STEVEN missed the melody, but said he got away with it.

SKYLAR LAINE: “Fortunate Son”

I love her slimming black and white fringe dress. I feel as though she’s screaming most of the song. She sure works the stage well. The song does suit her voice.

JENNIFER applauded her energy and the way she attacks the song, calling her fearless. STEVEN loved when she “boot scoots” and takes a risk. RANDY said she is born to be on stage – another great performance.

JOSHUA LEDET and PHIL PHILLIPS: “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling”

Not a good song for Phillip and he really doesn’t look as though he’s having a good time. Their voices really don’t blend well. It’s horrible.

STEVEN called it a match made in heaven. JENNIFER liked it when they started letting go. RANDY said it started slow but it came alive by the end. (Were they hearing another performance in their ear buds?)

JESSICA SANCHEZ: “Proud Mary”

She looked gorgeous, as usual. She definitely worked at letting loose more. She’s no Tina Turner, but it was a different side to her.

JENNIFER loved seeing her move. STEVEN said she sounded great. RANDY called her performance barely OK, taking on the biggest dragon of the night, but it didn’t quite sit with him.

JOSHUA LEDET: “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”

Someone had a lot of fun dressing him. The suit jacket with striped arms is so different from his monochrome look. The song is tailor made for him and he kills it.

STEVEN called him one of the two best Idols of all time. JENNIFER said he was a throw back from another era and she enjoys him every single time. RANDY thought he could bring R’n’B back.  (When did it leave?)

ROUND TWO: British Songs

HOLLIE CAVANAGH: “Bleeding Love”

This was the opposite of her first performance. It was softer, more precise and intimate. She sang sitting on a piano. She certainly showed off how much she’s improved.

STEVEN loved it and said she nailed it. JENNIFER thought it had an intimate feeling with great runs, sand he applauded her for letting go. “That was amazing,” she said. RANDY said she’s been the dark horse all season, but she was two for two this week and she is peaking at the right time.

PHIL PHILLIPS: “Time of the Season”

He took out his ear monitor at the start of the song. He hits several big bum notes (should he have left the monitor in?). He really struggled with this song vocally.

RANDY applauded that he sang the melody, and said it was nice performance. JENNIFER called it mellow and he did a good job with it. STEVEN said he sang it well. I think he could just stand there and the judges would go crazy over him and I still can’t figure out why.

JESSICA SANCHEZ, SKYLAR LAINE and HOLLIE CAVANAGH: “Your Love Lifts Me Higher”

Why does a trio need all those back up singers? It sounded fine. Jessica did forget the lyrics one time, but seemed to blend much better than the first time they all sang together.

STEVEN said it was great. JENNIFER thought this song suited them better than songs they’ve done before. RANDY thought arrangement was weird, but they all sounded good.

SKYLAR LAINE: “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”

The set, with a loving couple on a bench, feels like a musical theater piece. It really is a great song for her and showed her quieter side.

RANDY said she is peaking at the right time and her performance was flawless. He liked how she’s starting to tell the story more. JENNIFER said with performances like that, she might win. STEVEN loved that she picked that song and how she brought it into the 21st century.

JESSICA SANCHEZ: “You Are So Beautiful”

Seated on a floor surrounded by candles, she delivered a pitch perfect and gentle version of this song. It was a very special moment. This is the only song this season that I am tempted to buy.

STEVEN said she showed America how beautiful her voice is. “You’re going to be No. 1, girl,” he said. JENNIFER said it reminded her of when she did “You Are So Wonderful.” RANDY said she is leading this round so far. He applauded how she can hold a note long, then add vibrato at the end, which he called unbelievable and good.

JOSHUA LEDET: “To Love Someone”

It’s a typical Joshua performance, although it started out a little sleepy. The judges, of course, gave him a standing ovation.

RANDY was amazed that Joshua sang a song he didn’t know, but he delivered it. He said he was one of the best singers on this show ever and no one could do that better. JENNIFER said there are few people who do what he did. STEVEN said he is such a great artist and this could have been a hit record.

IN DANGER: Phil Phillips

SAFE: Skylar and Joshua

With only five singers left, are you having trouble picking out the winner? Or is another white guy with guitar (WGWG) going to take it all? Who do you think is going home? Give us your TwoCents…