The end is near.
With only two weeks until the finale, and with a handful of episodes remaining, "American Idol" launched the competition into "home stretch" mode this week, allowing each of the top 4 to sing three songs in hopes of sticking around after tonight's elimination.
The tri-fold theme this week was "Breakups, Makeups and Dedications," with performers choosing songs about love — so, pretty much any song they could imagine.
Tunes from true rock kings Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney and Creedence Clearwater Revival led the night, along with a pair of Lady Gaga covers.
But after Wednesday night, who deserves to make the top 3 (it's pretty clear) and earn that hectic trip back home? Let's discuss
BREAKUPS
Caleb Johnson singing "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi
A predictable, middle-of-the-road rock performance from Caleb to kick off the show. He needs to be careful in these last few weeks to keep choosing contemporary songs, and break out the older stuff every once in a while for extra punch. This wasn't his best nor his worst. "I always feel like I'm at a rock concert when you get up there."
Jessica Meuse singing "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
Jessica seemed lost singing this song. The entire song was off-key, and her stage presence was embarrassingly bad. It was karaoke — the kind that makes you go find another bar. Jessica won't get through to the next round on performances like this. "This wasn't your best performance," Harry said.
Alex Preston singing "Too Close" by Alex Clare
Alex definitely felt the emotion in the cover, and gave a nice, slightly stripped down version of it. His confidence on stage continues to improve. He feels more like a professional each time up there. Vocals were strong, too. A nice start for Alex. "You're concerned about the music that you play, I dig that."
Jena Irene singing "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar
It was a little awkward without the band on stage, but Jena still did her thing with the rock staple. The song had the right attitude for the teen, and she nailed some big notes, particularly a super-high one at the end. She could've moved around the stage a little more. "It was a very commanding performance, I loved it," J-Lo said.
POWER RANKING
1. Jena Irene
2. Alex Preston
3. Caleb Johnson
4. Jessica Meuse
DEDICATIONS
Caleb Johnson singing "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Caleb was in his zone on this one. Any time he sings a rock song that moves at such a rapid tempo, he always keeps up, and drives the tune — he doesn't let it drive him. It was a better move, production-wise, to have the guitarist on stage this time. "It was fantastic," Harry said.
Jessica Meuse singing "So What" by Pink
Jessica might have pink hair, but the comparisons with the original end there. This was lame. Her voice isn't close to the other three competitors and although her attitude was in the right place on this one, her vocals just don't match up. "A song that doesn't suit you has no reflection on your talent," Keith said.
Jena Irene singing "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
This was a tough cover, but Jena did enough for this not to offend all of Lady Gaga's little monsters. The rock arrangement was decent, and Jena hit all the notes, changing the melody in the chorus enough to make it her own. Going up on the risers seemed a little too much like forced choreography though. "You're a force to be reckoned with," J-Lo said.
Alex Preston singing "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
This may have been a misstep by Alex, choosing a song that seemed a little too in his wheelhouse. It felt safe, despite being heartfelt as his girlfriend and former "Idol" contestant Jillian Jensen sang along in the audience. At times the song felt a little rushed. "I really wanted to hear something different," Harry said.
POWER RANKING
1. Caleb Johnson
2. Jena Irene
3. Alex Preston
4. Jessica Meuse
MAKEUPS
Caleb Johnson singing "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney
A great way to end the night for Caleb. Whenever he sings a slower song, and injects some tenderness into his vocals, its very well-done. Good for him to show some versatility and solidify his spot in the next round. A well-sang, smart showing. Keith and J-Lo gave him a standing ovation. "It was so nice to hear you sing softly," Harry said. "It was phenomenal."
Jessica Meuse singing "You and I" by Lady Gaga
This was arguably Jessica's best performance of the competition. She said she was singing this song "to someone" and it felt that way. It had life to it. Her eyes had life in them for a change. And her voice was as on point as it's been all season. Nice job. "That is the perfect song," Keith said. "I heard you."
Jena Irene singing "I Can't Help Falling in Love with you" by Elvis Presley
Fantastic vocal performance for Jena, making her case for the final as she hammered away on the piano. The version of the song, taken from how Ingrid Michaelson sings it, was sensational and a very smart choice. Absolutely one of Jena's best and easily the best of the night. J-Lo walked up and kissed her on the cheek at the end. "I was so moved, I could cry right now," J-Lo said.
Alex Preston singing "Yellow" by Coldplay
This was Alex's best of the night, but his understated outings, which were novel for a while are starting to get lost in all these big Jena and Caleb performances. Unlike those two, this song never had a climax, which Alex really needs at this point. He hasn't had a "moment" song in a while and needs to find something to try and shoehorn him into the final next week. "You really needed that," Harry said. Keith said he had "poetic vulnerability."
POWER RANKING
1. Jena Irene
2. Caleb Johnson
3. Alex Preston
4. Jessica Meuse
NOTES
• Everyone's final performance of the night was one of their better ones. It was a nice way to end the show and remind voters why they've been voting all this time.
• If Jessica doesn't go home tonight, it will be a travesty. She does not belong in the top three. She must know that.
• Keith Urban breaking out the "musical platypus" comparison was a highlight for me. That's a good name for a hipster band.
• Caleb's perfectly coiffed hair continues to bother me. It needs to be guyed up. Get some dirt or sweat in it!
But this is just my rambling. What did you think? Comment below
Source : http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2014/05/american_idol_2014_recap_top_4_sing.html
