*sigh*
Joshua, Jessica and Phillip should have been blasting on all thrusters tonight. They weren’t. There was only one performance that came close to blowing it out of the park and it was a laid-back gentle one: Phillip’s “We’ve Got Tonight.” It had the girls squealing and everyone else captivated.
Joshua’s Etta James tune didn’t do it nor his “Imagine.” His “No More Drama” was spirited, but we’ve seen it before.
Jessica had problems tonight, despite what the judges said. The Aerosmith tribute was halting and flawed and her “My All” showed signs of wear and tear. I will admit: “I’ll Be There” — Jimmy Iovine’s pick for her — was not only good, but she sang it well, too. But it just wasn’t enough.
Phillip was the only contestant I saw who appeared to put any real *umph* into what he was doing. “Beggin'” was fine, but “Disease” was what Randy said about it: “Subdued.” You can’t win on “subdued.” Luckily, he had a winner with Bob Seger’s tune. Still not the wowzahroony we really wanted to see, but it was enough to get him into the finale.
The question is: Who will join him? I want to state the cracks and flaws in Jessica’s renditions will dull the luster of her gift; she’ll need to step aside for Joshua. (It’s always been my wish she would step aside.) She’s gone far, but now it’s time … time for her to let Joshua and Phillip duke it out sonically, vocally.
Notes:
Quotes:
“I’m a wuss sometimes when it comes to that …” — Steven Tyler when asked by Ryan Seacrest how it feels to be critiquing one of his own songs
“You sang it like you just don’t give a shit …” — Steven Tyler to Phillip Phillips (Yes, it was a compliment. And yes, it was bleeped from the telecast.)
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on May 17, 2012 @ 01:50 EST5EDT
Last night was something of a let down, but I’ve never felt the performances the “Going Home” week were the best. Too much happening, three songs to prepare, the return of the final 12, and the start of preparations for the finale all mean each song gets less attention than any of the previous weeks.
However, Phillip seemed more comfortable than he has in weeks. Perhaps it was the fit of the songs he did, perhaps it was better health, or perhaps it was the return of his “bro”, Heejun! The two of them should be hilarious on tour together.
I hope you are right about the elimination tonight, but I think it’s a toss-up. I still think the judges may get the Jessica/Joshua finale they have been pushing for. It is also possible Jessica will end up in a showdown with Phillip. Yes, no, and maybe. Yep, think that covers it.
My guess is that Jessica will go home, but who knows? Of these three, I think Joshua deserves to win, based on performance. He is as naturally gifted as Jessica, but he pulls so much more emotion out of his performances and manages to seem spontaneous (as opposed to rehearsed) on stage. He usually has an electrifying moment each week. Poor Jessica, she’s wonderfully talented, but her baby face makes it so hard to believe in her diva persona. Jimmy had the right idea in giving her a more youthful song, although I liked her best on “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” I love Phillip, but I can’t say he’s much of a singer – he lets the music be the star, which is cool. A lot of great performers are not great singers, and this show is called “Idol” because it’s more about “Can you get the people to fall in love you?”
Again if you say it enough it will happen…..here’s hoping you are finally right!!!