Each of the Final Five soared with Jason Mraz as a guest mentor. (Photos property of FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Remember a few months ago that 212 Idol hopefuls traveled to Hollywood but faced the “Hollywood or Home” Round?
Fast-forward to April 30, where the five artists that survived that brutal round, now face one of the most crucial nights of voting! At stake, a step closer to inheriting Candice Glover’s crown and sash, a victory trip home and a spot in the Final Four, where in all honesty…careers have been decided!
Tonight, the Final Five perform two songs that America has been dying to hear them sing!
Who rose to the occasion? Which artists might be in danger of being eliminated in tomorrow night’s Bottom Two? Read on to find out….
Up first to face the music was Alex Preston. The first song that he performed tonight was The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather.” America, why the heck did you pick this song? I have not heard of his song and I thought it was a big mistake on TPTB to clear this song. While Alex sounded okay, I thought it was a bad way to start the night. C
My favorite rocker (Caleb Johnson) was next to take the stage. The nation chose him to tackle former Idol judge Steven Tyler’s pride and joy: “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” It is very hard to follow-up what both David Cook and Jessica Sanchez did in their respective seasons. I liked Jason’s comments on how Caleb should tell the story of its song. This was also the first time that we heard his upper register all season. Misters Tyler and Perry would be proud of Caleb. A-
Jessica Meuse has one of the best voices in the competition. However, what ticks me off as a viewer is that the judges are turning her into Haley Reinhart. I was afraid for Jessica when she tackled Christina Perri’s “Human.” I am so glad that Jason gave Jessica tips because that was her best performance on the show! She made everyone at home cry and if she is not here next week…there is no justice! A-
Over the past couple of weeks, the Ed Sheeran-Pharrell Williams collaboration that has been burning up the radio is “Sing.” This is a fast, up-tempo track that blends R&B and rock. In addition, Ed is in his falsetto a majority of the time. I think having support from his celebrity crush Ariana Grande helped his performance and gave Sam the confidence that he desperately needed! B
Jena Irene closed out round one with Young the Giant’s hit: “My Body”. I am glad that Jena did not hide behind a piano for this song. She had everyone in the dome fist pumping and showed that she could really entertain a crowd! I also like the fact that she did not shriek the words. B+
After Ryan checked in with the Dawg and Ariana Grande, Alex performed “Say Something.” It is always risky to tackle a Christina Aguilera song at any point in the competition. But, I thought that he did justice to A Great Big World and Xtina’s break-up anthem! (Plus, kudos to Allison Iraheta for singing the Voice coach’s part) A-
I am very glad that almost every member of the Top Five stepped up their game! Jena showed that she could also do subdue songs as well. I think Amy Winehouse smiled down on Jena while she performed an amazing tribute to her. B
One of the Fray’s most powerful songs in their songbook is “How To Save A Life.” It is tearjerker, goose-bump inducing ballad. Sam Woolf failed to do this song justice. He was very pitchy and could not carry the medley. I really hope that he is in the Bottom Two tomorrow night. D
Who would have thought that Jessica Meuse and Lana Del Ray would be a perfect combination? She looked so elegant in that beautiful red dress and her vocals were stunning! A
Caleb Johnson closed the show with Whitesnake’s “Still of the Night”. It is always risky to perform this 80s hair band near this crucial round of any Reality TV competition (Amanda Brown performed this song three seasons ago on The Voice and was sadly eliminated after her performance!). However, I strongly believe that Caleb will break this curse because he tore the Idol Dome apart with his cover! A+
Tomorrow night, Keith Urban takes the stage and the Final Four are revealed!
