Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The final three on American Idol — Clark Beckham, Jax (Jackie Cole) and Nick Fradiani. (FOX Photo)

Nick Fradiani showed up at American Idol’s Season 14 New York auditions with girlfriend Yanni G.

She performed “The Cup Song;” he performed Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.”

We didn’t get to hear the judges’ feedback, but he advanced and she did not, though Nick, 29, was oh, so supportive of Yanni in the aftermath, making sure friends and family knew the judges “loved her, too.”

Clark Beckham auditioned in Nashville, Tenn., and Idol shared the story of how he performed on the street to help support himself.

Idol didn’t tell us he had already released a pair of impressive EPs. And Harry Connick Jr. actually voted against giving him a golden ticket, though Clark auditioned with an impressive cover of “It’s a Man’s World.”

The 22-year-old advanced anyway, of course. Jennifer Lopez was especially impressed with his bluesy sound, complete with what she called “a touch of sweetness.”

Jax — real named Jackie Cole — also auditioned in New York, slipping behind a piano and delivering a slow-downed, soulful version of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” that drew rave reviews from the judges.

Perhaps the best compliment of all came from Adam Lambert, who was subbing as a judge for Keith Urban that day. He said Jax has “the it thing.”

Just 18, she had already fronted a pop band called Meadowland that released an EP five years earlier.

This week, Nick Fradiani, Clark Beckham or Jax will win the title of the Season 14 American Idol.

Here are five reasons the winner should be Jax.

1. With contestants like Quentin Alexander, Joey Cook and Qaasim Middleton, American Idol served up a breath of fresh air in terms of originality and creativity in Season 14. Jax is the most original of the three musicians still standing.

2. Each finalist has performed 17 times since the semifinals began, and I’ve graded every one of those performances. Jax has received nine grades of A– or better. Clark received six grades of A– or better, and most of those came early in Season 14. Nick Fradiani, arguably the most consistent of the finalists, received just two grades of A– or better.

3. Jax has been the show’s best singer and performer in at least three of the last four weeks — in other words, since the contestants have been asked to perform more than once. That means she’s peaking a the right time.

4. When her performances have fallen flat, it’s not because of a vocal misfire or a lack of energy on stage. It’s because she’s taken creative risks that didn’t quite pan out, like her rearrangements of “Poker Face” and “Misery Business.” But, hey, at least she’s taking risks.

5. Just watch her performances of Cher’s “Bang, Bang,” The Who’s “My Generation” and Dido’s “White Flag.” Jax has delivered more Idol moments than any other contestant.

Now, why she probably won’t win …

Candice Glover remains the only female singer to win American Idol since Jordin Sparks in Season 6. And since Crystal Bowersox lost to Lee DeWyze in Season 9, good-looking guys who play guitar — like Clark or Nick — have often prevailed over equally or more talented females.

Check back Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Wednesday at 8 p.m. for live blogs during the American Idol finale.

And to check out all of the finalists’ Idol performances to date, just follow the links above.