Idol Chatter & Voice Views

That was one heck of a vocal Janelle Arthur delivered on her save-me song Thursday night.

But it wasn’t enough. The Idol judges deadlocked 2-2 on whether to save Janelle.

And since the save must be unanimous, Janelle wound up heading home in fifth place on Season 12.

Janelle Arthur performs on American Idol. (FOX Photo)

For most Idol viewers, it was the expected outcome.

For the past two weeks, the Idol judges have made it clear they didn’t think Janelle was quite in the same league vocally as the other remaining ladies — Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Kree Harrison and Candice Glover.

I don’t necessarily agree. Nor do I agree that she should have finished fifth, especially since it’s been proven over and over again that American Idol isn’t just a singing competition.

Janelle seemed as comfortable on the Idol stage as anyone in the Top 5, more comfortable than some, and that was true whether she was stomping around having a good time singing “Dumb Blonde” or standing center stage with her guitar and delivering a heartfelt version of “When I Called Your Name.”

And I’m predicting her first performance of “You Keep Me Hanging On” will wind up among my favorite 10 Idol performances of the season, regardless of what happens between now and the time a Season 12 winner is crowned.

But what impressed me most about Janelle was her attitude.

A couple of weeks back, when she teamed up with Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb for a fine version of “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Janelle was quick to congratulate Amber, on camera, when the performance ended.

The next night, after surviving a bottom two with Burnell Taylor, she offered him words of encouragement before he launched into his own save-me song.

And remember who suggested Candice Glover sing “Straight Up” Thursday night?

Yep, Janelle Arthur.

Here’s hoping she has a bright future in country music.

Note: Check back tomorrow afternoon for an exit interview with Janelle Arthur.