Idol Chatter & Voice Views

As we head into one of Idol’s most suspenseful results shows of the season, Idol watchers appear to agree on one thing.

Phillip Phillips is finals bound.

If that wasn’t a certainty before, it became one based on his performances Wednesday night. So say lots of Idol experts.

If that’s true, it means Jessica Sanchez or Joshua Ledet goes home tonight.

And there’s absolutely no agreement over who it will be. For a look at all the predictions, head here.

I pick Joshua just because I get the sense he’s the least popular of the three. And, at this point, 11 weeks into the competition, I’d be surprised if many Idol watchers cast votes based on what transpires during a given episode.

But, hey, we’re nearly an hour away from finding out who makes the finals.

In the meantime, we’ll be entertained by Lisa Marie Presley, which is a little baffling. Can anyone explain why?

Oh, and by Adam Lambert, which isn’t baffling at all. His vocal skills are still as mad as they were when he didn’t win Idol.

His new album is a testament to that. Read what critics are saying about that album here. I just added my first impression of his album.

And, Adam being Adam, he couldn’t help but weigh in on what’s transpiring on Idol a couple of weeks ago, pronouncing Jessica as his favorite and saying “they wipe the floor with the other two (Hollie was still in the competition at the time).”

Hey, in addition to being a helluva singer, the guy’s never been bashful about expressing an opinion.

Here we go, starting with a group number …

The Beatles “Got To Get You Into My Life,” which demonstrates once again who has range on this show and who doesn’t.

Jimmy says …

Joshua Ledet:  He thought Joshua had a good night, not a great night.  He didn’t think his first song deserved a standing ovation; he would have given it an 8 on a scale of 10. Jimmy thought “Imagine” was overblown and not the right song for him. And Jimmy admits “No More Drama” might not have had enough melody.  But he thinks Joshua belongs in the finale.

Jessica Sanchez:  Jimmy says Jessica’s take on the Mariah Carey song “just didn’t come together.”  As for her Aerosmith performance, he said it fell short of a magical moment.  And on “I’ll Be There,” he admits the song choice might not have been the best because it called on her to sing two different parts. Is she good enough to be in the finale? Jimmy says she’s good enough to sing on the Grammys. High praise.

 Phillip Phillips: Jimmy thought Phillip did a great job with “Beggin’.”  He called the performance “very good.”  On “Disease,” Jimmy thought Phillip was a “snooze-fest.”  And on “We’ve Got Tonight,” Jimmy says Phillip won the night.  Jimmy said he was “genuinely knocked out” by his performance.

Performances

Lisa Marie Presley:  Ryan introduces her as rock royalty.  I must have missed that coronation.  So she’s singing some song that sounds like a Tom Petty throwaway.  And is noticeably short of being a moment.

Adam Lambert:  Now, a real singer, with “Never Close Our Eyes,” the new single off his “Trespassing” album.  How this guy lost in Season 8 is beyond me.  Just a fabulous voice. Well done, Adam.  Great performance. One of the best we’ve seen from a former Idol this season.

The Result:

Heading to the finale …

Jessica Sanchez makes the finale. Hooray, Jessica.

Phillip Phillips makes the finale.  Of course.

And Joshua Ledet gets robbed of a chance at the finals.