Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, we know what songs the remaining three Idols will be performing tonight, though we’re not certain who’s singing which one.

And there are some interesting selections. Like “Beggin'” by Madcon. Like “Disease” by Matchbox 20.

I’m pretty sure we haven’t heard those on Idol before. And I’d be willing to bet the latter will be performed by Phillip Phillips.

Someone’s also going to take on Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”

Among the other tunes we’ll hear: John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Mariah Carey’s “My All,” Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama,” Bob Seger’s “We’ve Got Tonight,” Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” and the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”

That’s right, nine songs, meaning everyone takes the stage three times for a shot at the Idol finals.

Check back at showtime. I’ll be blogging live and providing song by song grades throughout the evening.

Judges’ song choices:

Joshua Ledet:  Randy picked Etta James’ “I’d Rather Be Blind” for Joshua.  Hey, he’s got the sexy blond sax player as backup again.  More importantly, Joshua started off spot on.  Now, he’s kicking in with all those Joshua effects.  And, quite honestly, perhaps overdoing it a bit.  I would have rather he scaled that back a little in the middle, then come out with that great flourish at the end.  And it was a finish with a flourish.  Grade: B

 Jessica Sanchez:   The judges picked Mariah Carey’s “My All.”  The judges are looking for tenderness from the little girl with the big voice.  Not sure I loved the song choice.  It wasn’t nearly as showy as Joshua’s.  And it sounded as though she was really straining to reach some of those notes.  But she’s getting wonderful reviews from the judges who, of course, think the song choice was just splendid.  Steven tells her to get used to encores.  Grade: B-

Phillip Phillips: Ah, so the judges picked “Beggin'” by Madcon for Phillip.  Interesting choice, but I figured this was Phillip’s song.  Actually, I think Phllip’s doing a decent job with this song. Really liked the way he slowed that down for a couple of lines about two-thirds of the way through.  Nice to see a contestant perform an unexpected song, even if it was a little more obscure.  But, hey, he skipped the rap part of the song.  Honest, that was my favorite performance of the first three.  Grade: B+

Contestants’ choices

Joshua Ledet:  OK, that might be the best line of the night:  “They’re acting like I’m Barack Obama.”  He’ll sing John Lennon’s “Imagine.”  Hmm, interesting.  Perfectly adequate version of that song, very nicely done.  I’ve heard it done better. On this show, in fact.  I think it might have been Season 7.  He added a couple of Joshua touches at the end that helped bring it home.  Grade: B.

Jessica Sanchez:  Now I find it hard to believe Jessica was a dork without lots of friends. “I had guys chasing my car. That’s never happened before.”  Oh, and Jessica is the contestant singing Aerosmith.  Hmm.  Accompanied by violins.  Very nice rendition of the song.  A little surprised that’s the song she picked with anything to choose from.  The note at the end was brilliant.  But then I think we all know Jessica can do glory notes.  Steven gives her the ultimate compliment, saying she made a good song better.  Grade: B

Phillip Phillips:   Neat moment for Phillip there at his dad’s pawn shop.  He’ll sing “Disease” by Matchbox 20.  Excellent song choice. Excellent arrangement, helped by the sexy sax player.  I don’t know what it is, but I’m really feeling Phillip Phillips tonight.  Wouldn’t you know it?  I really like a Phillip Phillips performance and the judges think it lacked the wow factor and was too subdued.  But they loved “Volcano?”  I’m really confused.  Or maybe my ears are.  Anyway, I’m liking Phillip tonight.  Grade: B+

Jimmy Iovine’s Choice

Joshua Ledet:   He’ll sing “No More Drama.”  He started brilliantly, but that performance fell apart a little there in the middle.  Like he’s rushing the song or something. Now he tosses off the jacket.  And he’s going off on the end of the song just like Jimmy wanted him to.  His Idol colleagues seemed to really enjoy it. The judges are going to love this.  Honestly, I thought it was a hot mess.  Grade: C-

 Jessica Sanchez:  Hmm, the worst song choice of the night goes to Jessica, who gets to sing a 40-year-old song by the Jackson 5.  Look at those shoes she’s wearing.  Not thrilled with this song choice.  Not incredibly thrilled with the performance.  The song really didn’t offer her a chance for a moment.  And aren’t moments what we’re looking for at this point? According to Randy, that’s the case.  But I blame the song as much as Jessica for that disappointing performance.  Grade: C+

Phillip Phillips:  He’ll get to sing Bob Seger’s “We’ve Got Tonight.”  He’s forcing Phillip to straight-up sing.  That is not Phillip’s forte.  That, honestly, was an even worse song choice in terms of playing to his strengths and shying away from his weaknesses.  No way he can sing with Joshua or Jessica.  No, that was not a moment.  Are you kidding me?  Grade: C-