Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The remaining four on American Idol — Nick Fradiani, Jax, Rayvon Owen and Clark Beckham. (FOX Photo)

But by the end of the evening, it was also clear there had been a major Season 14 momentum shift.

The front-runners on American Idol are now officially Jax and Nick Fradiani.

The singer losing momentum is Clark Beckham. And not just because Idol mentor Scott Borchetta says so.

For all tonight’s song by song grades, head here.

Tonight’s recap:

Best performance of the night: Wow, this is a tough call because I awarded A– grades to three performances from Wednesday’s show. But I’d have to go with Nick Fradiani’s round one performance of “Bright Lights.” It was full of energy and urgency. And it was one of the best vocals Nick has delivered.

Best performer of the night: Jennifer thinks Nick was the star of the night. I’d give that honor to Jax, for the third straight week. She put her own stamp on “Empire State of Mind,” a song that didn’t seem natural for her. Then she delivered a version of “Human” that might not have been vocally perfect, but was full of emotion. And more moving than a version of the same song from earlier this week on The Voice. At this point, Jax should win the Season 14 crown.

Runner-up: Nick, easily. I didn’t like his cover of “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts nearly as much as the judges did, but we’re talking about varying degrees of approval because it was still very good. And Jennifer got this part right: Nick is peeking at the perfect time. On a show, I’d add, that has a history of supporting good-looking guys who play guitar.

Please save him: Not sure how or why Clark lost his way, but he’s been merely average the past three weeks after dazzling me every time he performed early in the finals. Wednesday, he had the weakest night of the four finalists. Keith said it better than Scott: Clark has been showing up on stage with album tracks when he needs to show up on stage with hit singles and be more aware of what’s going to dazzle viewers.

Worst of the night: Harry Connick Jr. loved Rayvon’s cover of Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” I though it was overdone, filled with vocal flourishes that it didn’t need. Keith put it best: It needed less dramatics and more heart.

Prediction for next week: Rayvon Owen’s magical run on Idol comes to an end. He was one of the low vote-getters so often, I just can’t see he drawing more support than Clark, Jax or Nick.