Idol Chatter & Voice Views

ROUND ONE, BON JOVI

Will Moseley, 23, Hazlehurst, Ga., “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi: Nice song choice for Will. Nice fit for his voice. Nice upbeat start to the show. Luke said the performance had some teeth on it. Will was certainly digging in on the opening. Continue to wish he’d go just a little more wild on stage. But that was a good start to the show. Grade: B+

Jack Blocker, 25, Dallas, Texas, “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi: Jack is dedicating this performance to his wife, Georgia. Really nice opening for Jack. He does seem to be straining just a bit to deliver the chorus with as much power as he wants. Wonder if that fringed shirt is an attempt to pull in some country votes. LOL. Grade: B

Abi Carter, 21, Indio, Calif., “Bed or Roses” by Bon Jovi: At first, I’m wondering about this performance. The song isn’t one of Bon Jovi’s most well known. And she’s sitting behind her piano rather than showing off her newfound flare for rock. Perhaps she just wanted to show off the best voice left in the competition. Because that’s what she did. The crowd was chanting “Abi” so much, there wasn’t much chance for feedback. Grade: A–

ROUND TWO, HOMETOWN DEDICATIONS

Will Moseley, “My Town” by Montgomery Gentry: Will seems to be digging in a little more vocally tonight. He delivers a heartfelt performance after that touching footage from his trip home. Had to love the grade school kids singing “Gone For Good” back to him. As for the performance, the chorus was a little noisy with all those background singers. Why not just let Will’s booming voice carry the performance? Luke calls him a wonderful talent. Grade: B

Jack Blocker, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait: Surprised by the song choice after that touching trip home footage and all the tributes to his wife. Jack turns in another solid performance, especially once the song kicks into high gear. He delivered a really fun ending. Katy loved his footloose and fancy free style. Lionel thinks he’s well on his way to a fruitful career. Grade: B

Abi Carter, “Somewhere” from West Side Story: Again, surprised by the song choice. Not surprised that Abi delivers another top-notch vocal. Not sure a show tune was the best option at this point in the competition, but the judges absolutely loved it. So did the crowd. Think Abi might be benefitting from a homefield advantage since she’s a Cali girl? Lionel said she created an Idol moment. Grade: B+

And now the Idol Top 3 will become a Top 2 …

Will Moseley advances. Abi Carter advances. Jack Blocker is eliminated and finishes third after an excellent run on Season 22.

ROUND THREE

Will Moseley, “Good Book Bad”: This is a great song. It’s the only one a finalist didn’t have a hand in writing, but it might give Will an edge in this final round. It’s a great story-telling song with a strong religious message. That was Will’s best performance of the night. Great vocal. Grade: A

Abi Carter, “This Isn’t Over”: Abi begins the number sitting center stage. She gets up as the song swells. Rounds the stage and is in fine voice as she delivers a song of triumph. They’re cutting these final performances awfully short. And no judges’ comments on this on because the crowd is chanting so loudly. Grade: A–