Michael Becker / FOX.We're less than a week away from the American Idol grand finale and the competition is fiercer than ever!
Season 11's top three, Joshua Ledet, Phillips Phillips and Jessica Sanchez, took the stage one last time last night to win over America for a chance to take over the title of Idol champion from last year's victor, Scotty McCreery. No pressure or anything. Fortunately, (most of) the top three rose to the occasion, delivering some top-notch performances.
So who do we think is in danger of getting booted? And who really impressed us? Find out...
Our Top Five Performances
5. Jessica Sanchez's "My All"
Easily the most difficult song of the night, Jessica tackled the Mariah Carey tune with grace and poise way beyond her 16 years. Seriously, it's easy to forget that she is only 16 when she commands the stage with such professionalism. Jessica is clearly a star and proved it during this performance. But was it enough to beat Joshua and Phillip? That's another story.
4. Joshua Ledet's "No More Drama"
Hot damn can this boy sing! His cover of Mary J. Blige's hit was pure drama and pure Joshua, bursting with emotion and passion, daring you not to feel the song. If you didn't feel the song? We suggest you go to the doctor because you must be dead inside. Just putting that out there.
3. Phillip Phillip's "Beggin'"
While it wasn't his best performance of the night (we'll get to that in hot minute!), we thoroughly enjoyed Phillip's high-energy and fun cover of The Four Seasons'/MadCon's jam. We usually hate the whole "it was like being at a Phillip [not "Phil," never "Phil," Randy Jackson!] concert" critique, but we're going to have to agree with it this time!
2. Joshua Ledet's "Imagine"
So restrained and and pretty, we love that Joshua was smart enough to show off his range and versatility as a singer. Sure, he can bring you to church and/or tear the house down, but he can also stage a quieter performance that leaves just as much of an impression. Like Jennifer Lopez, we really love watching Joshua perform because he really feels each word of every song he sings.
1. Phillip Phillip's "We've Got Tonight"
We know we've been a little harsh on Phillip this season, but it's only because we know what he's capable of if he steps a bit outside of his comfort zone. This is the performance we've been waiting for all season and he couldn't have picked a better night to bust it out. If there was any doubt that Phillip was making the finale, it was gone after his exquisite Bob Seger cover. Way to go, Jimmy Iovine (who picked the song)!
Who's in Trouble: Jessica Sanchez. The pint size diva, who earned the judges' only save of the season a few weeks back, needed to have three perfect performances last night and she failed to deliver even one "moment," which Randy pointed out after her final performance of "I'll Be There." Not a good way to end the night. Her saving grace? Her emotional trip home, which may have won over some voters, but we're not sure it was enough when her competitors came to play. Hard.
Exit Prediction: Sorry, Jessica! Before last night, we would have predicted Phillip would be the one to go, just because we think the reign of hot guys who can play guitar winning Idol needs to come to an end. However, Phillip delivered last night and probably has the best chance of making it into the finale tonight. Joshua was also incredibly solid, which leaves Bebe 'Chez.
American Idol Top Three Exit Poll
Agree or disagree? Sound off in the comments!