'American Idol' Recap: Top 7 Revisited
Phillip Phillips, Joshua Ledet rise to the challenge of a two-song performance night
By Carla Patton
Before you get excited, this week's theme, "Now and Then," does not refer to the movie starring Christina Ricci and Rosie O'Donnell, among others. I wish. No, the top 7 (revisited after the Save) are performing twice -- one song from this century/millennium and the other a "soul" hit from yesteryear. It's pretty wide open.
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Will Jessica Sanchez enjoy a week of bottom-two backlash in both her judges' feedback and viewer votes? Will Elise choose a song she likes enough to do well this week? Twice? Will we be able to understand more than 90% of the lyrics of whatever Phillip Phillips chooses to sing? Will Colton Dixon get the standing ovation he practically demanded? Have we already forgotten about Deandre Brackensick? All these questions and more will be answered this week as the "American Idol" top 7 take on songs from "Now" and "Then"!
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After feeding us some Yoda-level crap about beginnings and endings, this week's episode begins. We do not have time for all this emotion, you guys. We have 14 performances, undoubtedly abridged, to get through. And Kris Allen is ever so dutifully in the audience to witness it. Ryan has the time to mention the sad passing of Dick Clark, though. Sorry, Skylar. We won't have time to watch you ride an ATV in your clip package this week.
The good news is that the top 7 are all dressed absolutely crazy on this night. 
We're starting with "now," and Hollie Cavanagh is going first. Now! She's singing "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. Oof. Can she overcome her nerves? She starts a cappella, which was really working for her, given her vocal clarity. This is actually a good song for her, something with some energy behind it! Is she wearing a skirt? Is it pants? Is it long or short? What is that cutout in her top? Whatever. The performance was a great way to start off the night, and she really rose to the occasion. Steven Tyler called it "perfect," and Jennifer was so happy Hollie wasn't thinking. Randy said she has arrived.
Colton Dixon has chosen "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. I think he could make it great, or it could be absolutely insane, like his coat this night. I am all about that coat, y'all. And don't worry. We'll get to how Elise is dressed like a giant yam. All in good time. OK, so this arrangement is absolutely terrible. I'm all for making it your own, but there's a reason no one has done an arrangement of the song like this yet. It took him out of "now" and moved him into Spinal Tap. It almost seemed like a joke at times. He didn't get the standing ovation because, frankly, the performance wasn't quite worthy of it. He changed octaves, like I do when I'm singing along to stuff in the car. I like a kinder, gentler Colton. The judges like Colton, so they complimented his willingness to take chances. Would you take a chance at so much leg sweat so early in the night?
Elise Testone, the bottom three's local sweet potato, has no idea why she keeps falling in the bottom three. She's singing "No One" by Alicia Keys to her fan base (no one! hardy har har). She's the only contestant left who is still being judged week to week. So this week, we're adding wind, which is helping the dress's tendency to look yam-like. This is a mediocre song choice, but her voice is doing her a lot of favors. Good performance. Jennifer tells Elise to smile more. Steven wanted a better chorus, and Randy was glad she didn't take too many liberties with the melody. I am, too, Randy! Where's your bedazzled cartoon-face pin on this night, though?
Phillip Phillips is singing "U Got It Bad" by Usher. I am fuh-reaking out with anticipation. What if it's amazing like I want it to be? What if it is growly and terrible, though? Jimmy loved it, and saxophone lady is back: These are good signs. This is just Phillip's "jam sesh." His new nickname is Fifty Shades of Grey, by the way, because he loves wearing grey, and the middle-aged ladies love him!
I was worried, but I kind of loved it! I think they should lose the saxophone, though, because, as much as I love my saxophone lady, it just reeks of Dave Matthews. This arrangement was really cool and sexy. It's hard to take the sex out of Usher, though. Am I right? Jennifer also thought it was sexy. Randy called Phillip a "true artist." He is unassuming, and he knows who he is! So sexy I could just keel over, regaining consciousness only long enough to ask how old he is again.
Jessica Sanchez is still here. Jimmy just basically crapped his pants when he heard his Jessica was in the bottom. So to regain her footing she's singing "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. I guess it's recognizable. But bleh. Choose something better, Jessica. I want to root for you! And what's up with these Cirque du Soleil floating, red umbrellas? Why does Jessica always get the weird, red props. Is she in a French film? 
I love her hair but don't care for the grunting and growling on this petite 16-year-old girl. The song is so oversung in general, and I'm not sure this was memorable enough. But the audience freaked out like, "Vote for her! She is a good singer!" Yeah, we know! We knew before, and this song didn't show us anything we didn't already know. The judges adore Jessica and continue to do so in her feedback. She was adorable thinking the judges took her mic in mid-song last week because they didn't like her, though. Do you think her necklace weighs more than she does?
A "country twist on Gaga"? If anyone can do it, it's Skylar Laine, I suppose. She's singing the country version of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. I think Jimmy Iovine is coming around on Skylar, although he's still focused on nurturing Jessica and Phillip. Who put all those layers on Skylar? Leather, chiffon, glitter ... and it's all belted. This is an interesting version of "Born This Way," and I'm not sure I love it. But it's a valiant effort. I wouldn't put it on the set list for her concert. She didn't have any big moments, but it was fun! Jennifer loved it and said, "A more perfect song for you does not exist." Steven really enjoyed it, and Randy said Skylar has "crossover appeal" and is "so beyond ready." I agree. Hire this girl!
Joshua "Mantasia" Ledet got a special message from Fantasia, so he's possibly contractually obligated to sing Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe" this week. We all know he's going to tear the roof off this place when "Then" rolls around, though. He is also dressed the least crazy of the first seven performances. I'm not familiar with this song, but it seems to really fit him well. It's big and church-y, and he gets the choir in the background. Good job. But I think it's what we have come to expect from him at this point. We know he will always deliver a big moment. Randy called him one of the most gifted singers they've ever had on this show. He appreciated the restraint Joshua showed, too. Joshua could not have been more adorable than when he was shyly unresponsive to Ryan's questions about why he chose to sing Fantasia's winner song.
Hollie Cavanagh got a special message from the hot and sexy Liverpool Football Club right before her second performance. Thank God she has this intro-to-"Soul Train" clip package to get through so she can refocus. And thank God this is not a tribute to Soul Patrol. Hollie is singing "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. I thought this might be a better fit for Skylar Laine, and it's hard not to think about how much better she might have sung it. The performance is a bit lackluster, especially in comparison to her "now" performance. It wasn't bad, though. Randy said he liked it better than Round 1, and I'm like, "Huh?" Steven thinks she could push it even more. Regarding Hollie's outfit: Barbie does Pepto-Bismol.
Colton Dixon is Colton-ing up Earth, Wind & Fire's "September." And at first I was like, "No, you can't do that," because I just want to dance to that song for 24 hours straight and Colton made it all slow and modern. But it is working. He demonstrated a really great understanding of the song and also what type of artist he would like to be. The set department is dropping too many leaves on him, though. He should get one of those suspended, red umbrellas. He did not get his standing ovation this time, either. The judges said it wasn't the right song for his voice. Why don't we agree anymore, Randy? He said it was "good but not as exciting as we would have liked." Whatever. I thought it worked.
Elise Testone is singing "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye. And she's starting on what can only be described as a porn couch. I suppose that's fitting since the song is about having sex -- so much so that it's over-played and borderline jokey. Bad song choices this time, Elise. Her performance of the song is jokey, as well, with too much growling. It was nice of her to move off the couch so the saxophone player could have a seat, though. 
Jennifer called Elise out on not being very vulnerable. This performance was a good example of her putting walls up. It was too much like, "Haha, this song is a joke, and it's cheesy and about having sex!" and not enough like, "Let's enter into a meaningful sexual relationship as consenting adults." After the critique, Elise got defensive and it wasn't very charming or vulnerable.
Phillip Phillips is singing "In the Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett. What a rapid change of pace, almost awkward after Elise's reaction to her comments. Good for him for singing something so fun and un-Dave Matthews Band. I do like him, but this was 100% growling. I never realized how much I rely on those clip packages to prepare me to hear a contestant. Randy took advantage of this quick pace to compare Phillip and Elise directly. Phillip feels everything from head to toe and just allows himself to be entirely in the moment. The judges were very appreciative of Phillip's character and soul, and forgot to critique the vocal performance at all.
Jessica Sanchez, dressed to confuse, is singing "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding. It's hard to go wrong with this song, but this arrangement is well on its way. It needs to be slower! Just by a couple BPM, you know? Even Jessica seems like she's struggling to keep up. That being said, and her effort to growl too much aside, what a fun song! Too much growling on this night overall, really. But she was having a good time with the song, and she nailed it. Jennifer recommends that Jessica push herself a bit more. She has the voice, but we need some more heart. That is really the essence of this night's performances, isn't it? We know they can sing. We get it. Now it's about whether they can make us love them and feel human emotions.
Skylar Laine looks a lot more comfortable singing a countrified "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. This is a really adorable country arrangement, frankly. And Skylar is just giving this song a good old-fashioned spanking. I liked it so much more than "Born This Way." This was more fun and had more personality. This is the Skylar Laine concert! Randy acknowledged that Skylar has a brand and no problems showing us who she is. She is a rock 'n' roll party, and we're all invited. Yay!
Joshua Ledet is singing an "emotional Civil Rights anthem." Just what we need from him.
The anthem in question is Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." Oh, my god. This song, though. He had to do it! It is perfection, and he's the only one who can do this song or this theme justice, really. I know this is what we expect from Joshua, but he might as well deliver! The judges rose to their feet, and Steven said he appreciated the restraint in the beginning. Jennifer begged America not to send Joshua home. She is a desperate woman! Randy said this song was perfect for Joshua, and he took his time with it. Then Joshua said he couldn't help but notice J.Lo's abs coming out the side of her dress, and he was even more likeable to me.
Why did Elise change back into her orange dress? Did something happen to her second outfit? I need answers, Ryan Seacrest!
So, who owned the night? Was "now" or "then" more satisfying for you? Or was Wednesday night just a big, hurried, snooze?
What do you think of Wednesday night's performances? Who's next to go?
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
Here's what I think (not that anybody cares): we are being WAY too critical of these kids. People have to remember that they are STILL amateurs, learning how to cope with being on stage, under the lights, in front of millions of people, and having to come out and belt out song after song, hitting EVERY note, playing to the crowd, showing emotion, yada yada yada. Folks, it's HARD to do. When I watch a show like last night, and compare it to past seasons at this point in the competition, there's just no comparison to the talent we've got this year. In my opinion, NOBODY deserves to go home at this point - every single one of the top 7 could win this show and I don't think anyone would be surprised. When has that EVER happened on Idol?
As for last night, Joshua and Phillip were clearly the winners of the night. I like that Phil changed it up a bit, as he was getting into a rut. He showed last night that he can do some different things besides strum his guitar and "Dave Matthews" every song he sings. Joshua just understands completely how to put everything he's got into a song, and when he starts out soft, you just KNOW what's coming next, which is exciting.
Hollie had her best night, but unfortunately she's the weakest of the top 7 right now, and will still end up in the bottom 3 again. She is just not a stage performer, but could go on to have a great career behind the camera singing Disney ballads. Skylar is growing on me, and there's no doubt that Nashville will welcome her with open arms once this competition is over with. I just don't see her having enough of a fan base to win the whole thing. And Colton seems to have peaked, and is becoming almost too unpredictable at this point. He's trying to be different, but going about it in the wrong way. If not for his teeney-bopper following, he'd be gone tonight.
Jessica redeemed herself in a big way, and while the author of this column didn't like her second performance, I thought that by coming out and "gettin' mad" and singing with such passion, she showed a totally different - and refreshing - side of her, and what she could do on an album. I still think she's the favorite to win it all, but she has to keep it original every week, and stay away from the Whitney-Celine-Mariah-Christina songbooks that she and Hollie love to challenge.
That leaves Elise, my favorite in the competition from day one. I feel bad for her, because what you see on TV is NOT who she is when she's performing with her band. She's very much a showman on stage when she's in her element, and for some reason, even though she's the most seasoned of all the performers, she just can't seem to connect with the audience, and last night's defensive attitude just made it worse. I just keep thinking, with all of the song choices available, and with the great female soul singers to pick from, she goes with Marvin Gaye? What is it this year with the men wanting to sing women's songs, and vice-verse? Her downfall in this competition will be song choice, but I promise if you go onto YouTube and pull her up and watch her sing with her band, you'll see a side of her that is so different from her Idol performances.
I think the bottom 3 will be Hollie, Elise, and Skylar, although Colton belongs in there somewhere. Had Elise NOT made those comments to JLo after she critiqued her, I think Hollie would've gone home tonight, but now I think Elise's time has arrived and she will be sent packing.
Jessica is on another level above the rest, she is so talented and will someday be a huge star!
Joshua is also incredible.
Phillip was great doing R&B, it was more creative.
Hollie needs better song choices, she's talented,Adele was too typical.
Love the judges and Randy is right, Idol has the most talent of any singing show out there.
Jimmy needs to go, the show can do much better without his remarks.
He's a Simon wannabee.
Poor Elise- the girl CAN SING. just cannot get a freakin' break! It showed on her face las tnight she is tired of the criticism and I do not blame her at all!
Hollie should have been gone weeks ago folks! Look they are all really good singers but it is a contest remember?
I hope Elise can make it through another week and we wave good bye to Ms 'perfect barbie' Hollie!
As for the guys - they are all sounding the same! The only exception is PHILLIP!
PLEASE SEND ELISE OR PHILLIP OR SKYLAR HOME....THEY SOUND THE SAME EVERY WEEK...ELISE OVER SINGS AND SOUNDS RASPY AND COURSE...PHILLIP SOUNDS LIKE A BROKEN RECORD AND LOOKS HORRIBLE....SKYLAR JUST SCREAMS.
COLTON LOOKS LIKE AN IDOL BUT HIS VOCALS ARE WEAK.
PHILLIP IS SICKENING...LOOKS LIKE HE FELL OFF A HAY WAGON
ELISE LOOKS FRUMPY
SKYLAR LOOKS LIKE A CARNIVAL BARKER....
HOLLIE HAS THE STRONG VOICE ALONG WITH JESSICA.....JOSHUA IS GREAT TOO.
KEEP THE REAL TALENT
Skylar-good performer, alright singer
Elise-should have taken advice from Tommy Hilfiger..sing standing up instead of bent over all the time. As for critique's can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
Colton-can't make up his mind exactly what he wants to be and should never have messed with the melody on Earth, Wind and Fire song.
Phillip-good looking guy if he could wear something besides gray..he can be himself all he wants after he wins..be he's not going to. Can't stand to look at his face when he sings..or Colton's either!
Jessica-amazing singing voice..tried too hard last night.
Joshua-the best as far as I am concerned. Love his mellow voice and is never "pitchy" Could use help on his wardrobe though.
Phillip you are adorable and HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
You can wear grey all the time for all I care, Those eyes and that face are just sexy as he11!!!
He is my fav, I LOVE LOVE LOVE his odd movements and facial expressions even though some find it annoying...I wait to see it and love it. He is the most talented original person left and should win the whole thing.
Skylar is second choice for me, then Hollie, then Elise. The others can just go home BORING 
Reading the above comments really sums up today's music, NO REAL SINGERS! Everyone is down playing Joshua, the reason why is because he is a throwback to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Al Green etc. That was REAL SINGING AND REAL MUSIC! The ones voting are too young to understand. Joshua is truly the next American Idol!
I would like to vote Ryan Seacrust off the show. What a jerk. For instance putting Elise on the spot bringing up her dog that is about to die, way to snuff the fun out of a night Ryan.
Jessica always sings great but I wasn’t as impressed this week as I have been on most other episodes. If you watch older clips (pre AI) of her she has always been great but she used to get pretty carried away with the growling, she doesn’t do it as much now but sometimes borders on getting carried away with the growling (although she does it well). Less is more with the growling.
Elise has one of the best voices of the remaining contestants, she is one of my favorites and I’m not sure why she frequently ends up in the bottom… but she pretty much destroyed the song Lets Get It On.
Joshua also has one of the best voices although I’m not a big fan but not sure why. I would like to hear him do something like some James Brown or Ray Charles.
I like Skylar and I like country music, but not everything works with a country twist to it. Didn’t really care for a country version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine.
I thought Hollie did great with Rolling in the Deep, and I agree that when she isn’t over thinking it she is at her best. Son of a Preacher Man, not such a good job with that one.
I’m not a big Phillip fan, I think he has a pretty narrow range to his voice but he does put a lot of soul into it. In the Midnight Hour is a perfect type of song for him and he did a good job with it.
Colton, not a fan.
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Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
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