week 8....

This was hometown week – or whatever they call the week where the idols get a memorable trip back to their home town where things happen to them that people could never imagine!  All of them were in awe of the crowds they drew wherever they went (who wouldn’t be in awe!)--- Josh’s personality came out more than I’ve ever seen, Phillips emotions came out more than I’ve ever seen and Jessica’s maturity came out more than I’ve ever seen – almost to the point where I just wanted to say to her, please be 16 for just one day!  Funniest moment of the show was as I was watching her with her little brothers and thinking “be young,” my mom goes to me “is that her kids?” ….enough said! 

The top 3 performed three songs last night – judge’s choice, contestant’s choice and Jimmy’s choice. Joshua began the night singing “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. Though I thought he was awesome , I just couldn’t stop looking at that microphone….was I alone?  His next song was picked by the judges, it was “Imagine” by John Lennon.  Like his first song, they loved it, saying it was a pull back moment for him, that his performance quality made him special….I LOVED IT TO!  Time after time, this kid performs his heart out on that state….and he didn’t let me down with his last song -- “Nor More Drama” by Mary J. Blige --  Jimmy choice this song for him and the, WOW, was Jimmy on point tonight.  Josh was movin around on that stage like he owned it…. He threw off his jacket like he meant it…..as Randy says (because he stole the line from me), Josh was in it to win it!

Jessica was the second performer of the night. JLo picked Maria Carey’s “My All” and her comment was it was a hard song but she did it so beautiful in her own way….my comment, “it was a hard song and she could have done better” – sorry to all you Jessica lovers, but why can’t these Judges “be tough on her only to make her better” – they do this to others, but never to Jessica who can likely use it – I bet she would absolutely get better if she got better (or any!) constructive criticism. Her second song was “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. What did Steven Tyler have to say about her version? He said he took a great song and made it greater – WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING STEVEN?  No way was it better than his version!  Grrrrrrrr! For her third song, Jimmy chose “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson Five. JLo and Steven loved it except for Randy, who liked it ok but didn’t love it --- neither did I.  As you can tell, I really think she should have been the one to go.

Phillip Phillips got the pimp spot. He sang “Begging” by Mankind, chosen by Steven for him. The judges said they were like watching his concert, another incredible performance by him. I really liked it to – I agreed with Steven that Phillip should really write his own music – this kid is going to be a star – his voice is so unique!  For his second song, he chose “Disease” by Matchbox 20. They didn’t love it, neither did I – the song choice was definitely an odd one for this point in the competition – but like Jimmy said, this kid is not afraid to take risks and put it all out there…..which is why we all know he’ll be huge one day – I wonder how many people think he’s the next Dave Matthews?!  For his final performance, Jimmy chose “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seger and the judges thought that was a perfect song at the perfect time – I couldn’t agree more. 

When Ryan gave the results tonight, I pretty much lost focus once he said Jessica was safe.  I can’t imagine I’m the only one who thinks this is a now shoe in for Phillip – though I never thought Jessica would get more votes than Josh….so who knows?!