American Idol Top 7 contestants perform live April 18, 2012. Last week, the judges used their one and only save of this season on Jessica Sanchez (watch the dramatic elimination and save video here). So, if you don’t vote this week, your favorite may be voted off permanently!
Tonight, each contestant will be singing two songs from a “Now and Then” theme: A Billboard number one hit from 2000 to 2012 and a “soul” song from the previous decade. Attached is a photo of the song list from tonight. Want to take guesses as to who will sing which song?
AMERICAN IDOL 11 TOP 7
Skylar Laine:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5706 or Text “VOTE” to 5706.
First/ NOW SONG: BORN THIS WAY by Lady Gaga
Judges’ comments:
Jennifer said she loved Skyler’s version of the song. “A more perfect song for you doesn’t exist, it was perfect, three weeks in a row.”
Steven said he was glad Skylar was born that way. He added, “You are giving the other girls in this competition a run for their money.”
Randy said Skylar has great cross over appeal that is ready to go. He called it amazing.
Second/ THEN SONG: Heard It Through The Grapevine by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Judges Comments:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5702 or Text “VOTE” to 5702.
First/ NOW SONG: Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
Judges’ comments:
Steven: “I know you got to get low and how to get high, I loved your outfit and your set, keep taking chances and risks and doing what you are doing.”
Jennifer said it was an exciting performance though there were parts she did not love.
Randy said he felt like he was at a Colton Dixon concert even though he said this wasn’t his best performance.
Second/ THEN SONG: September by Earth, Wind & Fire
Judges’ comments:
Jennifer said even thought she loves Colton’s voice, it was too powerful for that song.
Steven said he loves that song and Colton’s arrangement wasn’t perfect fit. He added, “I am not sure it was the perfect performance for you.”
Randy: “It wasn’t the perfect song to do with that, if you had taken a Little Wayne song, but this wasn’t as exciting as we would have liked.
Jessica Sanchez:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5705 or Text “VOTE” to 5705.
First/ NOW SONG: Fallin’ by Alicia Keys
Judges’ comments:
Steven: “With talent like yours, you need to get mad in a song. The passion that you released tells everyone in America how great you are.”
Jennifer she’s glad they used their one and only save on Jessica.
Randy: “I hope America supports you this week, I don’t think you even know how good you are.”
Second/ THEN SONG: Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding.
Judges Comments:
Jennifer: “We are a little bit of your alter ego, after last week, we really have to start pushing your performances, America has to connect with you because just the voice is not going to do it.”
Steven: “Good god almighty, bless my soul, you have done it again. Come on girl.”
Randy: “You just need to connect with the emotion in the lyrics, that is what the public responds to.”
Joshua Ledet:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5707 or Text “VOTE” to 5707.
First/NOW SONG: I Believe by Fantasia Barrino
Judges’ comments:
Jennifer: “You leave it all on the stage every time…it’s amazing to watch, I feel blessed that I get to watch you every week.”
Steven: “This is just a stepping song to you winning the whole thing.” And then he stole Randy’s line: “You could sing the phone book, great.”
Randy said” “I loved that you picked a song that you believe in. You are truly one of the greatest gifted singers on this show.” Randy added, “You pulled back with this song and it touched us, that is the mark of true growth, love you.”
Second/THEN SONG: A Change Is Going To Come by Sam Cooke.
Judges Comments:
Jennifer: “It’s crazy, I still wanted more at the end, I just love you.”
Steven: “You have stressed your voice to the limits of soul, that’s what made it so big when it popped, that’s what it is all about.”
Randy: “This song was perfect for you, you took your time then you burst it open at the end, it was just stellar and the talent this year is better than any show on TV.”
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5701 or Text “VOTE” to 5701.
First/ NOW SONG: Rolling In The Deep by Adele.
Steven said that Hollie finally came out of her shell and stepped it up. He called it perfect.
Judges’ Comments:
Jennifer liked this better than her first song and said Hollie is ready.
Steven agreed and said “You can even push it more, you have the voice and the vehicle, come on, push it over the top.”
Randy said that was crazy and she worked out the song that has so much soul in it.
Phillip Phillips:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5704 or Text “VOTE” to 5704.
First/ NOW SONG: You Got It Bad by Usher
Steven said Phillip has melody now and said it was great.
Jennifer said that was a sexy performance. “I love when you show that side of you, a great singer can sing any song and you most certainly are.”
Randy said he smiles every time he sees him because they have a true artist this year. “You are always original and yourself, you don’t need to listen to anyone.”Second/ THEN SONG: In The Midnight Hour by Wilson Picket.
Judges’ Comments:
Telephone / Text: 1-866-436-5703 or Text “VOTE” to 5703.
First/ NOW SONG: No One by Alicia Keys
Judges’ comments:
Steven said he loves her voice but wishes she had picked a different song. He called it delicious.
Jennifer said, “We push others to do what you do so naturally, I got my first goosies of the night.” Randy said Elise has a strong voice and that she sang it well, staying with the melody.
Second/THEN SONG: Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye
Judges’ comments:
Jennifer said Elise always sounds good so it’s hard to critique her. “I would just like to see more emotion out of you so America can connect to you. You have great vocal talent, but you are missing the connection, just show your heart.”
Steven said Elise just broke a few more hearts. “Your voice is so good but you need to find those few songs that wins everyone’s hearts.”
Randy said Elise has to show the emotion. “That song choice was really not good for you, I think you don’t know what is good for your voice, Marvin Gaye did this and it was so simple.”