American Idol Season 11: The Top 5 Travel Back to the 60's and Take On a British Invasion

Tonight Steven Van Zandt coaches the contestants with Jimmy Iovine. Round one had the contestants taking a time travel back to the 60s; these are tough classic songs but impressive when sung the right way.

Round two, the contestants sang songs by British Artists, with the recent influx of popular British musicians, the contestants would have a lot to choose from.

Hollie kicked off the show!

Round 1: The 60s

Hollie Cavanagh sang River Deep Mountain High by Tina and Ike Turner-- Steven said it's the first time he has seen her really step out. Randy said, like all the other judges, he liked it too, and that she wore the second verse out. Over these past two weeks, Hollie has really stepped out, and she has grown and gained confidence. She was in great voice tonight.
Score: 5

Phillip Phillips sang The Letter by The Box Tops-- Randy loved it because he made it his own. Jennifer said he is compelling to watch and a dynamic performer. Steven said there is good news and bad news; the bad news is that I couldn't find the melody. The good news is that you got away with it. I agree with the judges, Phillip is so confident in what he is doing on stage and who he is as a musician that an otherwise mediocre performance is seen as great. I also do appreciate his originality.
Score: 4.75

Skylar Laine sang Fortunate Son by Creedance Clearwater Revival-- Jennifer said she attacks every song and it is so natural for her. Steven said Skylar loves music and music loves her. Randy talked about how Skylar is ready to be up on a stage, and he asked her if it's what she loves most, and she said, "yes sir". In all honesty, I've been thinking about what is going to happen when this season is over, and I am thinking that just about everyone who was in the Top 7 is going to score a record deal. Skylar is just one of many whose album I cannot wait to go out and buy. She is such a firecracker.
Score: 5

Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips sang You Lost That Loving Feeling by The Righteous Brothers-- The boys nailed this performance, I loved all the passion in it and what each of them brought to it individually and as a duo. Amazing! Steven thought the duet was beautiful. Jen and Randy thought it really came alive as the performance went on.

Jessica Sanchez sang Proud Mary by Tina Turner-- Jen thought it had a lot of soul and she sounded like a combination of Tina Turner and Beyonce. Steven thought it sounded great and she brought the blues out of it. Randy thought it was just okay, and it didn't really sit well with him. I agree with Randy, I didn't see a lot that was special about this performance. For a singer as skilled as Jessica, this sounded a little bit karaoke.
Score: 4

Joshua Ledet sang Ain't Too Proud to Beg by The Temptations-- Steven thinks he is one of the top two idols of all time. I wonder who the other person is, just out of curiosity? Jen said he is like a throwback from another era. Randy said you could make a record like this right now and bring R&B back in a big way.
Score: 5

Round 2: British Invasion

Hollie Cavanagh sang Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis-- Steven loved this and thinks she has a beautiful ballad voice. Jen thought it was breathtaking at parts and felt that Hollie surprised even herself. I think Jessica needs to watch it because in my opinion Hollie has passed her tonight and she may be in trouble tomorrow night in terms of votes.
Score: 4.9

Phillip Phillips sang Time of the Season by The Zombies-- Randy thought it was a nice performance but he wasn't jumping up and down about it. Jen thought the verses suited Phillips' singing style, and the melody of the song was familiar enough that people were drawn in. Steven was pleased that he sang the melody. This may have been a little bit too mellow, could Phillip be in trouble? I think so.
Score: 4.5

Skylar Laine sang You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield--  Randy said she is peaking at the right time and getting better at telling a story with the songs she sings and she way she sings them. Jennifer told her that she can win this. I think Skylar is top three maybe even top two material.
Score: 5

Jessica Sanchez sang You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker-- Jen felt this was similar to her performance of I Will Always Love You in that she captivated the whole audience. Randy said your talent love is unbelievable, that was so good. I was touched by this performance, but will it be enough to save her from the disaster that was Proud Mary?
Score: 5

Joshua Ledet sang To Love Somebody by The Bee Gees-- The judges gave Joshua another standing ovation. Randy said what you did is what it's all about. You were born to do this. I have been doing this show for eleven seasons, and you're one of the best singers ever on this show. Jen said, forget this show, you're one of the best singers I've heard in the past 50 years. Steven said that he could record that song right now and make it a hit. Joshua deserves every compliment he receives, and I cannot wait to hear him sing his own songs.
Score: 5

American Idol Season 11: The Top 6 Rock Out to Queen and The Contestant's Choice

The rumor was that Ryan wouldn't host tonight because he was under the weather with a horrible stomach bug. Last week, in a surprising turn of events, the competition didn't end for Elise Testone or Hollie Cavanagh, both of whom  were considered to be the weakest performers. The competition did end for Colton Dixon, who many thought were favored by the teenage girl population. Incidentally he is said to be co writing songs already with Idol alum Chris Daughtry.

The Top 6 Sing Queen

Jessica Sanchez sang Bohemian Rhapsody-- Steven said Freddie would have been proud. Jennifer said the vocal was beautiful, but it needed to be more rocked out at the rock parts. Randy felt that the performance had a lot of control especially since there were no runs in the performance. It impressed me that Jessica was able to pull this off, because it is truly one of the most difficult songs to sing. Score: 4.75

Skylar Laine sang The Show Must Go On-- Steven thought it was fabulous and could not believe that that voice and that interpretation comes from an 18 year old. Jennifer said she got goosebumps from the intensity of the performance. Randy called it one of her best to date, incredible, and effortless. Skylar continues to blow me away. There are a lot of nay-sayers out there saying that they don't think another country singer will or should win this year. I hope Skylar Laine proves them wrong. She is top three material for me.
Score: 5

Joshua Ledet sang Crazy Little Thing Called Love-- The judges gave Joshua a standing ovation. Randy said unbelievable, you're so ready, I love you, you remind me of Sam Cooke, a young Wilson Pickett in the making. Jennifer said, with you, I always know I'm gonna get an inspired vocal with a great performance. Steven said, it's always a surprise, we never know what we're gonna get with you; Freddie would have loved that. Joshua is another person who is top three material for me, I don't think he has had one bad week yet, he is by far, one of the most consistent performers that has ever been on American Idol.
Score: 5

Elise Testone sang I Want it All-- Steven called it great. Jennifer felt the song and the style of the song was right in her element, rock, blues, sexy. Randy said it was so right for you, brilliant, one of your best performances to date. Elise has been one of the most inconsistent contestants this year, and I think part of the issue is that she didn't understand who she wanted to be as an artist, I think she is figuring that out more and more every day. I hope she finally does continue on this path because she's talented.
Score: 4.9

Phillip Phillips sang Fat Bottomed Girls-- Steven said great choice of song, Jennifer said she loves how Phillip shows different flavors of himself. Randy was the most critical saying, I liked it, but I didn't love it. I agree with all of them. I feel like every time I see Phillip perform, it's such a pleasure to watch someone who is a true original. At the same time, this performance was one that didn't really excite me.
Score: 4.75

Hollie Cavanagh sang Save Me-- Jennifer urged Hollie not to get caught up in thinking about the audience, she wants her to let go, have fun, and be touched by the parts of the song that touch you. Randy said don't pull back with this song, and make sure with every performance you have a moment. Steven liked the way she held the simple melody all the way through. I liked Holly, and I didn't think she was in any more trouble in this round than say Jessica or Phillip. Be fair judges!
Score: 4.75

Contestant's Choice

Jessica Sanchez sang Dance with my Father by Luther Vandross-- Jen said it may have been the most beautiful that she has ever heard that song sung. Steven said I have never heard you sing badly. Randy called her a natural and said it is truly amazing to him. You know what's wrong when you get up there? Absolutely nothing. I was touched by Jessica's performance and it was beautiful because she connected to the song so sincerely.
Score: 5

Skylar Laine sang Tattoos on This Town by Jason Aldean-- Randy said Skylar is fierce and just goes up there and has the time of her life. Jen commented on how comfortable Skylar is on the stage. Steven didn't like the song much but said Skylar can do no wrong and that he is one of her biggest fans. I feel like literally this girl needs to record an album this year and release it in the fall. She is going to do so amazingly well, not just in country, but in pop.
Score: 4.9

Joshua Ledet sang Ready For Love by India Arie-- Randy said, I'm speechless, you're beyond your years in experience, vocals, and talent. Jen said, I don't know what to say to you anymore, that was transcendent, you snap us into reality, and you bring us present. Steven said I hope your record label finds you good songs and you're off to the moon. Skylar has apparently been counting, and Joshua has had twelve standing ovations including this one. This boy had me in tears, he touched me with this song. It was so sincere that I literally felt everything he was feeling.
Score: 5

Elise Testone sang Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix-- Steven and Jen loved it. Jen thinks Elise's interpretations are getting better. Randy didn't think it was the right time for her to sing this song. Jen and Randy disagreed. I actually liked the groove of this song, I am proud of Elise for sticking to her guns and doing something so within her character.
Score: 4.9

Phillip Phillips sang The Stone by Dave Matthews Band-- Steven felt it was in his niche. Jen found it too obscure and artsy and urged Phillip to pick songs that are going to get him to the last show. Randy loves the artist in him, and said die, sink, or swim, at the end of the day, Phillip Phillips will always been Phillip Phillips. I agree with Randy, I think he has to who he is because that's the only person he can be.
Score: 5

Hollie Cavanagh sang The Climb by Miley Cyrus-- Hollie got a standing ovation! Randy said that's the Hollie we love, that was perfect. Jen said that's stepping it up! Steven said beautiful, good for you. I feel like if Hollie could sing like this every week, that would be amazing. She was so at home with this song.
Score: 5

American Idol Season 11: The Top 7 Live in the Moment and Sing Songs from Today

This week's theme was revealed by Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe to be songs from this decade; the contestants were coached by the multi talented Akon.

01 Skylar Laine sang Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You by Kellie Pickler-- Randy said you could have a hit with a song like that. I felt you for the first time in a long time, that was crazy hot and crazy good. Jen said it was pitch perfect, and Steven said he is enamored by the women on the show this year. Skylar just blew me away with this song, it seemed like it was written and meant for her.
Score: 5

02 Colton Dixon sang Love The Way You Lie by Skylar Grey-- Jen likes that he leaves his mark on every song that he sings. Steven said, you could record that right now Colton, you always sing so good. I can't wait til you sing your own songs. Randy loved his interpretation and how he held back. One thing I can say with certainty about Colton is that he marches to his own beat, and it makes for stellar performances every week.
Score: 5

Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone sang Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye-- Steven said you guys nailed it, Jen loved what they brought to the song as a duet, and Randy wants them to do more duets together.

03 Jessica Sanchez sang Stuttering by Jazmine Sullivan-- Randy loved the arrangement and said the performance was superb to the highest degree. Jen thought it was really beautiful and wants Jessica to take the viewers on a ride with her for the final weeks. Steven said, when I hear you sing, I forget where I am. I understand Steven's comment, Jessica is so good, so talented, and so full of emotion when she sings that I get lost in her performance, in each song, in each lyric. She is just a mesmerizing performer, and I believe when everyone says she is going to be something special.
Score: 5

04 Joshua Ledet sang Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars-- Joshua got the first standing ovation of the night. All the judges praised Joshua, Jen loves that dynamic that a Joshua performance brings. Randy said in more words that Joshua is the whole package. Joshua is so powerful when he performs and his confidence is so evident from the first note to the last, every move on the stage is so deliberate and I just absolutely love watching him every week.
Score: 5

Skylar Laine and Colton Dixon sang Don't You Wanna Stay by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson-- Steven said beautiful duet and the harmonies were so gorgeous and Jen echoed that sentiment. Randy thought the performance was just okay.

05 Hollie Cavanagh sang Perfect by Pink-- Jennifer felt that she sang beautifully tonight and she should be proud of her performance. Randy said this was better than last week. Steven said something like she wasn't perfect, but it was good. I like Hollie, and this is a definite improvement over last week, but I also recognize her insecurity when she sings and it makes her a bit weak in comparison to the other contestants.
Score: 4.5

06 Phillip Phillips sang Give A Little More by Maroon 5-- Steven praised how Phillip has evolved. Jen and Randy found the performance underwhelming and said that it wasn't as good as the Phillip performances that they are used to. I understand all sides of this, Phillip has evolved and has displayed growth which is tough for someone as good as him. I also see Jennifer and Randy's point, the performance just seemed to kind of sit and not really go anywhere. I wish he has picked a more mainstream song.
Score: 4.75

Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, and Joshua Ledet sang Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson-- The judges gave the edge in this trio to Joshua.

07 Elise Testone sang You and I by Lady Gaga-- Randy said Elise is back and the vocals were dope. Jen said no one sings like you, you let go, but you were in complete control. Steven agreed with Jen. This song choice oozed Elise, it was perfect for her. The judges comments were spot on.
Score: 5

American Idol Season 11: The Top 8 Flash Back to the Big 80s

01 Deandre Brackensick sang I Like It by The DeBarge-- Jen said you were super comfortable up there, you sounded amazing, and you made it your own. Steven said you took me to another place. Randy said El DeBarge is somewhere saying Deandre has arrived, one of your best performances to date. You should make a record like this right now, and be a contemporary version of El DeBarge. I have extremely fond memories of the 80s being a child of the 80s myself, and let me tell you that Deandre has the whole vibe that DeBarge brought and it was so exciting for me to see that. I am still a gigantic fan of this kid.
Score: 5

02 Elise Testone sang I Wanna Know What Love is by Foreigner-- Steven didn't think it was the right song for her. It seemed as though Jennifer didn't want to be negative so she said she could see her passion in the performance. Randy said that is one of the best songs ever and you never quite hit the pitch so it was off for the whole performance. It was out of tune everywhere for me. I agree with Randy, listening to it back, there was something off about it, like her voice didn't sit in the right place. This is really sad because Elise has proven in the best couple weeks that she really deserves to be here, hopefully this won't lead to her demise on the show.
Score: 3.9

Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine sang Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton-- The judges all liked the performance and their partnership, they thought the melodies sounded nice.

03 Phillip Phillips sang That's All by Genesis-- Steven loved his individuality and who he is, he said it's what makes him great. Jen thought it started out tough cause the guitar was too loud, but he brought it at the end. Randy loved it and loved the song choice. Randy also gave props to Tony Kanal for telling him to stop playing at the bridge, he said it let the song breathe. Phillip knows exactly who he is and it gives him confidence and that's what makes every performance not just great, but special.
Score: 4.9

Deandre Brackensick and Hollie Cavanagh sang I'm So Excited by The Pointer Sisters-- The judges also praised this performance saying they sounded great together, very nice, very impressive. It was a fun performance, Deandre's performance value was awesome.

04 Joshua Ledet sang If You Don't Know Me By Now by Simply Red-- Jen said ask and you shall receive, that was a powerhouse performance, you held back at the beginning, but you gave it to us at the end. Steven it was over the top, outstanding, how can someone sing like you at your age? Randy said I wanted to stand up from beginning to end, you were so mature. I think Joshua's poise is beyond his 19 years, every week, I am moved and inspired by him.
Score: 5

05 Jessica Sanchez sang How Will I Know by Whitney Houston-- Jen said your vocals are so amazing, your vocals make everything go away for me. Steven said, your voice is so fantastic, everything you do is so beautiful. Randy worked with Whitney on that song and said it was so effortless and mature. It was no Whitney, but Jessica was able to put her own stamp on this and held her own with a song that was a major hit in the 80s.
Score: 4.9

Elise Testone and Phillips sang Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks-- Steven said it couldn't have been better, as good as it gets. Jen imagined herself as one of the duet partners. I actually really liked this, it redeemed both of them tonight.

06 Hollie Cavanagh sang What a Feeling by Irene Cara-- Steven said the pitch was all over the place. Jen told her she was right in listening to what everyone around her says but when she gets up on stage she needs to forget all that, be in the moment, and perform. Randy agreed with Steven and Jen. It sounded like Hollie had an off night, it's almost like she's trying too hard to be technically perfect.
Score: 3.9

Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet sang I Knew You Were Waiting For Me by Aretha Franklin and George Michael-- Randy said two of the greatest singers to hit this competition. He said one of the greatest performances ever on this stage. Jen said, could this be the match up for the finals, you slayed it. Steven said so over the top it defies judging, only for enjoyment.

07 Colton Dixon sang Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper-- Jen really liked the performance. Randy praised how Colton, Joshua, and Phllip took the songs and made them their own. He also complimented on the arrangement, as did Steven. Both made shout outs to the drummer. Randy also talked about how current Colton is, and I agree. This is a sound that we're hearing on the radio right now, and I just love the natural rawness of Colton's voice.
Score: 4.9

08 Skylar Laine sang Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler-- Randy thought it was her best performance on the show to date. Jen said, you made a statement with that performance and said, don't count me out, amazing. Steven said it's the beginning of a great career for you girl, perfect song for your voice. Skylar made me feel every note, every lyric with this performance. She clearly moved Jennifer.
Score: 5

American Idol Season 11 The Semifinals: The Top 13 Guys

Fair note to my readers: I've been ill with a stomach virus for the past several days, but I am almost certain that I haven't been hallucinating. All critiques are spot on as they've always been.

From what I saw during auditions and the Hollywood rounds I expected more from this group of guys. The guys fell into one of two categories, they were either so good that they will move right into the next round, or they were so off that they have a 50/50 shot of getting there based on the fact that so many were so mediocre. It hasn't happened in a while, but this may be the year of the lady.

As usual, I will give each contestant a score from one to five, one being the worst, three being 50/50, and five being the best.

01 Reed Grimm sang Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5-- Reed does have talent but his vocals were mediocre. He did a jazzed up version of this song which sounded similar to elevator music. He is musical, but this wasn't the right song for him to do. Score: 3

02 Adam Brock sang Think by Aretha Franklin-- His voice is solid, but many before him have sang this song, and this version didn't blow me away. There were many times during Hollywood week where he moved me more than this. Score: 3

03 Deandre Brackensick sang Reasons by Earth, Wind, and Fire-- His voice may be a little quiet or weak in parts, but it is definitely on pitch. He actually hits a couple of really amazing notes. Jennifer calls his voice perfect. Randy says he's pulling for him. Overall, I liked this performance. Score: 4

04 Colton Dixon sang Decode by Paramore-- Hmmm, this was a little bit of a confusing performance for me. I think Colton is better than what this performance was. Randy acted like we've never had a rocker or alternative rocker perform on American Idol before and we've had several of them over the years: David Cook, James Durbin, Adam Lambert, Bo Bice, Chris Daughtry, Allison Iraheta, just to name a few. To me, he is a relevant artist as Jennifer said, but this was not a great performance. Score: 3

05 Jeremy Rosado sang Gravity by Sara Bareilles-- Steven said he couldn't have picked a better song; I agree. Jennifer said, when you open your mouth, you affect people, and I forget that I'm a judge. The best of the night so far. He should be around going forward. Score 4.25

06 Aaron Marcellus sang Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5-- Randy said beautiful vocals. Jennifer said, I've always believed in you. Steven called him the whole package. I don't think it was great because I have heard others sing it better, but it was a good performance. Score: 4

07 Chase Likens sang Storm Warning by Hunter Hays-- Chase looks the part and seems like a nice country guy, but the vocals weren't all that special. Jen says he sounded great and has grown a lot in this competition. Maybe he has more talent, but we didn't see it with this performance, it was much too safe. Score: 3

08 Creighton Fraker sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Jennifer says she doesn't want him to go home, and I don't think he will be. That was one of the stronger performances of the night vocally. I don't think it's the best I have heard him. Steven enjoyed his phrasing throughout the song, and I would agree with that. He puts a unique spin on everything he does. Score: 4

09 Phillip Phillips sang In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins-- Jennifer said, you are one of the most special talents we found this year. Randy said you remind me so much of Dave Matthews. His only criticism was that maybe the melody of the song was changed a little bit too much. Clearly though, Phillip should sail right through, he's a legitimate contender. Score: 4.5

10 Eben Franckewitz sang Set Fire to The Rain by Adele-- I don't think this performance was quite as disastrous as everyone made it out to be. Eben is only 15 years old, and for 15, he was pretty calm, cool, and collected. I give him that 50/50 shot of making it into the top group just like I gave to many of the other guys.
Score: 3

11 Heejun Han sang Angels by Robbie Williams-- Oh dear, this young man is entertaining, but this just did not work. The phrasing was not good at all, the vocals were off tonight, he was brilliant so many times before, but this was bad. Score: 3

12 Joshua Ledet sang You Pulled Me Through by Jennifer Hudson-- Randy loved it. Jennifer says your voice is so talented, your voice is from God. Steven said I love you voice. I agree on all accounts, this was on a different level than everyone else, best performance of the night. I would be both surprised and upset if he didn't make it through to the next round. Score: 5

13 Jermaine Jones sang Dance With My Father Again by Luther Vandross-- Considering that Jermaine has that genuine baritone voice that is often very difficult to manage, he did really well. He made a great song selection that made his voice shine. It was so good that it may even land him in the group of finalists. Score: 4