This is it! These are the final two episodes of American Idol. I'll say I'm definitely having a wide variety of emotions tonight but goodness knows I'll be a mess tomorrow. Part 1 of the finale is only an hour as the Top 2 contestants duke it out to be the Idol bookend to Kelly Clarkson. Like last week all of the remaining contestants will perform in Round 1 (the would be winner's single) before the elimination is announced. That's kinda cruel isn't it? "That was a great song! Would have been a great single! But you're already eliminated." Anyway, the Final 2 will then move on to the next two rounds, Simon Fuller's choice and the contestants' choice respectively. Who's going to win the night? Let's find out.
ROUND 1
Contestant: Trent Harmon
Song: "Falling"
Trent seems to be on an adrenaline rush tonight and he sells this song like his career depends on it (which it does of course). While this tune suits Trent very well....this is one of the strangest coronation songs I've heard on the show. And why does Keith already know the words? Did he sneak in to rehearsals? Do the judges get early access to the iTunes downloads? Either way, Trent did kick off the show with a bang and I'm hoping the rest of the hour is as high energy as these few minutes.
Judges Say: No judging this round. I'm guessing because sometimes the judges don't like the coronation songs and aren't shy about saying so.
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Contestant: Dalton Rappatoni
Song: "Strike a Match"So the lyrics to this song sound way more like a confetti grabber, but it's not really doing Dalton any favors vocally. The first verse is wayyy too low and he's trying like hell to make up for that in the chorus...but it's also evident that he has to try like hell to save this performance. I can't completely blame the song, but I do wish he'd been given something a little more Dalton-y.
Judges Say: Nadda.
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Contestant: La'Porsha Renae
Song: "Battles"
Out of the three songs, this is probably the best in terms of an "I won!" vibe combined with being radio ready. Additionally, whoever wrote the song might as well have asked La'Porsha her life story and then immediately broke out the pen, which made it very easy for her to sell. Trent my girl have tied in Round 1, but will they both make it to Round 2?
Judges Say: These guys are dyyyyyying to say something.
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When Round 1 ends, we say a tearful goodbye to Dalton. Congrats, kid, on making it this far. I know the judges kept telling you that it's not about competing with power vocals, but when the other two contestants are La'Porsha and Trent....it's all about competing with power vocals.
ROUND 2
Contestant: Trent Harmon
Song: "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
Interesting song choice, Mr. Fuller. Depending on the person singing this song it has the potential to be rather boring. However, Trent's rendition is dynamic and fantastic. I was initially concerned that Simon Fuller was doing Mr. Missisippi a disservice with this song choice...but instead he gave Trent a chance to show off his falsetto, his passion, and his showmanship all at the same time. Well done.
Judges Say: Keith loves the song and loves that Trent is going up against La'Porsha in the finale (don't we all?). He thinks it's going to be the closest race in American Idol history. JLo is all aglow tonight and agrees there is quite the battle tonight. Harry congratulates Simon on an incredible song choice.
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Contestant: La'Porsha Renae
Song: "A House Is Not a Home" by Dionne Warwick
Oh man. Remember when Tamyra Gray sang this in Season 1? Remember all the feels from those three and a half minutes? That performance was always a standout for me, but dayyyum La'Porsha owned this song tonight. She has a calmness about her for most of this performance, but we still get the payoff at the end with the big notes and the big heart to go with it. I think La'Porsha just belted out a Round 2 win. I don't care where the chair is or who's sitting in it.
Judges Say: JLo says this is one of her top 5 songs and calls La'Porsha's rendition beautiful. Harry compliments La'Porsha on never overdoing it in her performances so the meaning of the lyrics does not get lost along the way. He was moved by her performance. Keith says he needs a cigarette because the performance was smoldering. Ha!
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ROUND 3
Contestant: Trent Harmon
Song: "Chandelier" by Sia
Yes. Yes. And yes. This was such a smart song choice for Trent because it was hands down his best performance and solidified the "you should be in the finale" chatter we were starting to hear. Was it possible for Trent to improve on his previous performance? It sure was - this rendition is even BETTER. Trent is in it to win it! Side note: is Randy showing up tomorrow?
Judges Say: The audience is going crazy! Harry tells Trent he should be very proud of himself and says the performance was very strong. Keith compliments Trent's vocal transitions and JLo tells Trent he deserves to win. Okay Jenny. Chill out. There's still one performance left.
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Contestant: La'Porsha Renae
Song: "Diamonds" by Rihanna
I'm guessing La'Porsha couldn't go through another night of "No More Drama," which I would have looooved to see/hear again. Choosing "Diamonds" instead can't possibly hurt her chances to win tomorrow though...this performance is flawless. If Trent's falsetto hadn't been so crazy good a few minutes ago, I'd give Round 3 to La'Porsha without a second thought. I'm going to go with a tie instead (total cop out, I know).
Judges Say: The audience continues to go nuts and we're hearing "La-Porsh-a, La-porsh-a" chants. It's awesome and La'Porsha is very moved by the moment. Keith says she did a beautiful job and JLo can't wait to go to a La'Porsha concert someday. Harry tells La'Porsha she's incredible and asks who she was singing to in that performance. She, of course, says her baby girl and tears continue to flow.
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And with that, the final performances of the actual competition are over. It's in America's hands now. As a complete surprise to no one, I'm rooting for La'Porsha. The fact that Kelly Clarkson tweeted that she is also voting for La'Porsha and has never voted for any contestant ever has no weight in my decision. At all. I think La'Porsha is just freaking amazing and I want her to be the final victor and hopefully an Idol winner we hear a lot more from. I will say this though - Trent sure peaked at just the right time. He's been putting up quite a fight and it's entirely possible that tomorrow's confetti will fall on him, though I hope that's not the case. Who will win? Who will perform with who tomorrow? How many former Idol contestants will there really be? What will the surprises be? And really, what kind of fashion statement will JLo be making in her last Idol appearance? We only have a short time til we all say our goodbyes. Til then!
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