It’s the top 4! Wow the end is near and I can’t wait to see who will take the idol crown. Tonight, Martina McBride performs, as well as judge Harry Connick Jr. Another idol will be eliminated and this time they held the elimination in the middle part of the show and it’s a poor taste of idea because they even ask the eliminated contestant to sing. I mean, the person is way too emotional for that. Yikes. Anyway, the remaining idols will sing two (2) songs: Judges Hometowns and Soul songs. Hmmm. Another vague theme huh?
Here is how the night went..
ELIMINATED:
TYANNA JONES
RUN THE WORLD
– This is hard to critique. Of course, I would love to see her go out in fashion but the emotional state of her provide a shaky performance with so much flats and sharp notes here and there. Hmm. And she only sang 1 song so yeah. 4.5
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8. LIVING FOR THE CITY
Clark Beckham
– While there is energy behind this performance, Clark failed to connect fully and drawing us out to an almost messy delivery. The whole thing isn’t focused if that is the right term and the vocals here proved my theory in the previous weeks that his register in the recent weeks sound shrieky and thin when he tries to reach those high notes. The weird transition from the middle singing to him suddenly going a bit for a piano breakdown is jarring too. There are parts that he sounds really good but as a whole, this is a performance not as clean and focused as it was visioned for. 6
7. YOUR MAN
Clark Beckham
– Yup! Clark delivered his weakest performances in this crucial night and this is by far his weakest week. While I like the idea behind this performance, the risky moves from Clark and the bluesy, almost pop twist of the song would be a home run if only Clark put some connection in this performance. There is something missing in this performance for it to completely work. Maybe that sexy vibe that Harry was talking about is the missing link. But then, to be frank, the idea could work if it was executed spot on – even Clark’s vocals here are underwhelming. 6.5
6. EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
Jax
– If only she stayed on the piano the whole time, this could 100% be another great performance from Jax. The first half sounds great but the second half is messy. Her vocals were weak as well and the phrasing here is a little muddled. Oh, her voice sounds hoarsed too. 6.5
5. NEED YOU NOW
Rayvon Owen
– I like the pop ballad twist he bring out here albeit some theatrical moments making his delivery too much. The vocals were fine but it lacks that connection that could elevate this to another great Rayvon performance. 7
4. HUMAN
Jax
– Whoever that back up singer is, she screwed herself and Jax’s overall performance. Haha. That back up singer’s pitch is really off. I like Jax here. Her subtle moments were sublime. Her vocals sounded beautiful despite some pitch issues. Yeah. This was fine. 7.5
3. WHAT HURTS THE MOST
Nick Fradiani
– For third week in a row, Nick had a solid night! And this performance showed us a more rock ballad of Nick. Keeping his vocals tight, maybe need more loosening up, and the strong range that he displayed is really beautiful. This could’ve been his moment if only there are parts that he was a little stiff but he is going there. This is quite beautiful! Good job! 8
2. BELIEVE
Rayvon Owen
– This could pass as a potential coronation song if ever Rayvon will reach the finale no? The lyrics itself can speak volumes for a coronation song. But other than that.. this is actually a fantastic vocal performance from Rayvon. Sure, his phrasing is a little muddled but the overall impact is passionate and gorgeous. Really strong! 8
1. BRIGHT LIGHTS
Nick Fradiani
– This is an absolute treat. Yes, there is nothing really changed or unique from here but his vocals sounded so good. His pitch was on point. The stage presence was impeccable. His charisma is undeniable. The overall vocals were strong, solid and beautiful! Nick knows what kind of artist he wants to be and his delivery on this Matchbox 20 ditty is spot on gorgeous and compelling! 8.5
Of random paper notes; 