“American Idol” Recap: Top Five Sing Brit Pop Hits and ’60s Songs
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Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — American Idol‘s remaining five contestants performed Wednesday night for a spot in the top four next week. They took on songs from the ’60s in the first round and British pop in the second. Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band and The Sopranos fame joined Jimmy Iovine in mentoring the contestants this week. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler were on hand as usual.
Hollie Cavanagh started the ’60s round taking on Ike & Tina Turner’s “River Deep – Mountain High” backed up by a full horn section and four background singers. Phillip Phillips sang “The Letter” by The Box Tops, and Steven Van Zant liked the way Phillip changed it up. Skylar Laine tapped into her rebellious side for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” and really worked the stage for this one. Phillip teamed up with Joshua Ledet for a duet in the middle of the ’60s round on The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.”
Jessica Sanchez blew Steven Van Zant’s mind with her take on Ike & Tina Turner’s version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” in rehearsals. Jessica definitely gave off a Tina vibe as she worked the stage and growled her way through the chorus. Josha Ledet returned to sing “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations, once again turning in an old school ’60s R&B performance.
Hollie sang Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” to start the British Pop round. Steven Van Zant encouraged her to keep the performance intimate, and she really delivered on his direction. Phillip chose “Time of the Season” by The Zombies because it was a sexy song, and Jimmy thought Phillip’s charisma would take him far on this one.
Hollie, Jessica and Skylar formed a trio to sing Jackie Wilson’s late ’60s hit “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” Skylar returned to sing “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” by Dusty Springfield.
Jessica went with “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. She sang the entire song sitting down on a stage filled with billowing smoke and candles. Joshua Ledet closed out the night with the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody,” which he’d never heard before rehearsals. The judges gave him a standing ovation along with the rest of the audience.
Someone is going home on American Idol’s results show Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox. Coldplay and Carrie Underwood are slated to perform.
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