The Road to the American Idol Finale

Written by Danielle Desmond and Heather Brown

I really didn’t think we would see Phillip Phillips in the finale this week, but sadly over the past couple weeks America has voted off sweet Hollie Cavanagh and Gospel sensation Joshua Ledet. This is one of the most painful times to be voted off; Hollie was eliminated right before the hometown visit, and Joshua just missed the finale.

I think everyone knew Hollie would not make it to the hometown episode after an uneventful rendition of Journey’s Faithfully. Everyone in the world knows this song and it touches each of us differently and Hollie unfortunately couldn’t get us there. When you are this far into the competition you can’t just sing well, you have to have everyone remember your performance. Technically, she did sing fine, but with a popular tune it needs to be perfect. Her second song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt fell just as short too. Hollie just wasn’t old enough to understand the heart-wrenching emotions of unrequited love, and she again kept the audience at a distance from emotional connection.

Next on the chopping block right before the finale, probably the worst place to be voted off was Joshua Ledet. Joshua brought his powerful voice, unforgettable dance moves, and humble attitude every week delivering standing ovation performances. I was very surprised to see him go, especially after his inspirational hometown visit to Louisiana.

The Top 3 performers had three rounds of singing, first round songs were chosen by the judges, second round a song of their choosing, and the third round they had to perform a song chosen by their music mentor Jimmy Iovine. Host, Ryan Seacrest mentioned that this was the closest race American Idol has ever seen. 

Jessica Sanchez has truly won the heart of not only America but Steven Tyler who said that he truly believes she will be the last one standing. Phillip Phillips really rocked out and had Randy Jackson rooting for him and yelling “YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE AND WE LOVE IT” The judges also praised Joshua but sadly someone has to be voted off.

The results show included performances from former Idol contestant, Adam Lambert, and rock star Lisa Marie Presley who both have new albums out!  After performances, Ryan Seacrest read the fateful results sending Joshua Ledet home one week before the finale.

Still standing is the young and vociferous Jessica Sanchez and guitar playing heart throb Phillip Phillips. The Two-Night Season Finale airs Tues/Wed on Fox with the Top 12 performers returning to perform along with some other surprise performances. Don’t forget to tune in and vote!

Will Jessica Sanchez break the streak and be the first girl to win American Idol since Season 6?