Clark Beckham, Jax and Nick Fradiani are the three contestants left on the competition and will be battling it out for the champion title next week.
- May 7, 2015
AceShowbiz - The final four singers of "American Idol" season 14 returned to the stage on Wednesday night, May 6 and only three would be left on the competition by the end of the show. Each of them sang three songs, one was judges' choice, the second one was Scotty B. choice and the other was a hometown tribute. They also got a chance to return home where they were welcomed with parades before the show.
Rayvon Owen sang first, delivering Jason Derulo's new hit "Want to Want Me". Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez said it was a great choice. Harry Connick Jr. also liked it, commenting, "I hear you primarily as a ballad singer, and that was by far the best up-tempo performance I have heard you do."
When he returned to the stage later that night, Rayvon took on Stevie Wonder's "As". Keith and J.Lo praised his look, with the latter adding that Rayvon's a "dark horse" who kept "coming back." Harry also had nothing but praises for Rayvon, saying that when Rayvon moved and danced it looked natural.
Rayvon also sang Ray Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" which was picked by the judges. Keith dubbed it "a beautiful song" for Rayvon. He also liked the arrangement. J.Lo "liked it too," but she thought it lacked the emotional connection. Harry disagreed, saying, "I did feel you were singing it emotionally."
Clark Beckham first sang U2's hit song "Beautiful Day" that night. J.Lo said the song suited his voice and she liked it that he was letting loose, but Harry felt that Clark's expressions were not consistent with the song's lyrics. Keith said Rayvon "should have risen up a little more with the band."
For his second song, Clark took on Otis Reading's song "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay". Harry began his comment by saying that behind-the-scenes footage of Clark let him know more about the Tennessee guy. As for the performance, he said it was "nice." Keith wanted to "see a little more struggle" from Clark, while J.Lo said it was "a really good performance" because she felt his heart on it.
Clark's third song was "Earned It" from "Fifty Shades of Grey". Harry advised him to find the intensity in the beginning of the song. J.Lo said Clark made the song his own and she had goosies.
Nick Fradiani's first song was "Because the Night" by Bruce Springsteen. Harry said it was "fantastic" and "strong." Keith said he got excited to hear Nick's song every week. J.Lo added that Nick "sang it great."
Nick later returned to the stage to perform "Back Home" by Andy Grammer. "Each week we see you getting better and better," J.Lo commented, adding that it's hard to choose between the final four. Harry was glad that Nick joined the competition.
Nick also sang "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. Harry loved the vocals and felt that Nick sang the underbelly of what the lyrics really mean. "You nailed that song," he added. Keith believed it would've been a hit if it were a Nick original, and J.Lo called it "perfect."
Jax sang "My Generation" by The Who as her first song that night. "Jax that was friggin awesome!" Keith gushed, adding that it was her best performance on the show. J.Lo agreed, saying, "It was perfect for you. You killed that!" Harry also said it was Jax's best performance so far.
For his second performance, Jax covered "My Immortal" by Evanescence. J.Lo loved that Jax "chose to do it really soft and intimate." Harry said they ran out of time, so he just agreed with what J.Lo said.
Jax's third song was "Misery Business" by Paramore which was chosen the judges. The judges were disappointed with the outcome, as Keith said the arrangement was "odd." Harry added, "To me that one wasn't as strong as your previous two."
Following the performances, the results were announced and Rayvon landed in the bottom place so he was eliminated. Clark, Jax and Nick get into the finals, which will air next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chris Brown, the Jacksons and Ricky Martin have just been announced to perform in the second part of the two-night finale. They join other performers including Fall Out Boy, Janelle Monae, Prince Royce, New Kids on the Block, Pitbull, Jamie Foxx and Steven Tyler. The judges are also set to perform next Wednesday.
