Who's daring enough to make a prediction?
The "American Idol" 2012 Top 3 --Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet andPhillip Phillips -- each performed three songs Wednesday night, but who has emerged as a clear-cut favorite?
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most talented Top 3 in "Idol" history.
And that's meant as a knock against last season's Top 3: Winner Scotty McCreery, runner-up Lauren Alainaand gravelly voiced Haley Reinhart.
After three songs and a recap of each hometown visit, the voting could go in so many different directions.
Personally, I still think Joshua and Jessica have the edge to be in next week's finale, and I'm also going to stick with my original pick of Jessica Sanchez to win it all.
But you never know.
Here is my Top 3 recap of Wednesday night's performances:
Joshua Ledet
First Song (Judge's Choice): Randy Jackson says the judges pick out Etta James' "I'd Rather Be Blind," and well know what we're going to get -- Joshua doing a screechy, R&B scat that brings down the house. He's getting to be predictable -- as in "predictably good."
Second Song (Artist's Choice): This includes the hometown visit, and it's inspiring to see all the excitement support. He picks "Imagine," the John Lennon classic that on first blush doesn't seem like the right fit for his big voice. But it works, and he brings out those cool vocal runs. A beautiful rendition.
Third Song (Jimmy's Choice): The season-long mentor is expecting big moments for Joshua on "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige. He gets a little jumpy during the chorus, and for me, comes across as a little too forced. The judges, however, love it.
Jessica Sanchez
First Song (Judge's Choice): Jennifer Lopez says they pick Mariah Carey's "My All," which is a perfect selection. She has the chops to pull it off. But tonight she's a little pitchy, and not her usual flawless self. Jennifer even notices it [sic] by saying, "That's a hard song. You did it in your own way." Steven Tyler said, "In a crazy kind of way, you'll be the last one standing." She has two more songs to rebound.
Second Song (Artist's Choice): Sometimes the 16-year-old comes across like a little diva in the making, but it was good to see her let her guard down on her hometown visit. She tackles Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." Gutsy. Steven Tyler gives her a standing ovation. "You just took a great song and made it greater," he says.
Third Song (Jimmy's Choice): I was not too sure about the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," but it works -- her voice soars and she looks and sounds like a star. Randy Jackson is the only judge who is critical. "It needed a moment moment," he says. Boo, Randy.
Phillip Phillips
First Song (Judge's Choice): Steven Tyler says they pick "Beggin'" by Madcon -- originally recorded by the Four Seasons. Steven says he could be the next Bruce Springsteen. Huh? Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Phillip in concert, but The Boss? It's a little early for those comparisons.
Second Song (Artist's Choice): The most emotional hometown visit of three, Phillip is moved to tears during the hometown parade. He will sway votes on that visit alone. He sings a sax-driven version of "Disease" by Matchbox Twenty, which gets extra cool points for the bongs. But it's way too safe. Even Jennifer Lopez admits it was "too easy." Steven Tyler says it was over the top. And even Randy Jackson piles on and says he wanted a "bigger look. It was just OK."
Third Song (Jimmy's Choice): Love this song choice, being from Michigan and all. "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger is a challenge for any singer, and it's even more of a challenge for Phillips, whose voice is several octaves higher than Seger's. But he gets a standing ovation from the judges. Randy Jackson said it was his best song of the season! "It was sweet; just like a lullaby," Jennifer says. Judge Steven Tyler gets bleeped. But he loved it.
So there you have it.
What are your predictions?
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