Division: Seacrest Bracket
The Match-Up: #3 Melinda Doolittle vs. #6 Vonzell Solomon
Idol Thoughts Prediction: In this battle of the third place finishers, I'm guessing Melinda will prevail handily -- perhaps as much as 70%-30%?
With this year's finale right around the corner, it's time to rank the Ten Best 'Top 3' Performances of all time. This is a round that has produced some of the most memorable performances in Idol history. Interestingly, while four of the five winners have a performance that made the list, the top 4 spots are actually taken by runners-up.
Reminder: This year's performances are not eligible for the Ten Best lists.
Here we go...
1. Katharine McPhee, "Over the Rainbow"
When it was first announced that Simon Cowell had chosen this song for Katharine to sing, I'm sure there was a lot of eye-rolling going on around the country (my own eyes included). But when she appeared on screen, looking gorgeous as she draped herself across the floor, and started singing the rarely-sung opening a capella, all doubts immediately vanished. Rarely have a song and singer merged so beautifully on the Idol stage, as Katharine gave an emotional, moving, incredibly well-sung and interpreted performance. This is one of the most dazzling performances in Idol history.
2. Bo Bice, "In a Dream"
There has been a lot of talk about all of the risks Blake Lewis has taken this season, but one of the biggest risks in Idol history came when Bo Bice elected to sing, completely a capella, the little-known song "In a Dream." Not only did he sound great, and do something that no performer had done before him (or, for that matter, since), he reminded us what the Idol competition is all about -- pure voice. They start their Idol experience by singing a capella in front of the judges, and Bo completed the circle by doing the same thing in the Top 3. Totally balls-y and totally fantastic.
3. Diana Degarmo, "Don't Cry Out Loud"
Who would have thought that a treacly 70's ballad by Melissa Machester could have such life in 2004? Diana's style may not have been to everyone's liking, but as her voice soared on the choruses of this tune ("Don't cry out looooooooooooooooud") it became impossible for even her biggest detractors to acknowledge how much talent this teenager had.
4. Clay Aiken, "Unchained Melody"
We've heard many times throughout the seasons that this is Simon Cowell's favorite song, but of all the contestants who have attempted to do it justice, Clay is the only one who has succeeded (Kellie Pickler's Season 5 rendition ranks as one of the very worst). Although we hardly needed another reminder, this performance confirmed that Clay's voice was truly magical.
5. Kelly Clarkson, "Without You"
This is probably one of the most challenging songs ever tackled on the Idol stage, and Kelly managed to make Mariah Carey's rendition look practically irrelevant after wrapping her golden voice around the tune. Somehow she managed to step it up even further on her results show performance of the song -- in fact, if I could have included Kelly's results show performance on this list it probably would have grabbed the #1 spot. It was readily apparent by this point in Season 1 that Ms. C could do no wrong.
6. Kimberley Locke, "Inseparable"
Kimberley didn't have a chance in hell at making the finals in Season 2, but it didn't stop her from performing her heart out. All three of her performances that evening were fantastic, but best of all was this Toni Braxton number, which perfectly suited K-Lo's rich, sultry tones. She wasn't going to go any futher in the competition, but she certainly left the viewers with a good taste in their mouths.
7. Taylor Hicks, "Try a Little Tenderness"
Once Chris Daughtry had gotten the boot back in Season 5 it was pretty clear Taylor was going to take the title, and he made further strides at securing his claim to the top spot with this spirited performance. It was just the trick to get his "Soul Patrol" all fired up, and may have even gained him a new fans in the process. The question is -- where did all those fans go?
8. Carrie Underwood, "Making Love Out of Nothing At All"
I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Carrie Underwood + 80's power ballad = sheer bliss. While this performance didn't have quite the punch of her earlier triumph "Alone," wailing the Air Supply tune helped her show she could do more than sing contemporary country tunes.
9. Elliott Yamin, "I Believe to My Soul"
The true sign of a great Idol performance is when a contestant can sing an unknown song and really make it work. Elliott accomplished this feat with his final performance of the season, taking the little known tune and using a combination of soulful vocal licks and his undeniably likeable personality to hit this one completely out of the ballpark. He may not have made it to the finals, but he's a winner in my book.
10. Ruben Studdard, "Smile"
I thought it was a strange song choice back in Season 2, but in retrospect this was a perfect choice for the Velvet Teddy Bear. It was his smile, after all, that had first endeared him to the audience, and singing the Charlie Chaplin number reminded viewers just why they fell in love with him in the first place.
Honorable Mentions:
Carrie Underwood, "Cryin'"
Clay Aiken, "Mack the Knife"
Fantasia, "A Fool in Love"
Fantasia, "Chain of Fools"
Justin Guarini, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down"
Justin Guarini, "Let's Stay Together"
Kelly Clarkson, "Think Twice"
Kimberley Locke, "Band of Gold"
Ruben Studdard, "If Ever You're In My Arms Again"
Vonzell Solomon, "On the Radio"
Read more American Idol Best-Of Lists
Now that we have gotten to the Top 3, these rankings become much more subjective -- all of these contestants were fantastic (well, all of them except Nikki -- really, let's be honest), so ranking them is, above all, a matter of personal taste. Remember, these rankings are determined on American Idol performances only, not on what the contestants have accomplished since their time on the show.
1. Melinda Doolittle (Season 6)
Best Known For: Being a former back-up singer; humble demeanor; remarkably consistent performances
Best Performance: "My Funny Valentine," "I've Got Rythym," "Have a Nice Day," "Nutbush City Limits," and the list goes on
Worst Performance: Not a stinker in the bunch, but if I had to name one I'd go with "I Believe in You and Me"
Post-AI: Hopefully great things...
2. Elliott Yamin (Season 5)
Best Known For: Season 5's underdog; moving backstory -- juvenile diabetes, deaf in one ear
Best Performance: "Song for You," "Trouble"
Worst Performance: Again, not a stinker in the bunch -- if I had to name one, I'd go with "Open Arms" (which I still kinda loved)
Post AI: Released a self-titled CD in March; single "Wait for You" is currently in the Top 30 on the pop chart; national tour begins today
3. Kimberley Locke (Season 2)
Best Known For: Sparring with Simon in her semifinal audition; dueting with Frenchie on "Band of Gold" during Hollywood week; Season 2's underdog
Best Performance: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "New York State of Mind," "Inseparable"
Worst Performance: "Heat Wave"
Post AI: Debut CD spawned a couple of Adult Contemporary hits, including "8th World Wonder"; new CD "Based on a True Story" was released two weeks ago; modeled for Lane Bryant; appearing on Celebrity Fit Clubl; current single "Change" in the Top 10 on the Mainstream AC chart
4. Vonzell Solomon (Season 4)
Best Known For: Being an endlessly cheery postal worker; Season 4's underdog
Best Performance: "I'm Every Woman"
Worst Performance: "Respect"
Post AI: Working on recording an album -- we're waiting Baby V!
5. Jasmine Trias (Season 3)
Best Known For: One of Season 3's two Hawaiian contestants; wearing a flower behind her ear
Best Performance: "Inseparable"
Worst Performance: "Breathe"
Post AI: Released a successful CD in the Phillippines, where she is a huge star
6. Nikki McKibbin (Season 1)
Best Known For: Idol's first-ever "rocker"; outlasting Tamyra Gray
Best Performance: "Mary Jane"
Worst Performance: Most of the others, but the biggest offender is probably "Ben"
Post AI: Has yet to release a CD, but has appeared on several reality shows, including Fear Factor and Battle of the Network Stars
Read more American Idol News/Recaps/Commentary
Read more American Idol Best-Of Lists
It all comes down to this: Blake Lewis. Melinda Doolittle. Jordin Sparks.
Click here to read Song Spoilers for Tuesday's Show
Click here to read Ten Best 'Top 4' Performances of All Time
I have to say, I don't think there has even been a tighter Top 3. Notice, I use the word "tighter" and not "best," because, truth be told, I'm not sure this is the best Top 3, cumulatively. There is no Kelly Clarkson in the bunch, no Carrie Underwood or Clay Aiken -- in other words, no single contestant who can rank in the pantheon of "greatest Idol contestants" ever.
What we do have, however, is three very different performers, and, for the first time, three possible winners. In my eyes, there is no clear-cut favorite at this point, as there was in the past with Kelly, Fantasia, Carrie, and Taylor. In fact, the last time there was such a fierce battle this close to the end was back in Season 2, when Clay and Ruben were duking it out for the title. Think about it -- Nikki, Kimberley Locke, Jasmine and Diana, Vonzell, Elliott -- as talented as some of these contestants were, none of them really had a shot at taking home the prize. But I could easily forsee a Blake victory, a Jordin victory, or a Melinda victory. That makes for an unpredicatable and, hopefully, very exciting Top 3 show.
As I have done since the start of the Top 12, I will try and predict who is in danger going into this week. As always, song choice and performance order could impact what happens, but for now, here are my thoughts...
Jordin Sparks
Jordin has all the makings of an Idol champion -- she's youthful and very marketable, she knows how to nail a high note, and her fan base has been growing each week. I can't help but sense a bit of a Jordin backlash brewing (not helped by the fact the producers clearly want her to win), but I think she has engendered enough goodwill over the past five or six weeks to advance to the finals, if not win the whole thing. She's the only contestant capable of hitting thrilling high notes, which, let's be honest, is a pretty necessary staple of American Idol finales. It's hard to imagine she won't make it to the Top 2.
Chances of going home: 20%
Melinda Doolittle
I've been nervous about Melinda the last few weeks, afraid that her remarkably consistent performances might lead her fans to get complacent and forget to vote for her. She managed to avoid ever facing a Bottom 3 showing, which would seem to indicate she's got the support necessary to make it to the finals. And I'm feeling confident she will raise her game after being criticized last week for not stepping far enough out of her comfort zone. The question is, then --wll the youth support for Jordin and Blake be her undoing? If she comes out tomorrow night and knocks it out of the park, I think she'll be okay.
Chances of going home: 30%
Blake Lewis
Blake is, without a doubt, the most original contestant the show has ever had. His originality, however, might be his undoing -- he is a very divisive contestant, with some people absolutely loving him, and others hating him with equal passion. There's no question his supporters will be working overtime to try to get their boy into the Top 2, but I'm guessing his ultimate undoing is going to be his voice. Can we really anoint a winner who isn't in the same league, vocally, as his two other competitors? Will marketability and musical originality win out over sheer vocal chops? In the end, American Idol is a singing competition, and I think the voters are going to choose two contestants for the finale who, quite simply, have the best voices. And as much as I love Blake, he is not one of those contestants.
Chances of going home: 50%
So, there it is...the way I see it, we're in store for a Jordin vs. Melinda finale. Let's see what happens...
Yep, it's time to rank the Ten Best 'Top 4' Performances of all time. There were actually fewer standouts than there were back in the Top 5, but the list still includes some classic performances, including four of the five winners, three runners-up, and two tunes from Elliott Yamin. I've also included some honorable mentions. Here we go...
1. Kelly Clarkson, "I Surrender"
Yes, I know this performance was not vocally perfect, and Kelly's voice sounded a bit ragged, but, to me, this is one of the most dramatic performances ever seen on the Idol stage, and the imperfections in Kelly's vocals make the performance that much more stirring. Simply stunning.
2. Diana Degarmo, "No More Tears"
Taking on the combined vocal talents of Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer is no easy feat, but Diana more than rose to the challenge back in Season 3, providing one of the most thrilling vocal performances of that season. This is the performance that propelled Diana toward the finals.
3. Elliott Yamin, "Trouble"
Most folks had written Elliott off coming into the Top 4, thinking Taylor, Katharine and Chris were locks to get to the next round. But with his rousing, soulful, attitude-filled version of this Elvis song, Elliott made clear he wasn't giving up that easily.
4. Justin Guarini, "Get Here"
Justin made Paula cry with this song in the Hollywood round, and he wisely saved it for the Top 4 to reprise it. Perfectly suiting his vocals, this was, in my opinion, Justin's strongest performance of the competition.
5. Taylor Hicks, "In The Ghetto"
It's no secret that I was not Taylor's biggest fan, but he won me over big time with his rendition of this Elvis Presley song, ditching many of his Taylor-isms to give the song some serious soul and gravitas. Easily my favorite Taylor performance ever.
6. Clay Aiken, "To Love Somebody"
Jordin got lots of praise for her rendition last week, but in my mind Clay's is the definitive Idol version of this song. Combine that soaring voice with the beautiful swell of the music, and how could you go wrong?
7. Carrie Underwood, "Sin Wagon"
Whenever you combined Carrie's spot-on vocals with contemporary female country singers, she hit it out of the park, and her rendition of this Dixie Chicks tune is no exception. This song allowed Carrie to show off her fun and flirty side, which no doubt helped her take the title over Bo Bice a few weeks later.
8. Vonzell Solomon, "Don't Leave Me This Way"
Vonzell must have been a disco queen in another lifetime, I have no doubt. As she wailed this 70's classic, she showed why she deserved a spot in the Top 3.
9. Elliott Yamin, "If I Can Dream"
Yep, it was Elliott's night during the Top 4 last season, as he injected this Elvis ballad with trademark Yamin vocal licks and soul. I'd take this version over the creepy Celine Dion/Elvis duet any day.
10. Ruben Studdard, "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart"
When Ruben just stood there, infusing the perfectly written 70's classic with his patented booming, soulful sound, he couldn't go wrong. This was a much better fit for Ruben than it was for Melinda this year (although, to be fair, Melinda did tear up the final notes).
Honorable Mentions:
Anthony Fedorov, "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
Diana Degarmo, "This is It"
Fantasia, "Holding Out For a Hero"
Josh Gracin, "To Love Somebody"
Nikki McKibben, "Mary Jane"
Ruben Studdard, "Nights on Broadway"
Tamyra Gray, "Feel the Fire"
Yep, it's time again to take a glance backward into Idol history, to choose the Ten Best 'Top 7' performances of all time. This list is dominated by women, although two rockin' men manage to sneak on. In addition only two winners appear on the list, with two famously evicted-before-their-time contestants grab the top two spots.
(As a reminder, performances from the current season are not eligible for on any of these Ten Best lists)
Ten Best Top 8 Performances of All Time
Ranking the 8th PLace Finishers
Ranking the 9th Place Finishers
Ten Best Top 9 Performances of All Time
Ranking the 10th Place Finishers
Ten Best Top 10 Performances of All Time
Ten Best Top 11 Performances of All Time
Ten Best First Finals Performances
Ten Best Semifinals Performances of All Time
1. Jennifer Hudson, "Weekend in New England"
It would have been a travesty if Jennifer Hudson had been voted off after any of her performances on American Idol, but it was particularly devastating that she got the boot after this showstopper, which, as far as I'm concerned, is one of the best performances ever seen on AI. It was here that we got a glimpse of what we would later see in droves in Dreamgirls -- that soaring voice and that ability to take a song and infuse it with such emotion that it, as guest coach Barry Manilow said, transcends "to another level." Simply magnificent.
2. Tamyra Gray, "If I Were Your Woman"
As I wrote in my post Is Sanjaya (Gulp) The Second Coming of Tamyra Gray, Tamyra, better than any contestant before or after, totally threw herself into that week's theme, embracing not just the music but the style as well. For 70's week, she appeared resplendant in an afro, long flowy skirt, and barefoot, to blow away the judges and audience with this Gladys Knight hit. One of Tamyra's best performances.
3. Vonzell Solomon, "I'm Every Woman"
Baby V was in the shadows of Carrie, Bo, and Constantine up until this point, but when she unleashed her inner diva on this Chaka Khan classic, she made sure she was in the shadows no longer. Hitting some of the highest notes that have ever been sung on the show, Vonzell announced she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
4. Kimberley Locke, "New York State of Mind"
Kimberley had stuggled mightily the first few weeks of the competition to get into the good graces of the audience, but when she wrapped her golden vocals around the Billy Joel gem, giving the song a sultry, jazzy spin, she sewed up their love and affection once and for all.
5. Christina Christian, "Ain't No Sunshine"
Sometimes a song and performer meet and magic can happen. Christina certainly wasn't Season 1's strongest vocalist, but when she used her smoldering good looks and pleasent-enough vocals on this Bill Wither's tune, the result was, indeed, somewhat magical.
6. Bo Bice, "Vehicle"
Bo + classic rock = great performance. That formula worked several times for Season 4's rocker, and this may have been the best combination of the two. This performance was so good, it ended up the B-side of his single (featuring Richie Sambora on guitar).
7. Katharine McPhee, "Someone to Watch Over Me"
As far as I'm concerned, Katharine never sounds better than when she is singing standards ("Come Rain or Come Shine," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow") and her performance of this Ella Fitgerald gem is no exception. Looking magnificent and sounding just as good, this is Katharine in her true element.
8. Fantasia, "It's A Miracle"
'Tasia goes to church! This is one of the strangest performances ever seen on Idol (with cut-aways to Fantasia's mother and daughter watching from backstage), but there is no denying the sheer force of energy and passion this girl can bring to a song. I loved it.
9. Chris Daughtry, "It's A Wonderful World"
Proving he was capable of showing a softer side, Chris wrapped his vocals around the tender song, providing an unexpectedly moving musical moment from the rocker. True, he didn't smile much, but he did show he's capable of more than just rockin' out.
10. Kelly Clarkson, "Don't Play That Song"
Even though I had never heard this song, Kelly sold it, riffing like crazy toward the end. Definitely not Ms. C's strongest performance of the competition, but it proved she could sing anything and make it work.
Yes, it's that time again. In anticipation of this week's Top 10, here is my list of the Ten Best Top 10 Performances of all time.
Click here to read Ten Best Semifinal Performances, Ten Best First Finals Performances, and Ten Best Top 11 Performances.
Please note, due to the fact that Kelly Clarkson's "You're All I Need" and Tamyra Gray's "Touch Me in the Morning" were included on the Ten Best First Finals Performance list even though they were Top 10 Performances, this list has only 8 entries. Had they been included, Kelly would have been #1 on this list, with Tamyra clocking in at #5.
1. Ruben Studdard, "Sweet Home Alabama"
"Superstar" may be his signature song, but this is the performance that really sealed the deal on what Ruben had to offer the competition -- a great big voice with a ridiculously infectious smile to match. Joyfully singing about his homestate with a huge 205 t-shirt on, Ruben was about as lovable a contestant as there has been on American Idol, and this performance personifies why.
2. Taylor Hicks, "Trouble"
To some, even at this point in the competition, Taylor was simply a novelty act, but this performance of the little known Ray Lamontaigne song showed that Taylor had a real voice to go with his quirky personality.
3. Bo Bice, "Remedy"
4. Constantine Maroulis, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
This was the round when it became clear what the differences between the two Season 4 rockers were. Both Bo and Constantine gave great performances this week, Bo rockin' out on "Remedy" and Constantine sounding better than he had the whole competition on a surprisingly understated take on "I Can't Make You Love Me." Had Constantine left the rockin' to Bo, instead of making the ill-advised choice of trying to prove his credibility by singing Nickelback in the Top 6, he might have gone further in the competition.
5. Carrie Underwood, "Independence Day"
Carrie sang the hell out of this Martina McBride song two years ago -- now she is outselling her idol and beating her at award shows. This kind of country pop is Carrie's bread and butter, and has helped her sell over 5 million albums.
6. Kimberley Locke, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
Kimberley's smoky vocal tone and quality is the perfect match for this Bonnie Raitt song, and she shows off her control to excellent effect. I am convinced that had she been dressed better (her jeans and top made her look a bit too casual) this performance would have been much more better-received. As is, it egregiously landed her in the Bottom 3.
7. Vonzell Solomon, "I Have Nothing"
Yes, this song has been sung ad nauseum on the show, but Baby V managed to give it her own twist in Season 4, easily scaling the Whitney high-notes. Until this point in the competition, Vonzell wasn't taken very seriously as a contender. After this performance, though, even Simon had to admit he was impressed.
8. Elliott Yamin, "I Don't Wanna Be"
Elliott knew he was taking a risk singing a song Bo Bice had gotten great acclaim for during the previous season, but he took it on anyways, infusing it with a soul and texture that had been missing from Bice's more straight-up rock version. This performance closed the Top 10 in Season 5, and was the first time Elliott looked truly relaxed and like he was having fun on stage. He nailed it.
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