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Whoever was knocked out last night it was going to be a shock. But I didn’t expect it to be as big a shock as this. Joshua Ledet was eliminated.

From the judges’ comments and from the fact she was the one that had been in the bottom 2 before, I expected Jessica Sanchez to go. Still, her performances had been amazing. Phillip Phillips’ song choice caused some negative comments and on one song judge Randy Jackson said he was “just OK,” which also put him in danger n my mind.

But Joshua Ledet flew under the radar for once. Never as amazing as he has been in previous shows, but never doing anything particularly wrong either in Wednesday’s performance show, he was the one person I fully expected to see in the final.

But no. He failed to pull in the public votes and so Phillip Phillips, who has not been in the Bottom 2 but who hasn’t always received rave reviews from the judges, and the once-eliminated, but saved by the judges, Jessica Sanchez have advanced to the final.

Next week, one of them will be crowned ‘American Idol’ champion.

Southern singer Joshua Ledet gave one of his most passionate performances after hearing the elimination news, with his reprise of the soul classic, ‘It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,’ which Randy Jackson had declared the best ‘American Idol’ performance ever on its first airing from Joshua.

Earlier this month, after performing ‘To Love Somebody,’ by the Bee Gees, Jackson had also said that Joshua’s time on the show would always be a high mark in the competition’s history.

“You’re one of the best singers on this show. Ever. Ever. No matter what goes down, you’re one of the best singers ever on this show… That was incredible. Nobody can do that better,” he said at the time.

And Jennifer went one step further.

“I think you’re one of the best singers I’ve seen in 50 years.”

Joshua hugged a clearly upset judge Jennifer Lopez before he left the stage.

‘American Idol’ returns for the Season 11 Final, from L.A. Live, on Wednesday at 8/7c on FOX. Are you shocked that Joshua Ledet won’t be in it?

The contestants had to perform three songs in the semi-finals; could they being their ‘A’ game along for all of those? Would a favorite slip up at the (almost) final hurdle?

The three songs each contestant performed were one the ‘American Idol’ judges chose for them, one that mentor Jimmy Iovine picked for them and one selected by the contestants themselves. It was sure to bring out some amazing classics, but how did our Idol contestants cope with them?

The first round was the judges’ choice of songs.

First up was Joshua Ledet singing ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ by Etta James. Now I know Etta James was great and all that but this doesn’t rate on my Top 100 Favorite Songs, so I was kind of with Randy’s unspoken criticism here when he said, “I hope you can bring your touch to modern times.” Yes he’s a “throwback” as Jennifer said, but he has an amazing voice and I really hope he stays current. “This [was] another Joshua moment,” as Steven pointed out, but I’d rather have heard him sing something current, or at least a better ‘classic’ than this one.

Next, Jessica Sanchez sang ‘My All’ by Mariah Carey which had Steven predicting a Jessica win. “That was absolutely beautiful, the right song for you, excellent,” said Randy and Jennifer complimented her for putting her own spin on the song. It was a strong performance on an emotional song. The stuff of which ‘American Idol’ winners are made.

Phillip Phillips completed our trio with ‘Begging’ by Mankind, not a song I know well but I appreciated Phillip doing his own thing on it. “We were just at the Phil Phillips concert,” said Randy. “You are in the zone, you have a good time, another incredible performance by you, you are who you are and we love it.” Jennifer said he caught the groove in the song. I was most excited by Steven saying that he hopes Phillip will write his own songs “because you could be the new Springsteen.” Squeal!

Then there came some confusing discussion about which of our three remaining contestants won that round. Phillip was the only one to get a standing ovation from the judges, so you’d expect them all to choose Phillip, right? Wrong! Jennifer got with the program and picked Phillip, and at least Steven didn’t commit, but Randy preferred Joshua. So why wasn’t he on his feet for the guy earlier? Anyway – important point – no one picked Jessica, who has so far been the darling of the show in the judges’ eyes.

The contestants got to choose their own songs for round two and this is often where things can go wrong. But I couldn’t wait to see what Phillip chose for himself. But first up was Joshua, after some footage of his hometown visit to Westlake, Louisiana. He made me laugh saying that the very excited fans thought he was Barack Obama. He took his beautiful little niece Chloe with him in the limo for the parade, at which Joshua acted like a politician! He was waving and kissing babies all over the place. After a stop at his school to meet more adoring fans, Joshua played a concert at Burton Coliseum. The concert began in style with “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and ended in fireworks.

Back in the studio, Joshua Ledet performed his own choice of ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. Now this really is one of my favorite songs of all time and I find it very emotional, so I was a little perturbed by Randy asking Joshua, “Why did you choose this song?” Surely he wasn’t going to criticize it! My heart sank a little further as Joshua replied that he heard it on the way to the show. I was getting worried when Randy continued, “Everything you sing should touch you,” but no, we were OK; he was building up to a compliment: “You dig deep into the lyric and the performance, another stellar performance, I love that, Brilliant dude.” Jennifer called it “beautiful,” and she told Joshua he was special for the vulnerability and courage he shows in his performances. Steven said, “It was beautiful, another ‘thank you, God’ moment, every time you take it over the top because you are so fine.” I love Steven… I mean…Joshua.

Next we saw Jessica Sanchez’ home town visit to Chula Vista, California, where she travels by helicopter, landing in the football field where it all began with her audition. Jessica promises to win the competition for her family. A bold statement from the youngster, although she had to be riding pretty high knowing that the judges used their one and only save on her. She has to hope the American public has fallen back in love with her, though, because only they can make her ‘American Idol’ winner, or keep her in until the final. She got a day named after her, though. Her concert was at USS Midway Museum, where Jessica sang ‘Dance With My Father’ for her dad that is overseas. I’m trying not to be unkind but the song doesn’t carry anywhere near as much gravitas when the father in question isn’t dead.

Her song choice of ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’ by Aerosmith surprised me. In a good way. It was a tough hill to climb, as Randy pointed out but as he said, she certainly delivered. Jennifer said, “You don’t know what a big deal that is, he has never said a good thing about someone who sang his songs, really good job baby.” Steven said, “You just took a great song and made it greater, beautiful.” That was a massive leap up from her first song and now she’s given me an earrworm.

Phillip Phillips was the last one to perform his choice of song, but first we saw his hometown visit home to Leesburg, Georgia. He went to the pawn shop to visit his very, very proud dad and then they went home to his mom and sisters. This is just a beautiful, loving family. I’m not saying the others aren’t, but I was truly touched by how affectionate and proud of Phillip these people are. I’m trying not to cry even now as I write about it. He was still clearly overwhelmed by the fans’ support at his concert.

Aaannddd then we crashed. I knew how this was going to go as soon as Phillip said his choice of song was ‘Disease’ by Matchbox 20. The judges were clearly underwhelmed and I was left staring at my TV screen mourning a lost opportunity. “It was such a subdued moment, you can do that in your sleep, it was just ok,” said Randy. Jennifer said it was an easy performance too and it was. Not “the wow performance that we are needing right now.” Steven agreed and for a moment I didn’t want to watch the rest of the show.

But of course I did! It was Jimmy Iovine’s choice next and this was bound to be fun, even though we didn’t get to see him sabotage Hollie Cavanagh or Skylar Laine because we all know how much he loved them.

Joshua Ledet was given ‘No More Drama’ by Mary J. Blige and I was sighing and wishing he could get a man’s song again. But Randy said, “At this point it doesn’t matter what you do or what you sing, people should just vote for you. The natural performer that you are, I don’t care, that is what being an artist is all about.”  Soooooo… we don’t need performances on ‘American Idol’? Is that what he’s saying? It’s a popularity contest at the end? I hope TV bosses aren’t watching, Randy. Steven again said it was “beautiful.” He seems to have run out of other comments to make. Jennifer said, “You have this perfect marriage of knowing what you are doing and knowing when to do it, the thing that is exciting about you is the spontaneity.”

Jimmy Iovine chose “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson Five because he wanted to show how young Jessica is and to keep her youth. I had mixed feeling about that: about the song and about the intention. So did Randy, who I tend to think has the most integrity and honesty among the judges. He said, “I liked it ok, I didn’t love it, once again we are at the end here, there was never a moment, it was ok but it wasn’t like oh my God.” But Jennifer praised Jimmy’s choice and of course Jennifer’s “perfect tone.” Steven said, “That song was perfect, perfect voice, over the top.” Things were maybe looking up for Jennifer if we ignore Mr. Grumpy in the corner.

Next, Phillip Phillps sang ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ by Bob Seger, chosen by Jimmy because he wanted to find a song that addressed both Phillip’s male and female fans. It was a brilliant choice, if the judges’ comments are to be believed. Randy called it “the perfect song at the perfect time, your best ever. Finally when you need a moment, you had a giant moment. We wanted you to sing a melody, you got it dude, you got it, you are in it to win it, he is ready.” Jennifer said, “it was like a lullaby, “perfect” and I snapped out of my trance when she pointed out that there were about a million girls wishing they were singing it with Phillip. No, no, no – I will not get another ‘Idol’ crush. I’m still loyal, Scottyyyyy! Anyway, I have to figure out what Steven meant when he said  “You sang like you didn’t care,” closely followed by “you have all that passion wrapped up in you.” Now, those two things don’t fit together in my head so I am confused, but I think he liked it.

That was some semi-final, and not necessarily what I expected to happen. But what did you think to the ‘American Idol’ semi-final performances? I think the night belonged to the guys and underdog Phillip Phillips may just have stolen it for me. We’ll find out tonight, of course, as we return for the cruelest cut of all as someone pretty phenomenal won’t make the final.

There was a certain air of inevitability about Hollie’s departure last night. So her outpouring of grief at the news was shocking. She was crying so hard and the audience were cheering her so loudly that she entered the song late because she couldn’t hear the backing track. 

But se handled herself with maturity and poise, going to ‘American Idol’ season 11′s Top 3, Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez, and Phillip Phillips for a quick hug, then to the judges as she sang “I Got to Be Strong.” 

Joshua was sobbing, but even Jessica and Phillip squeezed out a tear or two. But it was Hollie’s night and she handled it brilliantly. She may not be an ‘American Idol’ but she was a class act last night.

First up was Phillip Phillips. Even his brother-in-law thought his performance last week of “Time of the Season” sounded pretty rough. Last night, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was better, but for me, not one of his best, despite Jennifer saying it had a “Joe kinda Cocker quality” to it that she hadn’t heard before. And I thought she’d listened to Phillip before. Obviously not!

I preferred Phillip’s stripped down second performance of Damien Rice’s “Volcano.” Vocally, it wasn’t perfect but the dark setting made it really dramatic. The judges were full of praise and Jennifer even went so far as to say it was “one of the most beautiful, poignant moments” in the show’s history.

“Few people could have pulled that off on a competition show like this,” she raved Jennifer.

I think they could have, but it was still fun…and cute to see Jennifer’s Phillip crush continuing.

Hollie Cavanagh sang next, but not until we’d seen footage of her audition from last season. Boy has she improved. I thought she did pretty well on “Faithfully.” The verses were solid and then she really woke up the crowd. “I’m still yourrrrrrrrs” ..*cough’…um…that was Hollie. Not me saying that *to* Hollie. My heart belongs to another…who’s no longer in ‘American Idol.’

I felt for her on “I Can’t Make YouLoveMe.” She doesn’t seem to be able to make the voting public love her. Or Jimmy Iovine, who may hav e just sabotaged her chances by telling her not to oversing it. That’s what she does best! This was so the wrong song for her. Hollie was clearly overcome with emotion during the song, but the song couldn’t provide the dynamic range that Hollie needs to belt it out. As Randy said, the song gave her nowhere to go. He reminded her that at this stage in the competition, “you need moments.” There weren’t any here.

Joshua Ledet has also come a long way since auditioning for last season. He had been so shy! His first song was Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” Sigh. I feel bad I didn’t like it. It’s one of my favorite songs and it’s emotional enough; it doesn’t need the gospel choir and it definitely didn’t need the elevating platform. But before I get carried away with the staging, which is really not Joshua’s fault, can I just say I think his singing suffered because he was thinking about what he had to do in the performance, which probably is his fault! But Randy told him,

“You’re an amazing artist with a ginormous career ahead of you,”

His second song (James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”) was better in every way. He really felt that one so his audience could too. He got a standing ovation for this quasi-religious experience and Jennifer said she “saw the lord.”Jacksoncalled it one of the best of any singing show in history, while Steven Tyler screamed,

“I can go home right now! I’ve never heard anything like that in my life.”

He even had Jennifer babbling in Spanish.

Jessica Sanchez “literally can’t do anything but sing,” she told us. Oh, when you sing that well, who cares! First she sang “Steal Away” by Etta James and gave us a great performance with plenty of growl. “That showed the other side of your voice. You’re shaking off the old you and changing. That’s a good thing,” said Steven Tyler. “Secretly, I’m 65 years old and I’ve been singing all my life.” She was stunning on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” prompting a standing O from all the judges.

This is the kind of power ballad that Hollie should have had. But it went to Jessica, the Golden Child.

“I don’t know where you find the experience,” Randy marveled, “but dude, you are phenomenal.” I guess she listened to the song a lot and copied what she heard. But iut was cute that she cried.

Once again, Jessica and Joshua stole the show. So who do you think is going home tonight when the votes have been counted and verified?

The judges liked it too. Typically, Jimmy Iovine was less impressed, but that’s nothing new.

But he did have some praise for Skylar:

“She suits up and shows up every night,” he said.

However, he thought she missed out on conveying the depth of emotion needed to do justice to John Fogerty’s “Fortunate Son.” A damning condemnation of the Vietnam War.

Ironically, also in the Bottom Two with Skylar for Brit Pop week was Brit Hollie Cavanagh. I suppose it would have been too humiliating if she had been eliminated last night, but I couldn’t help thinking she’s struggling to deserve her place now.

What may have saved Cavanagh was her upbeat pop take on Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High.” She didn’t repeat Pia Toscano’s mistake and produce a karaoke Tina Turner impression; instead she paid homage to the star in her version. I liked that.

I was somewhat surprised Phillip Phillips escaped a Bottom Two spot last night. Don’t get me wrong; I like him. I just thought that last night he was blander than white paint. But yeah, he looks good.

Joshua Ledet apparently has nothing to worry about. Jimmy Iovine pretty much came right out and said he would be signed to Interscope. He said Ledet’s version of  The Bee Gees’ ‘To Love Somebody’ was “the best performance on ‘American Idol’,” saying, ‘This kid deserves greatness.’

Jimmy also had high praise for Jessica Sanchez, saying she took us on a journey and ‘it was magnificent,’ although Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” but criticized stylists for dressing her too old. Again.

But at the end of the day (night?) we had to say goodbye to Skylar Laine. Eventually…finally…the judges gave her a standing O.

“The Top 5 has never been better than this,” Steven Tyler said. Do you agree? What about the Top 4?

It was Elise Testone’s time to bow out of the contest and leave it to the tiny teens.

The judges had crtiticized Elise’s choice of an obscure Jimi Hendrix song and Jimmi Iovine didn’t like her Queen song, either, labelling it a “monotone stadium anthem” that had “come off clubby — like I was in a nightclub somewhere in the back of beyond.”

Well, that’s OK, because I think Elise would be perfectly happy playing those kinds of gigs. She always said she would.

Elise was joined in the bottom three this week by Skylar Laine and Hollie Cavanagh. But Skylar was soon declared safe. That left Hollie and Elise in the hot seats but Elise got the worst news of all and with no judges’ saves left (like they would have ever used it on Elise!) then Elise Testone was out of the competition.

We almost had our first ever ‘American Idol’ without Ryan Seacrest after a nasty stomach bug left him hooked up to an IV. But like the old pro and champion of the world that he is he battled on and we were spared having to watch Nigel Lythgoe host. The show must go on. Thank you Freddie Mercury in heaven for sorting that one for me.

Here’s how the performances went:

First up, Jessica Sanchez, and this was one week when I really wasn’t looking forward to seeing her, her performances so far to date having been great but in no way synonymous with rock. The show gave her all the help they could, giving her “Bohemian Rhapsody,” arguably Queen’s best song ever and probably the most popular. J. Lo wanted more “running around” and “hair throwing” so Jessica looked like a rocker but I’d have settled for her sounding like one. Randy’s advice was to channel Tina Turner! Would Jessica even know who she is?

I preferred her on the contestant’s choice round, when Jessica dedicated Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father” to her dad, who’s about to be deployed to Singapore. OK, for ‘preferred’ read ‘cried over the emotion of it.’ But she was beautiful on this. Jennifer thought it was the best she’d ever heard the song sung and all the judges were struggling to criticize what Randy called “truly amazing” vocals.

Skylar Laine had a tough job in my eyes. She was given “The Show Must Go On,” which was written about Freddie Mercury’s battle against AIDS, for those of you that don’t know. (I can’t believe it’s so long since this musical genius left us.) It was always going to be emotional and Skylar did an amazing job on it. She even made me forget Freddie and really owned the song. “It’s crazy that you’re eighteen years old,” said Jennifer as the performance gave her ‘goosies.’However, Skylar hasn’t got the ability that last season’s Scotty and Lauren had: to keep me interested in Country songs I don’t know. So her version (which could be exactly like Jason Aldean’s original “Tattoos On This Town” for all I know, largely passed me by. Randy loved it, though.

Joshua Ledet sang “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” which I found a bit shouty. It didn’t have to be that crazy and I wish it hadn’t been. The judges were on their feet at the end, though, and Jennifer showed blatant favoritism, saying, “Is it bad to say that Joshua is my favorite part of the show?” Probably, since you’re a judge and somehow meant to be impartial. For the contestants’ choice round Joshua sang India.Arie’s “Ready For Love.” He showed much more restraint here and I liked that.

Elise Testone was up next with “I Want It All,” so why on earth didn’t Randy trot out his usual catchphrase on this? Disappointing, Mr Jackson. Elise really rocked this out. It took my breath away, so I can only surmise that it’s in the very best sense of this phrase that Jennifer said she “murdered” it. Did it really take her as long as this to realize classic rock is what she’s best at? She took on “Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix for the second round. Neither Randy nor Steven were thrilled by the song choice. Randy accused Elise of “boxing with the song,” and Steven claimed that no one knew it. Well, I didn’t know it, for sure, but Elise is happy to go for an older crowd, it seems. I think Steven is worried for her alienating the young voters (which is most of them, let’s face it.) “I just feel like you slayed that song so hard it didn’t even matter!” said Jennifer. 

Phillip Phillips sang “The Stone” by Dave Matthews Band, pretty much how they sang it. So disappointing. I much preferred him on “Fat Bottomed Girls” during the Queen round. “Very entertaning, very off the wall, typical Phillip Phillips,” said Steven but for Jennnifer it was “too artsy” and “too obscure.”

I was saved from laughing the fact that Hollie Cavanagh sang the Queen song, “Save Me” when she is probably going to have to beg for votes soon by the fact that she was actually rather good on this song. Jennifer noticed that Hollie had looked more emotional than usual, and it was all because she really connected with the song. So why then did Jennifer feel the need to go on and on about how important it is for Hollie to connect with the song? She must have been relieved (amazed) when she got a standing O from the judges for closing out the show with “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. “Now that’s the Hollie Cavanagh that we love! Hollie is back!” said Randy. 

What were the standout performances of the night for you? Who’s going to be in trouble on the results show tonight?

The Bottom 3 was revealed as Hollie Cavanagh, Elise Testone and Colton Dixon. Few fans would be surprised by two of those names as they had been there many times before and the ladies must have been concerned.

But they had no need to be. After some building of suspense, host Ryan Seacrest eventually told Colton Dixon he was going home.

“I need to apologize,” Colton said after learning the news he was going home. “I wasn’t myself last night and I get it…”

The man was so humble he almost made me cry. He said he appreciated the judges’ comments. They liked his Lady Gaga ‘Bad Romance’ cover on Wednesday, but didn’t think his version of ‘September’ from Earth, Wind & Fire suited him best.

“I’ll take that when I’m making a record and I’ll choose [better] songs.”

So, having found himself in the Bottom 3 for the first time ever, Colton Dixon was out of the competition.

Were the judges regretting their decision to use their save on Jessica?

“You’ll make many records, many records,” Jennifer told Colton, following his elimination.

“You have a huge career ahead of you, man,” Randy added.

Colton fell to his knees in an emotional finale performance and his pal in the competition, Phillip Phillips, was clearly distressed by the elimination. Judge Jennifer Lopez, who had always been complimentary of the skunk-haired singer, was tearful too.

Are you as shocked as the judges seemed to be that Colton Dixon was eliminated from American Idol last night?

Hollie Cavanagh opened the show with her version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” She obviously knows this song well as for once she was much less robotic and she actually looked somewhat at ease of stage. Steven Tyler called the song “perfect.” “No. Beautiful,” said Jennifer. Only Randy disagreed, pointing out that a couple of notes were pitchy. True, but in terms of a performance, I thought this was a bif step up for Hollie.

Hollie did even better with Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” Her money note at the end was amazing. “Drive your car!” cried Randy after Steven told Hollie to push it even further.

Colton Dixon was thankfully back on his rock vibe last night with the modern rock classic, Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” It was a little frenetic and there was a bit too much screeching and I was glad when the judges all called him out for singing the verses too low in order to make the choruses sound better. Steven loved it, though, and said a whole bunch of weird stuff which may be explained by the fact that he really does have personal experience of how you have to get low to get high.

Colton’s second song was Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September.” I got a bit annoyed with the judges here. They are always telling contestants to make the song their own. Colton certainly did that as it was basically unrecognizable from the original. “If you’d have taken a Lil Wayne song and flipped it, people would have been like, whoa,” said Randy. Yes. Quite. So their criticism and obvious unfavourable comparison to Phillip Phillips hardly seemed fair, did it?

Elise Testone had a rough ride from the judges last night.After Elise’s second performance, “Let’s Get It On,” claimed that fans weren’t connecting to Elise because they can’t see her heart, her soul, that she feels things, or that she’s a person. Now, since I think Else wears her heart on her sleeve more than anyone else in this competition except maybe Steven Tyler, I really didn’t get that. I loved her growl, even if she did seem to be trying a bit too hard on this song. Elise really seemed to take on board Randy’s advice that the song “needs to breathe; let it marinate and be sexy.” Elise pointed out how difficult it is to do justice to a six-minute song in 90 seconds.

The judges seemed to like Elise’s restraint in sticking to the melody of Alicia Keys’ “No One,” though. But ironically I was a bit bored by her doing that.

Phillip Phillips gave one of his best performances to date on Usher’s “U Got It Bad” I believe. He go the first standing O of the night from the judges. “I love it that this year, guys, we have a true artist on the stage,” said Randy. Things got even better on Phillip’s second performance: Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour.” “Mmm! MMMMMM,” declared Jennifer, while wriggling around in her chair and continuing her love affair with Phillip. Steven said it was “brilliantly awkward, man. I love your character.” That sort of sums Phillip up, doesn’t it?

Jessica Sanchez tackled Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” in a performance that was technically good but emotionally lifeless. It was clearer than ever that Jennifer rates Jessica as a singer but wants her to give more of a performance when Jennifer finished Randy’s sentence for him. When Randy told Jessica her talent was “so otherworldly to me on this show,” Jennifer finished his sentence with “Vocally.”

Jessica seemed did better with Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” even if it did get a bit shouty toward the end. The judges pointed out that she needs to connect with the audience better. She does. But that critique applied more to her first song than the second.

I absolutely loved Skylar Laine on Lady Gaga’s country version of “Born This Way.” “A more perfect song for you does not exist,” Jennifer said. I’m not totally convinced about that but I thought it was a really, really good song choice and she handled it well. “A lot of people with a drawl out there love you to death. A lot of fans like country music,” said Steven Tyler. But it was Skylar’s rendition of “Heard It Through the Grapevine” which just capped the night for me. I would never have envisaged her doing that. And she is so comfortable on stage interacting with the band. I loved it.

Joshua Ledet, on the other hand, seems to have hit something of a tricky patch. He was in the bottom three last week and this week he failed to bring anything new to the party, as far as I can see. He was technically spot on as usual, though, with Fantasia’s “I Believe.” Steven called this song “a stepping stone to winning this whole thing.” Joshua also did some impressive vocal gymnastics on Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “Your voice just climbs inside of everybody and changes them for that moment,” said Steven, Alien-like, presumably. Jennifer wanted more and so did I, somehow, although Joshua tried to save himself by complimenting her abs.

We know the judges have used their save this season, so tonight, whoever America votes for the least will leave the competition for ever. Who will it be?

Skylar Laine got the party started with Kellie Pickler’s “Didn’t Know How Much I Loved You.” She seemed really confident, singing a song she obviously loves. Her pitch was spot on and the judges said this was the perfect way to start the show. I would have been happier if the show ended with her, though.

Is Jimmy Iovine right to say that the real competition, the one for the young female voters, is between Phillip Phillips and Colton Dixon?

Colton Dixon was good last night on for “Love the Way You Lie” by Skylar Grey. He took to the piano and slowed things right down. Nice!

Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone performed a duet of ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ next. I love that Elise wanted this song so bad she threw something at Phillip when he tried to get out of singing it. Only Randy suggested that Phillip should choose the song next time. Did he not like it? All the other judges did.

Then it was time for Joshua Ledet to give his usual standout performance on “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars.

Jessica Sanchez is going to be a legend one day, predicted celebrity coach Akon. Her performance of Stuttering pretty much showed us why. Randy called it superb, sayin she set the bar really high. Jennifer thought it was really beautiful but still she wants more: something Jessica has never shown them. She doesn’t ask for much, does she! Steven said Jessica slays him every time she performs and it is really difficult to believe just how young she is after performances like this, which she keeps giving us.

Joshua Ledet got a surprise video birthday message from Fantasia “From Fantasia to Mantasia!” But even that didn’t put him off his stride as he made a change from his usual ballad to give another standout performance, this time of Bruno Mars’ ‘Runaway Baby!’ He got a standing O from the judges, although some judges seemed a little more reluctant than others to get to their feet. Randy called it another unbelievable performance – he was really in the zone!

Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine team then performed a duet on Don’t You Want To Stay by Kelly Clarkson. The harmonies were great, I thought but the judges were a little muted in their reception of it. Steven gushed that it was gorgeous but aside from the harmonies Jennifer just said they did a nice job. Randy loves them both, but just thought it was okay… pitchy.

Hollie Cavanaugh sang ‘Perfect’ by Pink to an acoustic guitarist. I liked the slowed down version and Jennifer said she sang beautifully but it seemed too laid back for Steven. Randy’s best compliment seemed to be that it was a lot better than last time and she should be proud of that!

Phillip Phillips sang ‘Give A Little More’ by Maroon 5; at least, I think that’s what he said. But this was way more funny and slower than the original. The change didn’t go down well with Jennifer compared to how she usually loves him and Randy sort of said the same. But Steven loved the way he has evolved to sing more melody.

Next was a trio performance of ‘Stronger’ from Hollie, Joshua, and Jessica. Joshua outsang the girls, as Randy pointed out, calling it “dope.” Steven said it was great and everyone forgave the somewhat shaky start.

Elise Testone got a video message from Jason Segal before performing Lady Gaga’s ‘You And I.’ I love how she raunched it up and got her rasp out. Elise is back, according to Randy. Jennifer loved how she managed to “let go but kept control” and for Steven it was genius!

I enjoyed this final performance but I couldn’t help a feeling of impending Heejun Han doom of Elise’s best performance perhaps being her last performance. I could be wrong, but she seems to stand out as older now, and not in a good way.

Tune in to tonight’s American Idol Top 7 results show to find out who is eliminated. Who do you think will be in trouble tonight? Will the judges use their save.