American Idol 2012 - Week 9 - Queen / own choice

Things kicked off with the final six performing a Queen medley, joined by Brian May and Roger Taylor. You can clearly feel the reverence in the room as they all set the standard pretty high, and nobody opted to showboat, they just performed the songs respectfully- and sounded all the better for it. Fortunately, it set the tone of the show, and it was right up my street.

1. Jessica Sanchez - Bohemian Rhapsody.
Opting for another untouchable song, her vocals were perfect, as usual, with only seems to highlight further her lack of stage presence. Agree with J-Lo (maybe Hell has frozen over) that Jessica could have rocked out a bit more, but it would be nit-picking to criticise that performance.

2. Skylar Laine - The Show Must Go On.
Skylar, on the other hand, does have the stage presence. She sold that song with the requisite sincerity and has the vocals to match. It wasn't perfect, and some of her "runs" sounded uncharacteristically unplanned and clunky, but it came very close to giving her a "moment".

3. Joshua Ledet - Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
I just plain don't like Joshua's voice. The ending was excruciating. There was no musicality on display, the performance being all diva sass, rather than that hip jive vibe. Ugh.

4. Elise Testone - I Want It All.
It began off-key, but improved a little. This should have seen Elise in her element, but I was left a bit wanting. I must admit she has crept up and up in my esteem, and I feel my expectations of her are possibly too high. But she is a natural musician, no doubt.

5. Phillip Phillips - Fat Bottomed Girls.
The biggest shock came when he performed this at (almost) the correct tempo. Clearly pushing his vocals to their limit, I was waiting for the vein on his forehead to pop. As PP performances go, it was definitely one of his best. Whatever Randy says.

6. Hollie Cavanagh - Save Me.
A strange choice, as it's not one of their most familiar songs, but it's lyrically appropriate. Overall it was a bit meh, when she could have blown our socks off with something like Who Wants To Live Forever. Oh well.

Which brings us to the return of the comedy VT. Moving on...

7. Jessica Sanchez - Dance With My Father (Luther Vandross).
One of those emotionally devastating songs (if you're in the right mood), and definitely a great choice for Jessica's voice. I can't say she connected enough emotionally for me to feel it as much as I usually do, but still pretty flawless.

8. Skylar Laine - Tattoos On This Town (Jason Aldean).
Back in her country vein, she was competently comfortable, but the song redefined bland. It may not have gotten me too excited, but she is a natural when in her comfort zone.

9. Joshua Ledet - Ready For Love (India Arie).
The first half was rather nice, avoiding the excruciating sounds of his first song and then... Oh, there they are. Just as I was on the verge of liking it.

10. Elise Testone - Bold As Love (Jimi Hendrix).
Quite a talky song, so it's a strange choice for a singing competition. Did nothing for me, but she clearly enjoyed herself.

11. Phillip Phillips - The Stone (Dave Matthews Band).
I don't know what the Hell that was, but never want to hear it again. By him or by anybody.

12. Hollie Cavanagh - The Climb (Miley Cyrus).
Perfectly suited to her, and she hit every note perfectly. Still lacked emotion, though she's definitely improving on that front.

RESULTS SHOW
Katy Perry pays a (no doubt unintentional) tribute to Madonna, donning her American Life fatigues for a rather out-of-breath rendition of Part of Me. We also see last year's Stefano return to prove he has clearly learned nothing in the last 12 months.

The bottom three are Elise, Hollie and Skylar. Inevitably, Elise goes home, but not before a reprise of her crowning glory, Whole Lotta Love.