American Idol Top 3 Performance Recap: Alex vs Jena vs Caleb - 05/14/2014
American Idol XIII Top 3 performance recap for May 14, 2014. The final 3 sing three songs tonight:
- Contestant Hometown Choice
- Judges Choice
- Randy Jackson Choice
It's going to be a heartwarming night as Jena Irene, Alex Preston and Caleb Johnson view footage of their hometown visits over the weekend.
As usual, I am multi-tasking so please be patient with the updates. Discuss the show in the comments just like old times! Interact with the BuzzDial!
Recap
Caleb is without a voice tonight! He has a small vocal chord hemorrhage. They brought out the doctor to explain everything.
So no interview for Caleb tonight, just singing!
Rounds:
1. Randy Jackson's choice
2. Judges choice
3. Contestant Hometown choice
Guest Performance:
The Chainsmokers perform "Selfie"
- This segment with selfies in the audience and the judges seem so stupid. Is this good TV? Maybe not.
First Round: Randy Jackson's pick
Caleb Johnson "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS
Randy said it gives Caleb a chance to be bluesy. There were moments where Caleb's vocal injury showed, but for the most part, he was his usual self.
Keith Urban: You got a blues soul thing in your voice. It was a really good job.
Jennifer Lopez: I know you wanted to do so much more with that song. It was still a stellar performance.
Harry Connick Jr: The song forces you to work with confines. Don't hurt yourself tonight.
Alex Preston "Pompeii" by Bastille
Randy says that it is the "band" song Alex might do.
Alex brought the drums on stage with him. Great job! I love this song!
Keith Urban: There was a few shaky bits.
Jennifer Lopez: When you started doing the percussion there... you had me. It was the elevated Alex.
Harry Connick Jr: Great credit is due to Randy for choosing that song. I wanted to feel a bit more joy.
Jena Irene "Titanium" by David Guetta and Sia
Jena wanted to sing this before and now she is finally getting her chance. Interesting staging with the giant skirt.
Keith Urban: You've got such a great balance of being a killer singer but you have fun.
Jennifer Lopez: You hit all the high notes and that was awesome. In the beginning it felt a little stiff.
Harry Connick Jr: Another great song choice from Randy.
Second Round: Judges choice
Caleb Johnson "Demons" by Imagine Dragons
The judges wanted Caleb to sing a band song. Honestly, this song is so overdone on reality shows now. Caleb with vocal damage did not help. This was rough in the beginning. He's usually reliable but he struggled here.
Keith Urban: I'm so feeling for you now with that voice.
Jennifer Lopez: Your voice will recover.
Harry Connick Jr: In lieu of a critique... (asks question of what music Caleb wants to do)
Alex Preston "Stay" by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko
The judges think this song is "outside of the box". I love this song so much. The staging with the violins was awesome. Great song for Alex.
Keith Urban: Beginning to end the arrangement was killer.
Jennifer Lopez: I knew you would sing the heck out of that song, and it was yours.
Harry Connick Jr: It was really strong.
Jena Irene "Heart Attack" by Demi Lovato
The judges said this song is high risk high reward. Jena killed it! Perfect song choice.
Keith Urban: It was great. You are always so bullet with your range.
Jennifer Lopez: This you felt very loose. You did a great job with that.
Harry Connick Jr: You always find a way (to be original)
Contestant Hometown Choice
Caleb Johnson "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin
Caleb's vocal injury is really a bummer. What a time for that to happen. He tried but the voice was struggling. Even with the dancing assist from JLo and the micstand banging and mic drop.
Keith Urban: Insane, absolutely insane. If there was a moment of miraculous healing that was it. Let's throw stuff.
Jennifer Lopez: I'm not a thrower, but if I was a thrower, I would throw.
Harry Connick Jr: It was awesome.
Alex Preston "Story of My Life" by One Direction
I love 1D so much! I was one of the original fans when they were still on The X Factor. I am so happy that they are recognized as stars now. Great job from Alex!
Keith Urban: For me personally, it was hard to come out after "Stay"
Jennifer Lopez: This is so hard... I see three people who want in this finale so bad. They have a tough choice tonight.
Harry Connick Jr: This song really strikes a chord with people.
Jena Irene "Creep" by Radiohead
I love that Jena's brother is so amazing! This was one of Jena's best performances ever.
Keith Urban: The only thing I disagree is that you said you don't belong here. You so belong here.
Jennifer Lopez: I feel like you are going to be so hard to beat.
Harry Connick Jr: There's so many different ways that you take the stage. Something happens when you sing behind the piano. It's even better than the last time you sang it.
Performance Summary
Jena Irene 1-855-4-IDOL-08
"Creep" by Radiohead - Watch Video
"Titanium" by David Guetta and Sia - Watch Video
"Heart Attack" by Demi Lovato - Watch Video
Caleb Johnson - 1-855-4-IDOL-13
"Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin - Watch Video
"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS - Watch Video
"Demons" by Imagine Dragons - Watch Video
Alex Preston - 1-855-4-IDOL-09
"Story of My Life" by One Direction - Watch Video
"Pompeii" by Bastille - Watch Video
"Stay" by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko - Watch Video
Score Card
My picks:
1. Alex
2. Jena
3. Caleb
So who's going home? Who was your favorite? Take the poll!
See you guys tomorrow night for a one hour results show. Plus next week, the performance show is on TUESDAY with the winner revealed on Wednesday. It's going to be a good one. What a season!
I love this show! 500 episodes, can you believe it? Long live American Idol!
For more performance videos please visit American Idol XIII