American Idol Top 4 Performance Recap: Break-Ups and Make-Ups - 05/07/2014
American Idol XIII Top 4 performance recap for May 7, 2014. The contestants sing break-up and make-up songs.
Jena Irene, Alex Preston, Jessica Meuse and Caleb Johnson survived a tough week of controversy -- Jena and Alex voted "No", sending Sam Woolf home and Caleb called his fans "retards" in an interview -- will they survive the viewer votes this week? Is Jessica the only good person left? The hero of the people? (Who the judges never praise at all...)
Three songs! It's going to be a long two hours.
As usual, I will be multi-tasking, so please discuss the show in the comments just like old times. Our chat group has been very dynamic this season, and Nick and I really appreciate all your support! (Oh and interact with the BuzzDial!)
The Recap:
Performance Show Notes
Host Ryan Seacrest did not shave today.
The audience concept tonight is to take selfies with the Idols as they pose with a black cardboard figure. Oh-kay.
American Idol has been renewed for Season 14! Ryan Seacrest announced the audition cities. Plus next week: a twist in the auditions. Will groups finally be able to audition? We shall see!
During the critique of Jena Irene's "Heartbreaker", Jennifer Lopez demonstrated how to pretend sing in heels. Keith and Harry said that Jena did not look comfortable on stage and she said it was the heels -- so JLo showed her how to do it.
AMERICAN IDOL XIII: The Final 4: L-R: Alex Preston, Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson and Jessica Meuse. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting.
Performances
| Contestant | Voting Number |
|---|---|
| Caleb Johnson | 1-855-4-IDOL-13 |
| #1 - "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi - Watch Video
American Idol fans will really love this. This is the music they grew up with! Great choice from Caleb -- he knows the Idol audience really well. Keith Urban: Killer man. At the end, that's how you make it not a cover but a Caleb slayer. Jennifer Lopez: I always feel like I'm in a rock concert. Harry Connick Jr: I thought it was fantastic. Think of different ad libs. #5 - "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival - Watch Video Caleb dedicated this song to his band back in NC. Not as good as Judd Harris! Keith Urban: It was cool, excellent. Jennifer Lopez: What can we say? That's so in your wheelhouse, you killed it again. Harry Connick Jr: Can you imagine if that was your traveling band? #9 - "Maybe I’m Amazed" by Paul McCartney - Watch Video Caleb is looking for a girl. He also slows things down for his last song of the night. Keith Urban: I'm actually clapping for Harry's critique. You nailed it, that was a killer killer performance. Jennifer Lopez: You singing that was probably your best performance since the beginning. Harry Connick Jr: That was absolutely phenomenal. |
|
| Jessica Meuse | 1-855-4-IDOL-10 |
| #2 - "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson - Watch Video
I thought the key was too low. I could not hear her. Is the show trying to sabotage her? This was a mess. Keith Urban: I really feel for you. Jennifer Lopez: I felt that you felt the song. I don't feel like it was the best song for you. It felt a little low for you. Harry Connick Jr: I know you can do better than that, that was not your best performance. Show us how you feel. #6 - "So What" - Watch Video Jessica dedicated this song to all her haters! This was another weird song choice for me, but I guess she needed to change things up. Keith Urban: A song that doesn't suit you is not a reflection on your talent. Jennifer Lopez: I'm hoping on the third song too. It wasn't right for you. Harry Connick Jr: I felt like I was in Benihana when they put the oil in the onions, it felt hot. I think you are terrific. Those two songs you chose tonight were the not the best tonight. #10 - "You and I" by Lady Gaga - Watch Video Jessica's best song of the night. Keith Urban: That is the perfect song for you. Jennifer Lopez: It highlighted the best quality and strength in your voice. Harry Connick Jr: ... you came out swinging on a song that was perfectly suited for you. | |
| Alex Preston | 1-855-4-IDOL-09 |
| #3 - "Too Close" by Alex Clare - Watch Video
Alex wrote lyrics on his palm to remember. He said the lyrics as so important to this song. He was very smart to choose this as his iTunes track. It was very good. Keith Urban: Occasionally I miss a bit of weight in your performances. Jennifer Lopez: My only concern is... you are being yourself, but you have to think if you are creating a moment. Harry Connick Jr: They really like you. You spend so much time deconstructing these pieces of music and recreating them in your own way. #8 - "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz - Watch Video He dedicated the song to his girlfriend Jillian Jensen from The X Factor and American Idol Hollywood Week. Keith Urban: You got a lot of stuff going on... I'm taking all the into account, the last 8 bars was a touchdown. Jennifer Lopez: They love you and I love you. I'm worried for you in the competition. Harry Connick Jr: You played a minor four chord. If you took that out, it's almost like how Jason sang it. It wasn't that different. #12 - "Yellow" by Coldplay - Watch Video A bit of a subdued end to the show. Still very predictable but his fans love him for this type of music. Keith Urban: You have a particular kind of poetic vulnerability. Jennifer Lopez: It was a perfect song. You're integral to this competition. Harry Connick Jr: You really needed that tonight. | |
| Jena Irene | 1-855-4-IDOL-08 |
| #4 - "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar - Watch Video
Jena just finished high school! She will graduate with her class in June. Congrats! Keith Urban: There's not question about your vocal ability. It wasn't a full committed energetic release. Jennifer Lopez: I felt that it was a controlled performance. Harry Connick Jr: I think vocally it was a 10 our of 10. I hope the feeling, whatever you are feeling would drive you what you want to do. Take the shoes off. #7 - "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga - Watch Video Randy Jackson got some camera time so we couldn't hear who Jena dedicated this song to. Keith Urban: Here's the thing... what I really like that you changed the melody for the chorus. Jennifer Lopez: You are a force to be reckoned with. You give Caleb a run for his money. Harry Connick Jr: Nice job. Really strong. #11 - "Can’t Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley - Watch Video Jena played the piano and JLo stood up and hugged her in the end. Keith Urban: You are a musical platypus. Jennifer Lopez: So beautiful, I was so moved. It was something else. Harry Connick Jr: That took such immense courage. It was incredible. | |
Score Card
The Best: Caleb Johnson's "Maybe I'm Amazed" and Jena Irene's "Can't Help Falling In Love"
Honorable Mention: Jessica Meuse "You and I"
The Worst: Jessica's first two songs.
So who's going home? Who's your favorite? Take the poll!
See you guys tomorrow! Thanks for joining us!
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