The last four competitors on American Idol 2012 took to the stage on the May 10th results show singing the song “California Dreamin'” by the Mamas and Papas. Harmonizing beautifully, it was clear that each one of the young singers deserved to be there. But the outcome of the reality television competition was that one of them was about to be sent home after America voted after seeing them perform on the May 9th show.
American Idol 2012 came one step closer to naming their winner on May 10th, 2012. The remaining competitors on the night of the results show that would narrow four to three were Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanagh, and Jessica Sanchez.
The night before, Ledet gave what judges said was one of the best performances on the show ever, that Sanchez really knocked it out of the park, and that Phillips gave yet another rock star performance but they said Cavanagh had chosen the wrong songs.The crowd empathetically had booed her, but heading into the viewer vote hers was the weakest performance by far.
Jimmy (their mentor) once again reviewed their performances by video clip on the results show. Giving him praise and constructive criticism, win or lose the advice he gave was intended to help them on the path to making their next step career moves.
Phillip Phillips was the first competitor to be called out to center stage. Jimmy’s reaction to his performance was positive. He thought the songs he chose showcased his real talent as an artist. He said Phillip finally delivered and it was magical. Judge Steven Tyler said no matter what the result, he’s not a, “one and done”. He said the Georgia boy would continue to go on.
Hollie Cavanagh hit center stage next. Jimmy thought her performance was one that would impress Randy Jackson but that it was not the one to win votes. Because she was too young to have connected emotionally with the songs she had chosen to sing on May 10th, he thought she crashed and burned. Jennifer Lopez admitted she feels a close connection to her because she had strong vocal talent but had not found herself yet.
Joshua Ledet was the next person called to be reviewed. Jimmy is planning to sign him for a record contract but he thought Ledet’s gospel rendition of his first song was a bust but that his second act was an explosion of talent. Expect great things from the Idol wannabe seemed to be his mentors impression. Randy Jackson said he deserves big props, that the sky is the limit, and he is ready for anything.
Jessica Sanchez was last to be reviewed. Jimmy liked her Etta James song rendition but he wants her to less gimmicky growling and more real singing on her album — giving away a secret, perhaps? He loved her second song and said it was flawless. Because she was voted off once before but saved by the judges, he said he is clueless about who will be headed to the top three.
The first person named safe and headed with camera crews to film a home town visit was Jessica Sanchez from Chula VIsta, California. The pride of West Lake, Louisiana was also safe — Joshua Ledet. But who was cast off?
At the end, Phillip and Hollie were the last two to find out which singer was sent home and who would visit home as a hero.
Phillip Phillips was safe. Hollie Cavanagh was sent home.
We wish the young singer well.