'American Idol' Recap - Top 2 Chosen

So I lost track of time and ended up tuning into Idol three minutes late. Three minutes. This isn’t generally an easy as the pre-credit segment is generally pretty inane narration from Ryan or a recap package. Nope. Tonight, in the first three minutes, the show unceremoniously dumped the best artist of the season. Jax isn’t just a tremendously talented singer/songwriter but the most markable and talented contestant we’ve had in this cycle and one of my favorite singers in recent Idol memory. Why she’s not in the top 2, let alone the winner of season 14, is beyond me. But, in the world of American Idol this is not unusual. Even though I love this show, the best performers rarely win. Some of this is due to the fickle nature of voters and the fact that the voting block is largely under 20 and female (hence why people like Daniel hang on way too long). But that’s the nature of the beast. I wish Jax well. She’ll have a great career no matter where she finishes on the show. But having Jax gone means the playing field is very, very close for Nick and Clark.

As I always do, I’ll rate each song on a scale of 0-5 along with a short blurb and then pick my favorite and least favorite performances of the night.

-- Contestant’s Favorite Songs --

Clark Beckham (“Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles) – * * * * *
Excuse me, I’m still shocked by that shocking turn of events. Saying goodbye to Jax not just saddens me as a loyal viewer and fan but makes me recalibrate how I think about the competition as a whole. So. Here’s the thing about Clark. His vocals are beyond reproach and he is clearly a very gifted musician. In fact, I can’t find much of anything wrong with “Georgia” an old standard that fit him like a bluesy glove. But just because he is very talented doesn’t often make him the most exciting. Is this guy a gifted singer/musician? Absolutely. Is he America’s Next Star? Not sure.

Nick Fradiani (“Bright Lights” by Matchbox 20) – * * * * ½
So. Here’s the thing about Nick. I’ve been a fan of Nick’s since the beginning since we’re from the same Connecticut town even though I’ve been tough on him in these recaps. But most of that is because I see a star buried somewhere inside of Nick that has still yet to come out. He has played it safe, a strategy that bothers me as a reviewer but might just win him the game. By improving steadily each week but now overwhelming anyone with charisma or dramatic song choices, Nick has already beaten other (arguably more talented) contestants. But that all being said, I think Clark is a better and more talented musician overall but, if we are juding on who has more a chance at pop stardom, I gotta give it to Nick.

--Simon Fuller’s Picks—

Clark Beckham (“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers) – * * * * ½
It’s interesting that so far Clark has two songs that debuted before Clark was even a twinkle in his parents’ eye. Hell, JLo wasn’t even a twinkle in Mama Lopez’s. That’s not a bad thing per se, Clark is very, very good at these types of songs, but in a competition whose goal is to produce a contemporary pop star and whose voting public is largely people under the age of 20, it’s a strange move.

Nick Fradiani (“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz) – * * * * ½
I must allaborate on something I said earlier: it’s easy to gloss over the fact that, even if Nick hasn’t surprised us, he’s grown a lot during the competition. He is so much more connected and charismatic than at the start of the season. I really like this Jason Mraz tune for Nick – it could easily be recorded on his solo album – although, if I was Simon, I would have tried to stretch Nick a bit more musically. OK. Round 1 goes to Clark. Round 2 goes to Nick, no question.

--Winner’s Single--

Clark Beckham (“Champion”) – * * * * ½

I actually quite like “Champion.” It has a Fun/Sara Bareilles feel I really dug and it was nice to see Clark sing, and succeed, with a contemporary single. I’d listen to it again but I’m not sure it’s enough to win American Idol.

Nick Fradiani (“Beautiful Life”) – * * * * *
Like I said, no more Jax is a game changer for Idol. An hour ago, I thought it was a lock for Jax but with her gone and after two technically proficient but somewhat dull performances from Clark, the big prize is now Nick’s to loose. Luckily for him, his winner’s single is pretty great – a “We Are Young” like pop anthem that I can imagine being a huge radio hit – and he delivered his best performance all season singing it.

Show VIP: Nick.

Who Went Home: Jax…

Who Should Win Next Week: Nick