'American Idol' Recap - Top 3 Perform

We only have two more episodes of American Idol left and three rounds of performances tonight, so let’s get going.

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.

-- Scott Borchetta’s Choice --

Rayvon Owen (“Want To Want Me” by Jason Derulo) – * * * *
It’s interesting that Scott (whose opinion I think is generally spot on) would peg Rayvon as a Jason Derulo-like artist. Like Harry, I think Rayvon’s sweet spot isn’t forgettable R&B dance music but ballads. For my money, he’s more Sam Smith or John Legend than Derulo (although Rayvon isa better singer than Derulo). He sang the song fine (if the falsetto wasn’t a bit overwrought), it just isn’t a performance I’ll remember at the end of the two-hour show.

Clark Beckham (“Beautiful Day” by U2) – * * *
Talking about sweet spot, I’m not sure U2 is Clark’s. I find Clark to be more at home in southern-soaked rock and blues. But I can imagine this being the kind of track Clark would rock during his stadium tour. But when Clark does perform it on Idol Live I hope his pitch is a lot better. Out of everyone left, Clark’s vocals are generally pristine but there was some real glaring, cringe worthy pitch issues in “Beautiful Day” that I’m shocked the judges didn’t bring up.

Nick Fradiani (“Because The Night” by Bruce Springsteen) – * * * *
Unlike the previous two performances, Nick felt as comfortable performing “Because The Night” as Quentin Alexander feels wearing oversized consignment-shop clothes. Every week Nick gets better, but I still keep waiting for him to really break free and surprise us.

Jax (“My Generation” by Alicia Keys) – * * * * *
Last week, Tyanna proclaimed that “girls run the world.” It turns out that girls run Idol too since Jax had the best performance of the night so far by a wide margin. It was the most confident and genuine song we’ve seen so far. I’m not quite agreeing it was Jax’s best (I prefer emotional, piano-based Jax to rock-and-roll, head-banging Jax) but it was clearly her best up-tempo number to date.

--Hometown Favorites--

Nick Fradiani (“Back Home” by Andy Grammer) – * * * *
It’s so surreal to see Nick’s hometown visit package as I’m also from Guilford and live about 10 minutes from the parade and concert site (no, I didn’t go to either and, no, I’ve never met Nick). It’s true that Guilford is a really small New England town and it’s so strange to see local landmarks on a show like Idol that I’ve been watching since the beginning. By the way, those Nick Fradiani signs are still all over town. Anywho, I feel like a broken record writing about Nick and this performance didn’t reinvent the wheel but it was very, very good. The irony with Nick, I think, is that I’d prefer him alongside his band Beach Avenue and playing original songs. I’d buy that album.

Clark Beckham (“Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding) – * * * * ½

Now here’s the bluesy Clark we know and love. And, look, when he’s more comfortable his pitch problems melt away. I get what Keith is saying – I’d love to see that veneer could crack a bit more – but this was pretty great.

Rayvon Owen (“As” by Stevie Wonder) – * * * * ½
I’ve been tough on Stevie Wonder covers this season, but this was sensational. Not really any critique or comment here, so let’s be thankful for a great night of singing.

Jax (“My Immortal” by Evanescence) – * * * * *
Boy this song brings me back to 8th grade and emo black and white music videos! I forgot how much I love this song – it’s just so emotional and pretty. But, in a way, I like Jax’s vocal take on the song better than Amy Lee (who has a killer set of pipes).
Lee’s take on the song was bombastic and big and nearly operatic in its emotional scope. It was gorgeous but as subtle as a tantrum. Jax’s, in comparison, was light and introspective. Forgoing the big, belty chorus for a feathery falsetto was a fantastic choice and showed off just every perfect crack and break in Jax’s voice. I don’t say this often, but this one gave me JLo’s famous goosies.

--Judge’s Pick--

Clark Beckham (“Earn It” by Weekend) – * * * * ½

That big note at the end was just great and it’s also great to see Clark singing a modern pop song. I wish “Earn It” (a song I’m unfamiliar with) had more of an arch – despite the big note at the end it didn’t seem to go anywhere – but this is most definitely a glimpse of the kind of contemporary artist Clark could be.

Rayvon Owen (“You Are So Beautiful To Me” by Joe Cocker) – * * * * *
I don’t think non-singers understand how difficult the stuff Rayvon does and how easy he makes it seem. Switching effortlessly from head and chest voice and maintaining that kind of breath support to push out those high notes is no easy task. Vocally this checked off every box.

Jax (“Misery Business” by Paramore) – * * ½
I don’t know “Misery Business” so I can’t comment on the arrangement (and purposefully haven’t listened to the original yet), but I can say that singing Hayley Williams is a herculean task and, vocally, Jax did pretty well. But something gel this time around. The timing seemed off as the lead vocal and the guitar almost felt like they were playing in different time signatures or at least a half beat off. It wasn’t great, but Jax has bucketfuls of good will stored up. Enough to sweep this clunker under the rug.

Nick Fradiani (“I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain) – * * * *
Since everyone’s been waiting for Nick to show another side to him, I’m surprised the judges picked ‘90s karaoke favorite “I’ll Be” for Nick. He did a nice job of it, but “I’ll Be” is like the musical equivalent of boxed mac and cheese: fatty, filling and entirely forgettable.

Show VIP: Guilford, CT! (Oh right and Jax)

Who Went Home: Rayvon. He was a fighter and a helluva singer but this was his time.

Who Should Go Home Next Week: Nick, although I think Clark will be sent home next.