On the Cusp of Victory-Jessica versus Phillips

The AI Finale-An Even Match

As I have said before, there is no comparing two budding stars especially if their styles are diametrically different and there inherently  lies the major flaw of the American Idol format.

What American Idol is doing is to present two really good performers and let the fickle American voting public have their way. Sadly, Randy's reminder that the show was to demonstrate singing talent will be lost tonight amongst the heady voting public of the USA.

By tomorrow, we will know whether another 'White Man with a Guitar' wins or the more passion-evoking budding songstress takes home the AI crown.

Let us look at the performances of Jessica Sanchez.

She sang the first song, “I Have Nothing”, selected by Simon Fuller. Did she do Whitney proud.? Oh, yes, I think so. So, a plus from me here.

Then she reprised a self-chosen “My Prayer”, as usual singing it faultlessly. The Italians would be curling their toes! Mama mia again to Jessica in this round from yours truly.

The final song Jessica chose would be the one to launch her maiden album if she wins this competition.

She sang “Change Nothing” to the wows of the crowd  at the Nokia Theater though the judges had mixed opinions.

The saving grace was given by Randy who said that Jessica brought life to the song.


I thought this is still very good.

As for Phillips, Simon Fuller chose the nostalgic oldie by Ben E. King, “Stand By Me”. I would say it was good but there was a distinct lack of soulful passion in his delivery. Really so-so to me

So what is the judgment on Round 1?

While Randy said he favours Jessica in this opening round, Jennifer called it the ‘battle of opposites’, lamenting that Americans will have one tough job to chose here.

For Round 2, Phillips chose Billy Joel’s “ Moving Out” against ‘The Prayer’ by Jessica.

 Steven Tyler said, "Jessica took this round again," but Jennifer dissented, saying the round was definitely Phillip’s. Randy side-stepped by saying it was a ‘dead heat’ round and gave it ‘an even'.

For round 3, all the judges seems unhappy with Jessica especially her choice of song.  She sang  "Change Nothing". However, Randy was man enough to say positively that  Jessica ‘made something more out of the song’ and  "brought the song to life."

Jennifer Lopez obviously did not know what she was commenting, very equivocal, saying she 

was surprised at the pop song choice by Jessica though she could see Jessica gaining enormous success in this genre commercially and not know the reason why. Very convoluted, coming from you, senora!

Phillip's original song and his thrid song choice was called "Home" which he felt real at home performing. Very cheesy performance fit for a snack commercial. Randy loved it calling it brilliant while Steven (as is always in his element) gave it his thumbs up.

So, now that the phone lines are abuzzing for the nest four hours or so, and American voters at texting and voting on-line as well to determine who will be American Idol for the 11 Season, what are your views on watching  all the 3 performances by both contestants?

For me, I give my vote to that sweet sixteen because of the passion that she sings all three songs at the finale. Certainly world class and destined for even bigger global success. 

For Phillip, good show especially with that final marching number taking the show to a close. As his singing is limited to certain genre of songs, he does not emanate ‘exciting electrical bites’ in the air. Except for his soulful rendition the folksy way, which can gets boring, I think he will be the runner up.

Anyway, one never knows whether Americans will vote in an angel of song or a wild turkey this time around! Just look at the voting after 2008 and you would know what I mean.


Some voters can be real rednecks, mind you.

And that could be upsetting, right? Jessica?

Let us wait for the popular vote now.