The Idolized Top Nine

As we head into this week we mourn the loss of Erika Van Pelt. A bit of surprise for me; I didn't think they had done that badly. But I can't really disagree or get outraged by this decision.

As we roll into this week, the our future idols will be performing the songs of their idols. Stevie Nicks, an idol in her own right, will be there to mentor.

Also occurring this week, trio-ets! A medley of songs to be sung by the nine contestants in groups of three.

To the stage...

Colton: You want to talk about a man made for rock, Colton is your man. Seriously, a very good performance from him performing "Everything" from Lifehouse. That man puts every piece of emotion into his song. I'm telling you, he is a threat. As much as I love Joshua, Colton is a threat.

Skylar: This theme is really going to give the guys and gals to really spread their wings, and Skylar did that tonight. Going with her idol Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder & Lead", she rocked the house. While Colton set the bar, Skylar set the tone. She got the audience excited. Again, she is a threat. I'm hoping for a female idol for the first time since Jordan Sparks, and she can do it.

Trio 1: Elise, Colton, and Phillip trotted out as the first trio and sang a mix of Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac hits. They were great. "Landslide", "Edge of Seventeen (Just Like the White Winged Dove)", and "Don't Stop" were the songs they took on and they performed them great. Good job.

Heejun: Coming out after a pretty vocally disastrous performance last week, Heejun went to what he was good at. Performing "A Song For You" from his mentor Donny Hathaway, he got back to that soul and emotion that made him lovable during the top 24. Still not his best, but compared to last week, a mile better.

Hollie: Performing the emotional "Jesus Take the Wheel" from former American Idol (and her idol) Carrie Underwood, she did alright. She had a bit too many spots where she wasn't on the mark. At times, I could here the best in her and at times I couldn't. A weak one for me.

DeAndre: Another shinning example of weeks like this, DeAndre. Going with "Sometimes I Cry" from his idol Eric Benet, this was excellent. He hit all the notes and put some good emotion into it. Very good. Nice to see him roar back after a few lackluster weeks.

Jessica: Her idol is Beyonce (and I am a fan as well). Going with an oft forgotten song from I Am...Sasha Fierce "Sweet Dreams" she slowed it down as Beyonce did when she performed this song on tour. I was happy to hear this because while this song contains some meaningful lyrics, it was a bit fast. You could really tell Jessica is a Beyonce fan because she got this song down pat. Very good performance. Certainly one where she walks through the door.

Trio 2: I don't think I could ask for a better trio than Joshua, DeAndre, and Heejun. They performed some great Michael Jackson hits. "The Lady in My Life", "Rock With You", and "P.Y.T" were the songs of choice and they sung them. A perfect group of songs for a perfect combination. Great.

Phillip: After receiving possibly the best compliment ever from Stevie Nicks, Phillip performed "Still Rainin" from his idol Jonny Lang. He rocked it out and some good fun with the song. Another great performance. Like Jennifer said "It's like we're standing up too much."

Joshua: Going with "Without You" from his idol Mariah Carey, he sang that song (and better than this woman).He knows exactly how to put emotion into his songs. Just when I thought the bar had been set and reset, here comes Joshua to reset it even higher. Excellent. Just excellent. Best of the Night.

Trio 3: Before the last song of the night we're subjected to one more medley from Hollie, Skylar, and Jessica. This time we hear the hits of Madonna. "Like A Prayer", "Borderline" and "Express Yourself" were the songs of choice and I'd consider this one to be the weakest of the bunch. While it was fun to see these three singers take on Madonna (especially Skylar) it is so hard to replicate the sound of Madonna. You don't really hear about great covers of Madonna. Not bad, and although I said it was the weakest I certainly think it was on par for the night.

Elise: Her idol...Led Zepplin. Surprised? I was, sort of. She's going with "Whole Lotta Love", but that was after Elise and Stevie performed a duet of "Dreams" during rehearsal. Onto this song, did Elise put an exclamation point on this evening or what!? Very good performance from here. Who taught her how to raise Janis Joplin from the dead? Everyone thinks she made Robert Plant proud and you know what? I think she did. She rocked it out.

America has a tough job ahead. This was an amazing night for everyone, really.

Bottom 3: Heejun, Hollie, DeAndre
Eliminated: Hollie

Very tough choices to make so go out and vote.

J, out.

*And yes, I have the same bottom three as last week. I just think they didn't fully redeem themselves from last week.