Yep, I was at the taping. I'm just getting in now so haven't had a chance to post anything yet.
Overall I thought they were all really, really good. This is going to be a great show tomorrow night. Very emotional and one of the best performance shows ever!
Chris - I thought Chris was great. I liked that he started singing just sitting in the chair and then in the 2nd verse got up and started moving. It was a great, fast paced song that fit his voice perfectly. His nasalness that people don't like wasn't there. It was one of his better performances and a great way to start the show.
Melinda was amazing as always. I had never heard the Faith Hill song but Melinda sounded nothing like country. I think she may have made that song all her own. The crowd was loving every second of it.
Blake was just ok. I love Imagine but it's not really a song you can really soar on. Blake sounded good but the performance was kinda bland. I agree with the judges that his sincerity really showed.
LaKisha was amazing. I really don't understand why the judges went after her the way they did unless they're trying to set her up to be the shocker of the night. I was a little skeptical when I heard she was singing another Idol's song but she blew it out! The crowd was screaming by the end of it. I don't think America will agree with the judges comments. I am very curious to see it on TV to see if it actually sounds like what we heard.
Phil was ok as well. He sounded good and his voice strong. He didn't have the same kind of connection to the country song he had last week but I thought he performed it well. however, his song choice was the weakest of the bunch. Personally I love the song but when compared to all the rest it just didn't have the same feel to it.
Jordin really proved that she could win the competition today. Her voice was incredible, she showcased emotion all throughout and she looked like a star. I don't know if it was the best performance of all time but it was probably the performance of the season so far.
My ranking: Jordin LaKisha Melinda Chris Blake Phil
If Lakisha was good and the judges slam her unfairly, then I think the judges are trying to get rid of Lakisha any way they can. They can’t afford to have her hang in there and divide the votes of the three women and put either Jordin or Melinda at risk. I think the judges have made it quite clear lately that they prefer Jordin and Melinda. jmo
Lakisha’s version had to be far and away better than Fantasia’s that’s for sure. Glad you got to go! :) Sounds like it was fun.