The final round of American Idol competition Tuesday night was lackluster without Joshua Ledet.
Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips expected to be competing against the vocal powerhouse at the finale but by a strange twist of fate they ended up going head to head in a contest that neither seems particularly driven to win.
Sanchez lost her confidence last night. The 16-year-old was set back on her heels when the judges were critical of her final song choice, a selection that was meant to be the first song the winner would record after the competition.
The judges gave the first round to Jessica. The second round was split and the third round was awarded to Phillips.
Timing turned out to be crucial. Phillip, who managed to smile convincingly last night, had his weakest performance at the start of the show while Sanchez bombed her final song of the evening.
Randy Jackson told Sanchez: “I did not love the song. I missed your urban swag.” Lopez preached, “Everything has to be you, Jessica, so you can be you, which is really good.” Tyler agreed, “I didn’t feel like that song was the proper song.” He hesitated before adding dismally, “Yeah, baby.”
Jessica caved under the harsh critique. Ryan Seacrest asked her what she thought of the judge’s comments. She said in a tiny voice, “They are right. I agree. If I ever make a record I will take their advice.” Did anyone else hear a trap door slamming shut?
Phillips ended on a high note with Home. Jackson shouted, “Dude, I love the song. I loved you. I loved the production. I loved the marching band. Everything about that was perfect. I loved it. True artist performance … brilliant … genius.”
One of these Idol contestants will win the prize tonight. It seems pretty cut and dried.