S15.E23: Finale Part I: Top Three Perform

[MarkHB]

After weeks of eliminations, the series' final Top Three battle it out live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

[27bored]

Keith, what the hell do you have on? Keith and Avalon need a web series where they show up to formal events dressed too casually. Oh, this is wedding? Who says you can't wear skinny jeans and a bomber jacket?

 

Trent: I think I like the song, which is good, but this performance wasn't great. Trent seemed a little all over the place. His voice is geared for slow-burners like this, but the quicker the tempo gets, the more pinched his tone gets. And Trent can get a little goofy when he gets into it. Still like him, still hope he wins, but dude, stop with the weird faces and turkey-necking like the waiter got your order wrong. And I wish they had the band on stage with them. Seeing a singer on a big ass stage all alone looks super amateur. But yeah, good song. I've said it before, but pop music is about filling spaces. Missing Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine and still can't take Bieber seriously (especially now with the dreads)? Hey, there's a guy named Trent you may like!

 

Dalton: Meh. The song was okay and it would've sounded better IF DALTON COULD FUCKING SING.

 

La'Porsha: La'Porsha...likes letting other people hold her baby, don't she? This song is a little too CCM for me. They should've had her do something stank and ratchet, like "Whip My Hair" or "Yankin" by Lady (you should go YouTube it, but for Girls fans, it's the song they played at Jessa's wedding...)

 

La'Porsha and Trent. Like we always knew it would be.

 

Take care Dalton. Maybe get a vibrato and ease up on the Female Soccer Player hair and we'll be good.

 

Trent: Another Good Song for Trent. Another feather in Trent's cap is he's not just singing, but dude is performing his ass off.

 

La'Porsha: Wow, beautiful. Classic. She's kind of fulfilling the diva treatment. It seems like she learned grace. I've often felt like La'Porsha was a power singer who wasn't really a power singer, but she showed a new shade in her artistry. An almost playful, coquettish quality.

 

It's an interesting debate. I feel like La'Porsha gets on stage and steels and delivers. She has definite presence, and she sort of inhabits the space around her, beyond her hair and her size. But Trent is putting in work, and I think he's legitimately moved by music and being able to express himself musically. La'Porsha is talented, but I feel she sings from a different place. To fulfill certain emotions. I know her story is part of her, but I think she feels diminished when she doesn't feel it. I don't feel the same thing about Trent.

 

Trent: Good choice. Maybe he could've done something a little more fun, but this was a good performance. He's singing it like a Brit...in a musical. But he kept me hanging on to every note. Those falsetto flourishes were beautiful. And I think Trent probably can relate to the lyrics. Not in the drunk bitch way (like me), but wanting to cut loose and be free. It's probably stifling living on a farm, working for your parents, in Mississippi, when you have dreams of doing something more. He picked that song for a reason, and it wasn't because it was his best performance. Even though, it kind of was.

 

Harry, I ain't watching your show.

 

Is that Anthony Federov behind Ryan?! Hey Anthony!

 

La'Porsha: Eh...not the best pick for her. I know the judges went cuckoo over this the first time. But there were a lot of high schoolers then, and Kelly's pregnant ass doesn't count.

 

Seeing all these old Idols is making me emotional. It's the end, you guys.

[TheGreenKnight]

And Dalton's match has been put out. Good riddance. At least we know he won't be the winner, even if La'Porsha gets the shaft.

 

I knew she would sing either "NMD" or "Diamonds," and I'm glad she went with the latter. She sounded phenomenal--again. Her take on "AHINAH" was okay, but you could tell she was trying her hardest not to do any runs. It sounded very different for her. "Battles" was probably my favorite of the singles. Trent's sounded okay on YouTube, but I knew it wouldn't translate well live. Kelly tweeted for La'Porsha throughout the show.

Edited April 7, 2016 by TheGreenKnight

[bluwater]

I remember when Jason Castro went home in fourth place and the look of sheer JOY he exuded....that was Dalton tonight. I think he resigned earlier to the fact that LaP and Trent would be final two. The stress was off. Just got that vibe from him this past week. Speaking of Jason, LOVED seeing him in the audience with his adorable daughter.

 

I am SO ready for Dalton to move on and give us HIS music. I didn't care for that coronation song, but he sang it fine. Dancing in the Dark is my fave recorded song he did and I NEVER thought I would say that before hearing it. LOL

[mojoween]

La'Porsha seems like a nice lady, but she is just not my cup of tea. I would have preferred Dalton.

I liked Trent's first song, I could hear that on the radio.

I can't believe it's almost over. I really am going to miss this mess of a show.

[Stratego]

Trent:  (Winner's Song)--cheesy-schitetta.  He sung and performed the xxxx out of it, but that song won't sell!

           (Simon's Song)--he picked a song in Trent's wheel-house--and he nailed it!  IYDKMBN--is not even close to the music I like but I don't think there's much                  room for improvement.

           (Judge's Pick)--A truly difficult song and a magnificent performance!  Even JLo gave huge praise--and she clearly prefers La'Porsha.

 

Dalton: Well, he had zero chance anyway.  Bandzilla ensured that Dalton lack of pipes would be exposed (again).  3rd Place is better than I thought he would get.

 

La'porsha:  I don't think Beyonce` could make that winner's song a hit--it was xxxx!  La'P didn't put her best into it because "if she don't 'feel' it", she don't "sing it".

                   Simon's song--started great, and showed a different La'Porsha, then she stumbled a bit but came back and saved it!

                   Judge's Pick--Sorry, singing Rihanna is really difficult--and tonight she wasn't up to this song--certainly not like her first performance of Diamonds.

 

The Winner:  What type of music do you like?  A big contrast in genres.  Techically, Trent was better tonight, but Idol is supposed to be won by all weeks of                                     performances.  The judges favored La'P a bit (a fake out designed to mute support?)  I'm guessing this is close--but I think Trent wins a squeaker                            based on being a handsome white guy and La'Porsha a plus-sized Black, woman.  Maybe not fair, but Life isn't fair--and neither is American Idol.

[DonnaJo]

God, how I hope Trent wins! He has persevered through illness, missing his family and unbelievable hard work. JLo said tonight that he deserved to win, and I agree. Adore his voice. Tonight's rendition of "Chandelier" was superior to the first. He really poured his heart and soul into it.

 

LaPorshia is amazing. So very talented and such a lovely woman. Even though I'm rooting for Trent, if she wins it's also very deserved.

 

I liked Dalton, but he was in over his head. Nice to see Sonika, MacKenzie and Avalon in the audience, as well as some of the past years contestants.

 

Simon Fuller's daughter is adorable.

 

[designing1]

 

Her take on "AHINAH" was okay, but you could tell she was trying her hardest not to do any runs. It sounded very different for her.

 

I'm (barely!) old enough to remember the Dionne Warwick version of AHINAH when it was first released. It's a beautiful Bacharach/David tune with a lovely melody. Never have I been more aware of La'Porsha's dependency on runs than in this song which, unlike a lot of current tunes, needs no embellishment. I really thought she ruined it. I didn't particularly care for Trent's IYDKMBN either, but that's more because I think it sounds better in its original warm, R&B style (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, not Simply Red!) than Trent's higher pitched pop (?) voice.

 

Both La'Porsha and Trent would be worthy winners, though I think Trent is more versatile. I can't see either of them having a career that would even approach being a bookend for Kelly.

Edited April 7, 2016 by designing1

[jjjmoss]

iTunes

36 Trent Harmon Falling

262 Trent Harmon Drink You Away 
264 Trent Harmon Sharp Dressed Man

 

60 Dalton Rapattoni Strike a Match

410 Dalton Rapattoni Dancing In the Dark

547 Dalton Rapattoni God Only Knows

[786 Dalton Rapattoni Stop]

 

73 La'Porsha Renae Battles

890 La'Porsha Renae Elastic Heart

966 La'Porsha Renae Stay With Me

 

451 MacKenzie Bourg Hallelujah

[1267 MacKenzie Bourg Heartbeat]

 

iTunes may not be indicative of the general audience, but it looks bad if her coronation song is behind the 3rd place contestant's, and her next best song is behind 3 others of his.

Edited April 7, 2016 by jjjmoss

[TheGreenKnight]

^The same thing happened Caleb Johnson's year. Caleb wasn't even in the top 100, while Jena was up in the 30's, I believe, but he still won.

 

I actually thought IYDKMBN was a perfect pick for Trent and I was going to rage, but then he sort of became a trainwreck in the middle of it. The only performance I'd say he's given I've halfway liked was "Chandelier" and maybe "Simple Man."

[27bored]

Both La'Porsha and Trent would be worthy winners, though I think Trent is more versatile. I can't see either of them having a career that would even approach being a bookend for Kelly.

 

I would agree, even though it's a tad unfair. The music industry is just different now. Kelly came out back when people still bought albums, MTV still played videos, and Idol was A Thing. I think Trent has a better shot at a career than La'Porsha, but it's an uphill battle for both of them. I think timing is more important than anything. I don't know that this year is a year of heavy-hitter releases, so one of them may have a shot. Sort of like how Iggy Azalea got big in 2014 when a lot of more established acts took the year off or spent the year touring. I think both Trent and La'Porsha project a little old -- not an issue on Idol, but JT and NeYo wearing suits isn't the same as a newcomer wearing blazers all the time. Trent needs to go back to his country hipster style (image is everything, unfortunately) and, I hate to say it, but La'Porsha's gonna have to get with the waist trainer and detox tea. I think La'Porsha is gorgeous, and I think she has a nice shape. If she lost weight and kept the hair, she'd be a stone-cold fox (how's that for dated?!).

[designing1]

 

Both La'Porsha and Trent would be worthy winners, though I think Trent is more versatile. I can't see either of them having a career that would even approach being a bookend for Kelly.

 

I would agree, even though it's a tad unfair. The music industry is just different now. Kelly came out back when people still bought albums, MTV still played videos, and Idol was A Thing.

 

 

 

Oh, I agree with that, for sure. I wouldn't expect either of them to even approach her sales. I was talking about level of stardom and professional respect, relative to the current music landscape. There are still big stars that come out of nowhere, and had they found the right person, the next big star could just as easily have come out of Idol. I don't see that happening, though.

[howmanywords]

Trent:  (Winner's Song)--cheesy-schitetta.  He sung and performed the xxxx out of it, but that song won't sell!

And yet its the highest selling song out of everything that was sung tonight and is selling twice as much as LaPorsha's. Granted I dont put much stock in how iTunes translates into votes but people are indeed buying. Idol fans LOVE cheesy songs.

 

eta: I actually thought JLo cursed Trent when she said he deserved to win. I imagined all these LaP flipping the hell out after she said that and voting 10x harder for her after that comment.

Edited April 7, 2016 by howmanywords

[Wings]

Let's give it to the lying sack of shit that says her hair is real.  Why not?  She does runs so well!  I am sorry, I HATE this kind of lie!!!!! WHF? 

[TeeMo]

I was so perplexed about how Keith could know the lyrics to Trent's coronation song well enough to be singing along. I had no idea he was a co-writer of the song!

I am happy with the results tonight. Hope Trent wins tomorrow. And Simon Fuller should have been the one picking the songs all season. Great choices for both Trent and LaPorsha from him.

[jjjmoss]

Yeah, 5th Harmony just became the first girl group in 8 years with a T10 hit, and X Factor was a bit of a flop.

Pentatonix got a million selling album and they're from...The Sing-Off.

 

Who becomes successful from these shows can be super random.

[TVFan17]

I'm recording the show.  I'm on the west coast, but I came to this thread a while ago and saw a reference to Trent singing "Chandelier" again.  I was one of the ones who thought that the last time Trent sang the song he was holding back a bit and not letting his voice soar as much as it could have soared.

 

So I went to the Idol Facebook page and found the video of the performance from tonight.  By the end of it I was getting choked up and wiping tears out of my eyes.  This time Trent let loose a bit more.  I have said before that it took me a long time before deciding that I wanted Trent to win -- I wasn't sure if I liked him or not for a while, even though I always thought he seemed like a nice, polite, sweet guy.  Now I am definitely invested and want him to win.  I think he might.   I predict he will start crying... which means I will start crying.

 

I am going to miss this show.  I think it will be back in a few years, but it won't be the same.  It will probably have a different format, different judges, a different host, etc.  I will miss it in the format that I am used to.  I have followed this show since 2002, even through all of the boring seasons when the talent was weak or the judges were useless.  It's been my January-May ritual, every year, rain or shine, whether I was sick with the flu or super busy.  Even though there have been some questionable singers and judges over the years, there is no denying how great it is when a seemingly nice kid with a lot of talent -- who wouldn't have been discovered otherwise -- comes into his or her own and really rises above everyone else to win.

[Rick Kitchen]

Didn't really like Trent's first song, he was pretty yelly.

 

Dalton's first song was even worse.

 

Did keith ride in on his motorcycle?

 

La'Porsha's first song was the best of the three.

 

I wonder if La'Porsha being named safe first was a ploy to get votes for Trent.

 

Trent's IYDKMBN was hot!

 

I love, love, love AHINAH.  La'Porsha was great. And she looked absolutely gorgeous.

 

Who are those model-looking women sitting behind JLo? 

 

I wonder why JLo had to look at a piece of paper when Ryan asked her who had the lead. Was she reading her instructions from Fuller?

 

When Trent was singing Chandelier, I liked when he sang high notes at the point they were supposed to be sung, but I didn't like his falsetto when it wasn't necessary.

 

I think La'Porsha may have clinched it tonight, though I'm more of a Trent fan.

Yeah, 5th Harmony just became the first girl group in 8 years with a T10 hit, and X Factor was a bit of a flop.

Pentatonix got a million selling album and they're from...The Sing-Off.

 

Who becomes successful from these shows can be super random.

 

Pentatonix's success came from YouTube.

[Sparkling Beth]

I hope Trent wins.  He can do so much with his voice and I admire that ability in a singer.  Being an Adam Lambert fan, I will always maintain that Adam is the best vocalist who was ever on the show, but Trent is impressive.  I threw some votes his way.

[Shopgirl406]

I have always been an Adam Lambert fan.  For me, he is the best contestant from American Idol.  I haven't voted since his season, that was until tonight.  LOVED Trent tonight!  Hope he pulls out the win.  Second best contestant ever, for me that is!! :)

Edited April 7, 2016 by Shopgirl406

[Rick Kitchen]

I just went to vote on AI's website and they still have the capability to vote for Dalton.

[Neet]

Dalton getting eliminated was to be expected. I didn't even like him much and still hoped he would get to the finals just for some kind of shock. After watching that Idol special yesterday, this season's finale looks quite embarrassing in comparison to the show's height, so tomorrow being the end is bittersweet.

Singles:
Trent - "Falling" - Probably the best of the three, but it sounded too close to what he was already performing week to week. I can't quite imagine current radio stations playing it often, and don't see much popularity for the song over time. At least it came off as genuine, and Trent sung it well.
Dalton - "Strike A Match" - Very cookie cutter song that went nowhere and did nothing. It sounds like something any emo/scene singer on Disney would get, I was heavily disappointed. For all of the expectations of him being able to carve out a fine career, I'm not seeing it after tonight.
La'Porsha - "Battles" - I can't stand these type of "my journey"/life's hard/I will triumph songs. They are so damn bad for coronation singles.

Winner: Trent
What a mediocre round, seriously. Why do we get so few "Home"-tier singles? I wonder what Mackenzie would have sung, had he made it through last week.

Simon Fuller pick:
Trent - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" - Nothing extraordinary, but solid. I'm sure there were at least 50 other songs he could have done better.
La'Porsha - "A House Is Not A Home" - Wow, this was boring and a little bit pageant-y. It would be nice if she would do a fun song for a change, as her repeatedly somber performances turn me off time and time again.

Winner: Trent
Just as bad of a round as the first, if not even worse. Simon should have picked something completely out of their wheelhouse and made it challenging. This was basically just giving the fans "more Trent" and "more La'Porsha", depending on who they're already committed to voting for.

Season 15 song:
Trent - "Chandelier" - I got full body chills both times, he totally slayed it in the best performance of the night. I kept hoping he'd start belting/shouting, as Ryan made some mention about Trent putting a new twist on the song, but he did get louder in some parts that were quiet the first time. Really good stuff.
La'Porsha - "Diamonds" - I thought she was veering towards over-singing for the sake of theatrics. Despite her obvious talent, I got nothing out of it and don't plan on going out of my way to listen to her again.

Winner: Trent
I have no idea if he'll be able to make a dent in the industry, but he had a pretty good showing tonight. Hopefully he wins and can find some success, and not being Borch Brothers with Nick Fradiani while in limbo.

Does anyone else think Keith's performance tomorrow is going to be with Kree Harrison? She was in that list of alums coming back, and has sung with him in the past. Maybe it's Lauren or Carrie, if she's even scheduled to be there.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Neet

[kili]

I wonder what Mackenzie would have sung, had he made it through last week.

He said in his post-show interview that it was going to be his original song "Roses". It was to be the first coronation song written by the Idol who sang it. 

 

His "Roses" is charting on iTunes right now (I don't know if it is a new recording - he was going to make one). It's not far behind the coronation singles that were performed.

[howmanywords]

Its also interesting to note that Big Machine is listed as the label under "Roses" on iTunes.

[TVFan17]

I have always been an Adam Lambert fan.  For me, he is the best contestant from American Idol.  I haven't voted since his season, that was until tonight.  LOVED Trent tonight!  Hope he pulls out the win.  Second best contestant ever, for me that is!! :)

 

I, too, hadn't voted since the Adam Lambert year but I voted for Trent!  I saw how many followers La'Porsha had on Facebook (a lot!) compared to how many followers Trent had (not as many), and I started thinking she might win.  So I quickly went online and voted for him.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Sherry67

[calipiano81]

This is somewhat off-topic, but why does the music industry (and Idol) always insist that a singer has to identify what music genre (i.e. pop, country, rock, RnB) box they fit into and STAY there? I always groaned back in the Randy-Paula-Simon-Kara D. days whenever one of them would say to a contestant..."I don't know who you are?" as a criticism whenever contestants would sing a song in a genre not typical for them, even if they performed it well.

 

By my logic, I've always thought that it would actually be an advantage for a singer to be versatile, because then wouldn't he/she appeal to a more widespread audience and sell even MORE albums? 

 

I bring this all up because I just saw an article (http://tasteofcountry.com/trent-harmon-to-go-country-wins-american-idol/), where Scott B. says that if Trent wins, he will take him to country radio. 

 

While Trent sings country well and I'm sure he loves it, it's been obvious from the start (with his Allen Stone audition) that he is a fan of and very talented in many different genres of music. That's one of the things I love about him. I think an album from him with tracks of different styles would be so interesting.

 

So to hear that Idol would pigeon-hole him into country makes me very sad. I've voted Trent all season, but all of a sudden, I am almost conflicted whether or not I want him to win.

[TVFan17]

calipiano81 --

 

I think that not only would the audience be more diverse and widespread if a singer were not forced into one specific genre or niche, but the singer's voice and vocal ability would likely be improved quite a bit by singing different styles of music and exploring nuances specific to each style. 

 

For example, Adam Lambert has a great, powerful rock voice, but he can also sing pop or Broadway show tunes if he has to. 

 

Even Keith Urban is more than just country -- he can sing country, but he seems very interested in and knowledgeable about a range of music, whether it's rock, pop, Motown, or whatever else. 

 

Look at Lady Gaga -- she is a rock fan from back in the day, but she can sing ballads, pop songs, the National Anthem or bust out a Julie Andrews Sound of Music song at the Oscars.

 

 

Anyway, it looks like tonight's show is going to be jam-packed with performances, but that was what I was hoping for.  I wanted to see all of the winners and notable past contestants on the show.  Too bad Philip Phillips won't be there.  I guess no Jennifer Hudson either?

 

I still tend to think that we might get a surprise reunion of Randy, Simon and Paula -- either they will be in the audience, or Ryan will trot them out on the stage one last time.  And will Ryan say "Seacrest... OUT" one final time, for old times' sake?  I hope so!

[Neet]

I think Trent wins a squeaker  based on being a handsome white guy and La'Porsha a plus-sized Black, woman.  Maybe not fair, but Life isn't fair--and neither is American Idol.

Either she loses because she's "plus sized" and black (as was Ruben) or the voting audience still gets Vietnam flashbacks from Candice Glover winning and going nowhere. That was only three years ago. It seems like she went on to accomplish even less than Caleb Johnson did, however impossible that may sound.

[DonnaJo]

eta: I actually thought JLo cursed Trent when she said he deserved to win. I imagined all these LaP flipping the hell out after she said that and voting 10x harder for her after that comment.

 

I'm a little afraid of this too. Hopefully not everyone heard it, since it was at the end of her critique and a little drowned out. You could see how hard Trent was trying not to cry. I find that more touching and admirable than LaPorshia's easy tears (although I do understand  emotion overwhelming her - I would be a blubbering mess).

 

I agree with the judge's saying that this will be perhaps the closest finale in Idol history, maybe beating Clay vs. Ruben, which I think is now the closest. Anyone know if that's right?

[waving feather]

I have loved Trent all season long. I can hear his voice is tired from all the rehearsing but give me passionate over vocal perfection any day. Of course, it still needs to be on pitch and in tune, which he was.

 

Really can't predict who is going to win.

[designing1]

 

 

I think that not only would the audience be more diverse and widespread if a singer were not forced into one specific genre or niche, but the singer's voice and vocal ability would likely be improved quite a bit by singing different styles of music and exploring nuances specific to each style.

For example, Adam Lambert has a great, powerful rock voice, but he can also sing pop or Broadway show tunes if he has to.

Even Keith Urban is more than just country -- he can sing country, but he seems very interested in and knowledgeable about a range of music, whether it's rock, pop, Motown, or whatever else.

Look at Lady Gaga -- she is a rock fan from back in the day, but she can sing ballads, pop songs, the National Anthem or bust out a Julie Andrews Sound of Music song at the Oscars.

 

I think the judges espouse "stay in your lane" on these shows because an artist needs to gain traction before spreading their wings; a set course makes them easier to package and promote. Once the artist has established themselves in their genre it gives them more freedom to try other things, like Gaga or a bunch of other rock/pop stars before her who've gone on to record standards, explore other genres, do Broadway, etc. From a marketing perspective, I think it would be very difficult to launch a new artist whose music was all over the place.

[bluwater]

This is somewhat off-topic, but why does the music industry (and Idol) always insist that a singer has to identify what music genre (i.e. pop, country, rock, RnB) box they fit into and STAY there? I always groaned back in the Randy-Paula-Simon-Kara D. days whenever one of them would say to a contestant..."I don't know who you are?" as a criticism whenever contestants would sing a song in a genre not typical for them, even if they performed it well.

I bring this all up because I just saw an article (http://tasteofcountry.com/trent-harmon-to-go-country-wins-american-idol/), where Scott B. says that if Trent wins, he will take him to country radio.

So to hear that Idol would pigeon-hole him into country makes me very sad. I've voted Trent all season, but all of a sudden, I am almost conflicted whether or not I want him to win.

I knew this would happen. That is why I wanted Dalton off the show. After reading that Roses was going to be Mac's coronation song, if makes me upset, because Dalton is an amazing songwriter, but they seem to have pushed him to be Rock Guy. Pfftt, he can sing all styles as well, having been in IM5, they covered all kinds of music. Wish Dalton could have written his own song, because Strike a Match sucks.

Dalton said after the show last night that he will be recording an album beginning Sunday, so I am in SQUEE mode for that right now. Get away from Bullsh@tta!

Looking forward to all the past Idols tonight.

[Qoass]

I had to laugh to myself when during Producer's Choice, I found myself thinking, "Enough with the runs... Trent!"

 

Overall I think Trent overdid his performances and La'Porsha "underdid" hers.  As has been noted repeatedly, winning the top spot will have little impact on either contestant's future.

 

I'm just thrilled we made it all the way through without La"Porsha hauling out "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going".  The temptation must have been a killer!  (If I'm wrong about that and she did sing it, please don't tell me.)

[TeeMo]

I must confess that I am pretty excited for the show tonight. The photos I've seen on Instagram of so many past contestants rehearsing is getting me all nostalgic and sentimental.

I wonder if Kelly's tweets in support of LaPorsha will have a big imapct? A few recaps I read last night keep pushing that they think this has always been LaPorsha's to lose but in recent weeks I really thought the tide was shifting towards Trent. He is my preference so I can't tell if that is just my bias and LaPorsha really does have this in the bag and always has. Guess we'll find out!

[27bored]

I had to laugh to myself when during Producer's Choice, I found myself thinking, "Enough with the runs... Trent!"

Overall I think Trent overdid his performances and La'Porsha "underdid" hers. As has been noted repeatedly, winning the top spot will have little impact on either contestant's future.

I'm just thrilled we made it all the way through without La"Porsha hauling out "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going". The temptation must have been a killer! (If I'm wrong about that and she did sing it, please don't tell me.)

LOL. Yeah, she probably wanted to. I'm glad she didn't. That would've been an over praised warbly mess. Edited April 7, 2016 by 27bored

[jjjmoss]

Pentatonix's success came from YouTube.

That's one perspective. They have only 2 100 mil+ viewed videos. There are many people with way more views than that who aren't close to an album selling a million in the US. Say, Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez.

 

MacKenzie's now the highest on iTunes. Funny if the 4th place contestant manages to eke out a better career than the rest like Chris D.

[Primetimer]

America finally gets a vote right, as the final Top Two are announced at last.

Read the story

[Qoass]

I've got to admit that when Dalton's coronation song Strike a Match was introduced, my mind went here.

[backformore]

 

I agree with the judge's saying that this will be perhaps the closest finale in Idol history, maybe beating Clay vs. Ruben, which I think is now the closest. Anyone know if that's right?

Yes,  Season 2 was the closest ever vote, even though most people thought it was manipulated to be that way. 

(Ryan stumbled so much when reading those vote totals) 

  I predict that something similar will happen this season.   TPTB will do whatever machinations necessary to ensure that it is the "closest ever finale".   J Lo says "for the first time in a long time, we have a real battle", pretty much dissing all previous runners up. 

I think that they are pushing hard for a LaPorsha win, just based on how MANY times they cut to her family/baby in the audience, almost before and after EVERY commercial break. 

[TheGreenKnight]

Either she loses because she's "plus sized" and black (as was Ruben) or the voting audience still gets Vietnam flashbacks from Candice Glover winning and going nowhere. That was only three years ago. It seems like she went on to accomplish even less than Caleb Johnson did, however impossible that may sound.

Not that I know of.  Caleb Johnson's album placed lower than hers and sold less than half Candice's album--which is lower than Lee DeWyze--and that's not even taking into account all the pre-orders Candice lost from her finale show by delaying her album to the following January. None of his singles placed on the Billboard 100 where one of hers did, and her singles placed much higher within R&B than his did in Rock. Nick hasn't had an album at all, and his one single only did about as much as Candice's first one. All three were flops, but so far Candice did the best. Actually, Candice (and La'Porsha) aren't really that unmarketable for R&B or gospel (if that's the lane La'Porsha were to go in); what they would depend on is the material. See Jennifer Hudson and Mandisa for those who started out as big women to become very successful. If anything, it was a selling point and not disadvantage.

 

Actually, at one time, singers were very versatile on this show. One of Carrie's biggest performances was "Alone," Jordin with "A Broken Wing," Fantasia with "Always On My Mind," Adam all over the place, etc. David Cook and Kris Allen began to shift the show's gears. The method of surviving wasn't so much being versatile anymore, but rearranging a song to sound completely different from the original to suit your weaknesses and genre.

 

I'm already expecting Trent to win. At least the show's over and I'll never see him again (because, no, he won't be a star and, no, he's not any more marketable as a pop star than La'Porsha is as a R&B star). I'm just going to enjoy the returning contestants and mute when Harry and JLo are on stage.

[TeeMo]

That's one perspective. They have only 2 100 mil+ viewed videos. There are many people with way more views than that who aren't close to an album selling a million in the US. Say, Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez.

MacKenzie's now the highest on iTunes. Funny if the 4th place contestant manages to eke out a better career than the rest like Chris D.

I just saw that Roses went as high as #10. Good for Mackenzie. Looks like it is sitting at #12 now with Trent at #14 and LaPorsha at #44.

[kili]

Too bad Philip Phillips won't be there.  I guess no Jennifer Hudson either?

 

I heard P2 will be there. Jennifer Hudson recorded a performance on Monday (the traditional night when Broadway has the night off) which will be aired tonight.

 

I'm already expecting Trent to win. At least the show's over and I'll never see him again (because, no, he won't be a star and, no, he's not any more marketable as a pop star than La'Porsha is as a R&B star).

 

I'd believe that if La'Porsha was closer in sales to Trent and MacKenzie. She's selling about half as much as them right now. Selling singles during the euphoria of finale night is way easier than trying to get people to buy your album 6 months from now. I'm not saying she won't be a success with the right songs (and at least Scott has already said that if she wins, he's farming her out to a friendly Universal Motown label), but I'd like to see her move more product now when she's at the height of her mainstream media exposure. I'd like to see Trent move more too, to be honest, but at least he and MacKenzie got higher than we've seen a coronation song go in a while.

[saber5055]

I'm hoping for a LaPorsha win, I LOVE her hair and she is so beautiful, gorgeous eyes. Her outfits were fantastic last night, too. But I'd be okay with a Trent win. Really, it doesn't matter all that much to me who wins. Second-place finishers *coughclaycough* can do pretty well. The winners of the last few seasons? Never heard of them since.

 

I really REALLY want to know what LaPorsha's ex is doing now, what he thinks about her now. I'll bet he wishes he had held on to that so he could cash in. Although if he had, LP wouldn't have been on AI, so there's that.

 

I meant to say a couple episodes ago: I want to give all my votes to Keith Urban's arms. Hottie McHottie, yo. This panel of judges is the most good-looking in show history IMO. Sorry, Simon, but it's true.

 

I loved Dalton's gracious end. I also love his hair and eyes, especially when during his hometown visit a few weeks ago he said he needed to get home because he needed his hair done. Good on you, Dalton!

 

Great to see MacKenzie in the audience, too. I didn't recognize anyone else, although some of you did.

[jjjmoss]

Nvm.

Edited April 7, 2016 by jjjmoss

[ari333]

This whole season has been a bummer for me as was this eppy. I get the sense that they want a LP win, but Im usually wrong.

This whole season has been a bummer for me as was this eppy. I get the sense that they want a LP win, but Im usually wrong.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Yay for Trent and LP being the final two!  Wow, both artists aced their songs!  They are both so likeable and styled well and present themselves so humbly and you know it is genuine.  Tough choice for voting but both will do well.  

 

I thought Keith was dressed up in his black and white leather jacket!  I saw him with Nicole at the CMA's and she is so botoxed her face is frozen in that same smile, quite a different face from when I first saw her on screen in Dead Calm!

[Kira53]

I'm just thrilled we made it all the way through without La"Porsha hauling out "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going".  The temptation must have been a killer!  (If I'm wrong about that and she did sing it, please don't tell me.)

 

I just came on board for about the last 5 episodes but I believe that La Porsha made it clear that she did not ever want to sing any "baby baby please come back to me" pleading, low self-esteem woman song.  Been there, did that - gave away the tee shirt and the hat.  I hope she wins and is able to sing women's empowerment songs or at least not the low self-esteem songs.

[ichbin]

I'm (barely!) old enough to remember the Dionne Warwick version of AHINAH when it was first released. It's a beautiful Bacharach/David tune with a lovely melody. Never have I been more aware of La'Porsha's dependency on runs than in this song which, unlike a lot of current tunes, needs no embellishment. I really thought she ruined it. I didn't particularly care for Trent's IYDKMBN either, but that's more because I think it sounds better in its original warm, R&B style (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, not Simply Red!) than Trent's higher pitched pop (?) voice.

 

Both La'Porsha and Trent would be worthy winners, though I think Trent is more versatile. I can't see either of them having a career that would even approach being a bookend for Kelly.

 

I'm right there with you about La'Porsha's rendition of A House Is Not a Home!  It only made me want to go and listen to Dionne Warwick or Luther Vandross do it right (which I did after the show).   The same thing bothers me about La'Porsha that bugged me about Jax last year.  It's too early in the days of a career which has not yet started to be playing the part...La'Portia being a "Diva" or Jax being a "Rock Star".  Dues need to be paid before the posturing is earned.  In any case, for me at least, La'Portia is too repetitive and needs to broaden her range beyond the runs and growls.  She has a great voice and can certainly belt out a song, but they all sound the same to me. 

 

Also agree with Trent being more versatile.  I also think his singing voice edges out that of La'Portia somewhat.  I didn't like his first song but definitely enjoyed the following two. 

 

I wouldn't be upset by either winning, but I give the edge to Trent overall. 

[TVFan17]

I think the judges espouse "stay in your lane" on these shows because an artist needs to gain traction before spreading their wings; a set course makes them easier to package and promote. Once the artist has established themselves in their genre it gives them more freedom to try other things, like Gaga or a bunch of other rock/pop stars before her who've gone on to record standards, explore other genres, do Broadway, etc. From a marketing perspective, I think it would be very difficult to launch a new artist whose music was all over the place.

 

Idol has essentially been having contestants sing different styles of music for years on all of the different theme nights.  It always seemed to be a "Let's try a bunch of things and see what works for this person and that person" tactic.  But at some point there was a push for the singers to pick a style and stick to it. 

 

I think there is definitely merit and logic behind finding what works best and sticking to it as well -- especially at first, when starting out.  No question about that.  But even aside from publicly singing different styles of music to get a more widespread audience, I think that it would benefit the singers to just privately -- when rehearsing, practicing, taking lessons, whatever -- try singing different genres to hone their instruments.  They can acquire better tones, a better range, strengthen vibrato or learn where to sing a bit more subtly.

 

 

I heard P2 will be there. Jennifer Hudson recorded a performance on Monday (the traditional night when Broadway has the night off) which will be aired tonight.

 

 

I'd believe that if La'Porsha was closer in sales to Trent and MacKenzie. She's selling about half as much as them right now. Selling singles during the euphoria of finale night is way easier than trying to get people to buy your album 6 months from now. I'm not saying she won't be a success with the right songs (and at least Scott has already said that if she wins, he's farming her out to a friendly Universal Motown label), but I'd like to see her move more product now when she's at the height of her mainstream media exposure. I'd like to see Trent move more too, to be honest, but at least he and MacKenzie got higher than we've seen a coronation song go in a while.

 

If Philip is going to be there, he was not mentioned in the very long list of past winners and performers here -- http://www.americanidol.com/article/american-idol-finale.  Maybe they just added him in?  I hope he is there. 

 

On the morning news today (a local Fox affiliate), they confirmed that Randy, Simon and Paula will be there tonight, as will Brian Dunkleman -- and William Hung!!

 

 

I'm hoping for a LaPorsha win, I LOVE her hair and she is so beautiful, gorgeous eyes. Her outfits were fantastic last night, too. But I'd be okay with a Trent win. Really, it doesn't matter all that much to me who wins. Second-place finishers *coughclaycough* can do pretty well. The winners of the last few seasons? Never heard of them since.

 

I really REALLY want to know what LaPorsha's ex is doing now, what he thinks about her now. I'll bet he wishes he had held on to that so he could cash in. Although if he had, LP wouldn't have been on AI, so there's that.

 

I meant to say a couple episodes ago: I want to give all my votes to Keith Urban's arms. Hottie McHottie, yo. This panel of judges is the most good-looking in show history IMO. Sorry, Simon, but it's true.

 

I loved Dalton's gracious end. I also love his hair and eyes, especially when during his hometown visit a few weeks ago he said he needed to get home because he needed his hair done. Good on you, Dalton!

 

Great to see MacKenzie in the audience, too. I didn't recognize anyone else, although some of you did.

 

I, too, have enjoyed looking at this panel of judges for 3 seasons.  Jennifer is beautiful.   I've always thought Harry was cute and charming -- way back years ago, even before he appeared in Hope Floats.  I didn't know too much about Keith before he started on this show, though I knew he was a country singer married to Nicole Kidman.  When he landed smack dab in the middle of the Mariah-Nicki Minaj fighting season, I felt so bad for him.  He looks like a no-nonsense sort of person and I'm sure he was thinking "This is not what I signed up for."  I was glad that he was brought back to be a judge with different people, in a more harmonious situation.

 

I am a huge fan of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith, and while I was always amused and entertained when Steven was on the show -- and he brought genuine rock credibility to the panel -- he was not meant to be a judge.  He was in over his head.  It was good that he didn't stick around too long.

 

 

 

I want Trent to win -- but I truly think that La'P will win.  I think that people seem to really be rooting for her, and she will win.  She seems like a lovely lady, and her baby is adorable.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Sherry67

[MarkHB]

I still tend to think that we might get a surprise reunion of Randy, Simon and Paula -- either they will be in the audience, or Ryan will trot them out on the stage one last time.  And will Ryan say "Seacrest... OUT" one final time, for old times' sake?  I hope so!

Ryan actually ended this episode (final performances) with "Seacrest... OUT!"  I started watching in S5 and it was the first time I had ever actually heard him say it.