I'm writing this recap well after 1AM so forgive me for posting what will most likely be my briefest of recaps. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I loved the Jimmy-and-Stevie show. I'd watch that every week.
Hollie Cavanagh
I loved her showmanship on "River Deep Mountain High." Probably her best performance of the season. I also want her dress. "Bleeding Love" was also very nice- her best all around night for sure. I think she finally gets that it's about more than just singing pretty.
Phillip Phillip
Phillip's version of "The Letter" was one way to get around not being able to perform original songs, I guess, since it sounded nothing like the original. "Time of the Season" on the other hand- yes, he stuck to the melody, and yes, those high notes were not perfect, but I think this is the most he's reached out of his comfort zone. And I liked it.
Skylar Laine
I think Jimmy did a great thing for Skylar by having her perform "Fortunate Son" instead of "Knock on Wood." Skylar is at her best with high-energy songs that she can just wail on... but she also made me believe that "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" was always a country ballad. And how about that spot-on glory note at the end?
Jessica Sanchez
It kind of cracks me up how Jessica is like a wild animal unleashed on the stage when she performs, then becomes this quiet little lamb the second the music shuts off. She definitely brought the divaliciousness with all that hair-whipping and hip-shaking. "You Are So Beautiful" was another stunning performance, and I think it sounded a lot like what Beyonce would sound like on that song (that's a compliment).
Joshua Ledet
Maybe it's because I'm exhausted or because I was too worried that Joshua's backup singers were on the the verge of a wardrobe malfunction (Steven Tyler just confirmed the latter was probably true), but I don't think I enjoyed "Ain't to Proud to Beg" as much as I should have. He's brilliant. I'm sure I just spaced out for a second. BTW Ryan- that's a daffodil. Not a tulip. I definitely didn't miss his brilliance on "To Love Somebody" however. Freaking incredible. WELL DESERVED STANDING O.
Joshua & Phillip: "You've Lost That Loving Feeling"
What this duet showed me- beyond Joshua's simple awesomeness- was that Phillip is capable of singing more earnestly than he ever has in his solo performances. And be honest: who else found themselves chuckling out loud about Joshua's fear of Phillip?
Jessica, Skylar & Hollie: "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher"
These three are just adorbs. How does Skylar make her country twang fit in so nicely on songs like this?
WHO SHOULD GO HOME
I'm going to try this again... nobody?
WHO WILL GO HOME
I'm not ready to make a decision at this time, but put a gun to my head and I'll guess Jessica... with the two boys rounding out the Bottom 3. I think she was too good that she hypnotized voters into not voting for her. But if it's not Jessica, it's Phillip. I think.