Tag Archives: Elise Testone

‘American Idol’ Top 10 Tune Up For Idols Live! Tour

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It’s hard enough for bands with one singer to get their musical heads together for a major summer tour. Just imagine coordinating a band with 10 lead singers and you can begin to see how much work goes into getting ready for this summer’s American Idols Live! Tour featuring the top singers from season 11.

The top 10 have begun getting things together for the tour, which kicks off on July 6 in Detroit. They gathered in a studio in Los Angeles on Wednesday to continue getting their act together. During an a cappella run through One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” a smiling Phillip Phillips
 stood in the back of the pack as fellow finalist Colton Dixon mussed up his pal’s hair.

“I’m really excited, you know it’s all of our first time being on a real tour … it’s going to be a big learning experience,” said Phillips, just a few weeks removed from surgery to repair a chronic kidney problem
. “I’m feeling good,” he assured MTV News of the surgery, which followed eight surgeries during the run of the show to deal with recurring stones. For a period it was unclear if Phillips would be healed in time for the tour, but he’s clearly healed quickly enough make the trek.

Phillips recently told the Associated Press that he’s “getting better each day, so that’s a good thing. I’m just walking around, getting my strength back together. It was tough, you know, those first few days, but I’m getting to where I can pick the guitar back up and write a little bit.”

Runner-up Jessica Sanchez was reveling in getting the old crew together again. “It’s so much fun … it’s just like the old days when we were first auditioning and everyone was just a big family and just jamming out.” Her pal, country gal Skylar Laine, added, “Every day we come in here and rehearse and just sing our songs and do our group songs and it’s a blast.”

Dixon promised that the live show is “completely different” from what viewers saw on TV. The experience will also be new for the singers, since instead of a few thousand in a studio audience, they will be looking at more than 10,000 screaming fans in arenas. “We’re gonna be like, ‘what do we do with that?’,” he said.
Rocker chick Elise Testone promised that you will see the contestants singing backup for one another, performing duets and group songs and putting more of their personalities into the songs.

“It’s a perfect mix between favorite moments form the show …. And a whole mix of new stuff too,” Erika Van Pelt said.

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ Finale: What Will Phillip And Jessica Sing?

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It’s the final countdown. On Tuesday night (May 22), Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez will face off for the season 11 crown, capping a roller-coaster ride filled with soaring highs — Sanchez’s “I Will Always Love You,” Joshua Ledet’s “To Love Somebody,” Skylar Laine’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” that time Steven Tyler wore Roy Lichtenstein pants — and just as many crushing lows — Heejun Han’s impromptu strip show, Colton Dixon‘s hair, Randy Jackson‘s collection of pins, etc. — with the majority, of course, falling somewhere in between. If anything, this season has given us more of the same: nothing more, nothing less.

Of course, through it all, our “American Idol” experts have stuck it out, providing us with their own, uh, unique insights and their song predictions for each contestant. They haven’t always gotten it right (though, for the record, James Montgomery is smoking Gil Kaufman), but they’ve always given it their all. Which is more than you could say for DeAndre Brackensick, really.

So for the last time this season, here are Kaufman and Montgomery’s song picks for the final two. They’ll each be singing a producer’s pick and the infamous “coronation song” and bringing back one of their best performances from earlier in the season. And speaking of the final countdown, maybe Phillips or Sanchez should try their hand at the Europe classic. Shoot, it couldn’t be any more random than Erika Van Pelt‘s haircut, could it?

Jessica Sanchez
No pressure or anything, but Sanchez only has the burden of trying to be the first woman to take the title since Jordin Sparks way back in 2007. And she needs to pull off that feat by defeating yet another in a string of the show’s stubborn WGWG (white guy with guitar) favorites. It can be done, but if ever Jessica needed a “moment,” it is right now. She could go for the obvious encore and rehash “I Will Always Love You,” but too many people have been going to that well lately. A smarter choice would be her attention-grabbing cover of Jazmine Sullivan’s lesser-known “Stuttering” from week seven, or maybe Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’.” As for what show co-creator Simon Fuller will pick for his potential driver’s-ed diva, he must realize at this point that mentor Jimmy Iovine missed an opportunity last week to make Jessica seem contemporary by saddling her with a Jackson 5 song. For that reason alone, I am crossing my fingers that he read our column from last week and he gives her something like Rihanna’s “California King Bed” or Pink’s “Glitter in the Air.” The only way to make this kid seem like a star is to show viewers that she has the potential to sound like all the female superstars they already love. — Kaufman

I’ve already made my case for why Sanchez needs to win this thing, if only to save “American Idol” from itself. Of course, she won’t, because “Idol” voters seem content with minting Kris Allen 2.0 instead of giving the crown to an artist with an actual shot at becoming a pop superstar in 2012. But Sanchez won’t go down without a fight (BeBe Chez won’t let her), which is why I think she brings the thunder and kills “I Will Always Love You” once again, as a subtle reminder to the viewers that she can out-sing Phillips any day of the week (and, as the judges love to remind us, this is a singing competition first and foremost). For the producer’s pick, I see her counterbalancing the overwrought emoting of “Love” with a straightforward chart-burner — maybe something like Nicki Minaj’s “Starships” or Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” Either way, it’s been a great run for J.Sanch, and I suspect we’ll be hearing a whole lot from her in the years to come. You know, as opposed to the dude who’s going to win. — Montgomery

Phillip Phillips
I’m the wrong guy to ask about which P-Phil performance bears a repeat listen, because to me, they’re kind of like your friend who says he loves that song … reggae. They are mostly just a wash of different shades of eggshell. People seemed to think his take on Usher’s “U Got It Bad” was good, and, for me, it was the only time all season he seemed to take even one half-step out of his comfort zone. Knowing him, though, the contrarian pawn-shopper will probably go with “Volcano.” The good thing about Phillips is that no matter what Fuller suggests, chances are Phil’s not going to listen. Sing the melody? No thanks. Try a song people might know by an artist that is on the charts today? No way. So, once again, I’m going to go back to what I said last week and suggest that Fuller give Phil a song fully in his wheelhouse and sit back and watch the girls squeal (which, hopefully, will drown out the lack of melody and tone). If it’s not the Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” my backup suggestion is something by Jeff Buckley. Since I know Phil wouldn’t do the obvious pick, “Hallelujah,” maybe Fuller can convince him to do “Grace” or “Mojo Pin.” — Kaufman

Needless to say, it would be a shock if Phillips isn’t getting the confetti shower on Wednesday night, as he’s steadily built his fanbase with growly determination and general handsomeness (and foot shuffling). It’s difficult to pick a standout performance of his from this season — since they’ve all basically been the same thing — but maybe he tries his hand at Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” again (minus Elise Testone this time) or Damien Rice’s “Volcano.” What will the producers choose for him? Well, given that he’s basically ignored their input all season long, I suspect they’ll just throw their hands up in the air and let him do the Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash,” which should not only make his female fans go wild, but will only solidify his claim to the crown. For better or worse. — Montgomery

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ California Dreamin’ Night: What Should The Top Four Sing?

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For the most part, the themes on this season’s “American Idol” have been pretty straightforward: Queen, Whitney Houston, Personal Idols, Songs From the Year You Were Born, Songs From the 1980s, More Songs About Buildings and Food (look it up).

But when the final four take the stage Wednesday night (May 9), they’ll be tasked with performing two songs in one of the most ambiguous, wide-open themes in the show’s history: California Dreamin‘ (songs by Californians) and Songs I Wish I’d Written.

Considering that the only singer left on the show who might reasonably write his own songs is Phillip Phillips (sample chorus: “Growwwwwl”) and that Joshua Ledet has proven time and again that he has a thin-at-best grasp on musical history, the second challenge is a big one.

That leaves the California theme, which is equally amorphous since, well, half the hit songs of the past 50 years have been born on the Golden Coast. Maybe more. At least that leaves Adele out of the mix for once, not to mention Mariah and Whitney Houston — so, good luck, Jessica Sanchez and Hollie Cavanagh!

Those and other conundrums have been placed in the very capable hands of MTV News’ resident “Idol” experts, Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery, who will once again post their secret ballots without peeking at the other’s picks (we swear) and let us know which songs the top four should tackle.

Joshua Ledet
He still hasn’t set off the charisma bomb that will turn him from a good singer with a bland personality into what the judges seem to think is one of the (allegedly) best “Idol” contestants of all time. We’re not expecting fireworks this week, but for his Cali song, he has to go with Detroit-to-L.A. transplant Marvin Gaye. Elise Testone already snagged “Let’s Get It On,” so I say hit up “Sexual Healing.” It’s hard to tell what genre Josh is most familiar with, but we’ll assume gospel or soul, in which case, let’s split the difference with preacher/shouter Al Green and go with “Love and Happiness” or Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.” — Kaufman

I’d just like to go on record as saying it would be awesome if Joshua covered that “Californians” sketch from “SNL” a few weeks back, since it’d be way more interesting than anything we’re actually gonna hear tonight. That’ll never happen, of course, so for his Cali tune, I think he’ll swing for the fences and do a simmering version of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” We know he’s talented, but it’s time for him to take a chance if he wants to win this thing. As for the song he wished he wrote, I think he goes big. Though he might think he’s nasty, I say Josh does R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.” Bonus points if he sings it in a cornfield. — Montgomery

Jessica Sanchez
It’s safe to say that Katy Perry’s un-showy “California Gurls” will turn up in a girl medley at some point Wednesday, which means Bebe would be wise to go with something like No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak.” What song does the stiletto Barbie wish she’d written? That’s a tough one. Like Josh, Jessica hasn’t given us much insight into her musical taste, but considering she’s a 16-year-old girl, her repertoire has got to be pretty contemporary — and sappy. “Innocent” by Taylor Swift it is, then. — Kaufman

Given that she’s actually from California, a couple weeks ago, J.Sanch probably would’ve just killed two birds with one stone and done a pair of her originals tonight. But, given that her confidence has taken a hit in recent weeks, she’ll go back to basics: namely, singing the bejeezus out of a ballad. Her Cali pick? The great Etta James’ “At Last.” With that out of the way, she’s free to let Bebe Chez do her thing, so for the song she wished she’d written, why not something from Beyoncé? I personally think she’d slay “Love on Top,” but I bet she’ll go for the more massive “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” thereby making Jimmy “She’s too young for that” Iovine’s head explode. — Montgomery

Phillip Phillips
The cynical side of me suspects Phil will pick something totally lame like “Smooth” by Santana for his California song. The hopeful side of me wishes he’d go for it and sing Tom Petty’s “Into the Great Wide Open” or Wilco’s “California Stars.” Alas, I bet he’ll do a jingly, strummy “L.A. Woman” by the Doors. Sigh. You have to imagine he’s not foolhardy enough to pick a song by his golden god, Dave Matthews, for the song he wishes he’d written. That’s why I’m gonna go rogue and say he’ll play “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young, or — worst case scenario — “Hotel California” by the Eagles. — Kaufman

The only question this week is which Sublime song he’ll do for his California pick. “Santeria”? “What I Got”? The mind truly boggles at the possibilities. Or maybe I’m wrong and he does Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” It’s a total bummer he already broke out the DMB deep cut a few weeks back because you know that’d be his Songs I Wish I Wrote selection. Instead, I say he keeps it equally crunchy and does Rusted Root’s “Send Me on My Way” or maybe Blues Traveler’s “Hook.” — Montgomery

Hollie Cavanagh
It’s time to stop asking why Hollie is still around and start asking how is she still around? She’s dodged more bullets than any other top four “Idol” contestant and seems to be peaking at just the right time. Her California dream could come from the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” or, if she’s going current, Katy Perry‘s “Firework.” Like Josh and Jessica, Hollie’s taste in music is a blank slate, other than her delight in big ballads. If that’s her deal, she should go really big, like U2′s “Beautiful Day” big or Coldplay’s “Yellow.” Hell, I wish I’d written those two. — Kaufman

Call her the comeback queen, because H.Cav is still alive with just weeks left in the competition. Of course, she’ll probably (finally) get the boot this week, but you’ve got to give the girl credit for putting up a fight. Anyway, I’ll keep this as short as she is: Her California pick? Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (since she truly can’t). And her wish song? Um … I literally know nothing about her, so let’s just say she does another Adele tune. “Set Fire to the Rain,” anyone? — Montgomery

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Castoff Elise Testone Will Be Calling Brian May

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Elise Testone might have wanted it all, but in Thursday night’s “American Idol” elimination round, she was cut from the running after taking on this week’s challenge of singing a Queen anthem as well as a song choice of her own.

With the finale less than a month away, it has been imbedded in the contestants’ heads that it’s do or die when it comes to picking the right songs at this stage in the game. And while Testone’s rendition of Queen’s “I Want It All” on Wednesday night seemed to finally land her right back in her element, it was her personal pick of the less-familiar “Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix that might have caused her fall. Regardless, she stands by her decision wholeheartedly.

“I really don’t have any regrets about that,” the 28-year-old explained. “I feel like I sung it the best, maybe one of the bests I’ve ever sung it, because I sung it a lot of times with my band, and people are always requesting it, and I feel like it’s a popular song. John Mayer just re-released it, and he is of our generation, so it’s one of the most epic songs ever written.

“There is definitely a lot of give and take in the music environment,” she added. “You have to please people, but you also need to be yourself. So it’s always about finding a balance, and as we got closer to the show, I really just wanted to be myself and sing from my heart because if I try to please people then it might come across a little bit — I want to say fake, but not completely fake, but just you wouldn’t feel that conviction as much if I did that all the time. So, yesterday, I just chose songs that I love, and I did the best I could. So, I feel successful in those performances and with whatever is going to happen now.”

The South Carolina native has had a history — or should we say “a vacation home” — in the bottom three for weeks now, with Jimmy Iovine even declaring she was the underdog of the competition. Elise admitted she didn’t take the comment too lightly at first, but she eventually learned to accept the criticism as part of the learning process.

“At first, it was kind of hard to hear those things just because I have worked so hard, I have a degree in music, and I’ve been in like six different bands,” the rocker confessed. “I’ve done so much with music, so sometimes it was hard for me to take that criticism, but finally I realized that’s why I’m here. I signed up for this, and I can take the criticism. Move on.”

And moving on she is. Now that the show must go on without her, Elise is already thinking about recording her debut album. So has she had any communication with Stevie Nicks since the legendary vocalist claimed she would hire Testone in an instant if she ever needed a singer?

“No, no, but hopefully there will be,” Testone said with a smile. “Brian May, I talked to him a lot off-camera from Queen. Super cool. I mentioned two or three times I would love for him to play on my album, and he’s like, ‘Call me up. Let’s do it.’ So, I’m definitely going to get that phone number.”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Sound off about Elise Testone’s elimination in the comments below!

No Surprise On ‘American Idol’: Elise Testone Exits

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Another one bit the dust, but this one wasn’t hard to see coming.

After two weeks of shocking elimination episodes, “American Idol” took a break from the surprises Thursday (April 26), sending perpetual bottom-dweller Elise Testone home.

Testone, the 28-year-old from Charleston, South Carolina, had faced elimination so many times that “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine joked she had a “vacation home” in the bottom three.

Testone came up on the short end of the reported 58 million votes cast following Wednesday’s performance episode, where she took on Queen’s “I Want It All” and a very wordy rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold as Love.” Following the Hendrix song, Randy Jackson told her it “wasn’t the right song for this time in the competition,” and on Thursday’s show, Iovine called Testone “a great singer who makes bad choices.” He called “Bold as Love” a “double down on bad decisions.”

Testone, the oldest of this season’s finalists, sang Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” during her exit. It was one of her signature songs of the season.

Testone was joined in the bottom three Thursday by Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. Laine was sent back to safety immediately, leaving Testone and Cavanagh to await their fate.

According to host Ryan Seacrest, the 58 million votes cast were 10 million more than the number of votes cast at this point in the season last year.

Queen Extravaganza, an official Queen tribute band, opened the show with a performance of “Somebody to Love.” The episode also saw performances from season 10 “Idol” contestant Stefano Langone — who now goes simply by Stefano — who did his debut single “I’m on a Roll,” and Katy Perry, who in a taped performance did a military-themed “Part of Me.”

What did you think of “Idol” on Thursday? Let us know in the comments!

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Report Card: Joshua Ledet Soars Again, Hollie Cavanagh Climbs

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It was clear from the opening medley on Wednesday night that Queen night was going to be a struggle a few of the “American Idol” top six. Ironically, it was the three leading contenders
, Joshua Ledet, Skylar Laine and Jessica Sanchez who seemed most uncomfortable, which did note bode well for the evening.

With the only real sort of-rocker, Colton Dixon
, booted last week, that meant it was do-or-die time for anyone hoping to make it to next month’s finale. And despite a shaky start, Ledet may have punched his card to the finale, where he is likely to face slow-and-steady Phillip Phillips, while Sanchez and Laine just kind of coasted.

Despite what Steven and Jennifer said time and again, none of these performances are likely to go into the “Idol” all-time vault, but a decent night all around. So, who deserves a coronation? Who fell down and broke their crown? Read on for our “American Idol” report card!

Joshua Ledet: Once again, Ledet nailed it, taking a song that could have seriously tripped him up and wrestling it to the ground with some old-school soul. The bass-slapping Sam Cooke run through “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” was crazy good and the vintage mic was a real nice touch. This dude’s got it so in the bag that he sang an obscure India.Arie song, “Ready For Love” that features the lyric “respects the spirit world,” and he still killed it (softly). The only way this guy doesn’t make it to the finale is if his voicebox has a run-in with Metta World Peace’s elbow. A

Jessica Sanchez: “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Wow, really Bebe? The Polly Pocket diva picked the dragon slayer and, well, brought a dagger to a sword fight. The first part sounded like a Beyoncé B-side, with a kind of cool RB flavor, but once the dinky pyro blasted and she “rocked” it up, well, it was all high school musical. Steven said it best, “rock isn’t your forte.” Sanch pulled the military veteran daddy’s girl card for the Luther Vandross power ballad “Dance With My Father” and predictably blew it out the box. She actually held back, which was a sly, impressively professional move for a kid who might not even have her driver’s license yet. If the girl voters can avert their eyes from dreamy Phil Phillips for two seconds, she may make it … to the top three. B+

Phillip Phillips: Hand it to Philly Phil, he picked a song that allowed him to take a half-step out of his DMB prison, growling through “Fat Bottomed Girls” with, yes, enthusiasm and spirit. He still looks and sounds like the leader of fairly decent bar band, but his charisma finally translated for me. After months of paying homage, Phil answered his phanatics’ prayers and played an actual Dave Matthews cover. And, Phil being Phil, he grunted to the converted by picking a deep, deep track. “The Stone” was subtle, bubbling and kind of boring. His good looks might get him close to the finish line, but at some point if you don’t listen to anyone, nobody’s going to listen to you, either. B+

Skylar Laine: Laine did about what you’d expect, putting some fiddle on the widescreen ballad “The Show Must Go On.” She kind of made it her own, but looked and sounded uncharacteristically out-of-place at the beginning, like she was singing carols at an old-age home and never really connected with the lyrics. Randy thought it was one of her best performances, but then again, Randy was wearing a pin that said, “Yo,” so… Her take on Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos on This Town” was good, I guess. It sounded like a solid mid-tempo country ditty, but didn’t show us any new facets of her musical personality. She’s either saving some gas for the final stretch or starting to run on fumes. B

Hollie Cavanagh: Of all the Queen tracks, half-Brit Hollie chose “Save Me”? The generic ballad was actually perfect for the generic singer, who once again brought a Dusty Springfield-style white girl soul to a song that didn’t quite have enough lift to make her stand out. Lopez felt the emotion, but she was right, Hollie just doesn’t seem like she’s having fun, and neither were we. Since she’s one step from the ledge every week, Cavanagh dipped back into her bag of tricks and covered Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” again. Eh, it was perfectly acceptable, but I’ll probably forget about it by the time I finish this sentence. Pack up those piles of doll clothes kid, if it’s not this week, it’s next. C+

Elise Testone: With her tambourine, Elise looked more like a back-up singer on “I Want It All” than a potential “Idol.” Her vocals were solid and the crowd was way into it, but all those weeks in the bottom three appear to have drained some of the confidence and fire in her eyes. It might have been too little, too late. Of all the songs in the universe, Elise picks a Jimi Hendrix tune. Fine, but “Bold as Love”? What young America wants to hear is songs about “shiny metallic purple armor” and “happy turquoise armies.” It was gutsy, but weird, and not in the way she probably intended. Might as well start walking to those stools now, honey. C-

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ Top Six Battle For The Throne On Queen Night

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If “American Idol” was decided by whoever received the most standing ovations from the judges, Joshua Ledet would have this year’s competition in the bag.

Ledet racked up two more standing Os from the judges on Wednesday’s (April 25) “Idol,” which found the contestants singing two songs apiece: One from Queen, and another of their own choosing.

That brought Ledet’s unofficial standing ovation season total to 12 — that figure according to Skylar Laine, who ribbed him backstage for receiving a dozen standing Os over the course of the season.

Ledet first got a rise out of the judges with his version of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” which caused Jennifer Lopez to ask, “Is it bad for me to say the Joshua part of the show is my favorite part of the show?” He followed it with a version of India.Arie’s “Ready for Love” — which was sung by Michael Lynche back in “Idol” season nine — which was called “another unbelievable performance” by Randy Jackson. Added an enthusiastic Steven Tyler, “I hope the label finds you a bunch of good songs, man, and you’re off to the moon. I smell the finish line with you.”

Hollie Cavanagh received the evening’s other standing ovation from the judges with her second song, “The Climb,” the Miley Cyrus song that seemingly summed up her journey on the show so far. It came after she received so-so marks for her first song, Queen’s “Save Me,” which played into theme of “The Climb” even further.

“That’s the Hollie Cavanagh that we love, that’s the one! Hollie is back! Yo!” said Jackson. Added Lopez, “You said it backstage, ‘I gotta step it up,’ and you did! It was perfect.”

Steven Tyler‘s favorite of the night was Skylar Laine, who opened with “The Show Must Go On” and followed it with Jason Aldean’s “Tattoo’s on This Town.” On the Queen song, Tyler praised her energy and her passion as over-the-top, saying, “the way you hit your notes, for an 18-year-old? Oh my God. That was fabulous.” Lopez said she got “goosies” from Laine, while Jackson dubbed himself a “ginormous” fan of the Mississippi singer.

Jessica Sanchez kicked off the show with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was shot in black and white while a chorus of Sanchez heads backed her on the oval “Idol” video screen at the back of the stage. For her second song, Sanchez sent a shout-out to her dad, singing a touching version of Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.”

Lopez told Sanchez she expected more energy from her during “Rhapsody,” but said her “Dance With My Father” was “the best I’ve ever heard that song sang.” Meanwhile, Jackson summed up her two performances by saying, “every time you get up and sing, you know what’s wrong with it? Absolutely nothing!”

Phillip Phillips, who has battled Dave Matthews comparisons from fans all season, seemingly got away from the Matthews talk with his first song, a fun, spirited take on “Fat Bottomed Girls.” “People say that you remind them of Dave Matthews, that didn’t remind me of Dave Matthews at all. That was something totally different,” Lopez said, invoking Matthews name out loud for the first time this season. “That’s the mark of a great singer for me.”

And how did Phillip Squared follow it up? With a performance of Dave Matthews’ “The Stone,” on which he sounded like a direct clone of Matthews. Lopez was not pleased, dismissing the song “obscure” and “artsy,” and worrying it would get him voted off the show. Jackson, for his part, admired Phillips’ sticking to his guns. “Die, sink or swim, Phil Phillips will always be Phil Phillips,” he said. “I love that.”

Elise Testone took on Queen’s “I Want It All” early and followed it with Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold as Love.” The first song got high marks, though the latter “wasn’t the right song for this time in the competition,” Jackson told her, criticizing her for “boxing” with the song, and saying Hendrix sang “about 1/25 of what you sang” in his original. J. Lo had the opposite reaction. Although she said she wasn’t familiar with the original, “you slayed that song so hard, it didn’t even matter,” she said.

Wednesday’s show opened with the Top Six performing a medley of Queen songs, backed by Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Thursday’s show will feature performances by Katy Perry and 10th season “Idol” contestant Stefano Langone, and one of the six remaining contestants will be sent home.

What did you think of “Idol” on Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’: Who Will Be Crowned On Queen Night?

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Every year, there’s one “American Idol” theme week that proves to be the equalizer. Sometimes it’s disco night, or performance episodes dedicated to Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan, big band or Bon Jovi.

Wednesday night’s (April 25) Queen motif could be the one that trips up some of this year’s most promising contenders. What a time to be missing the show’s resident glamo (that’s glam and emo smushed together) rocker, Colton Dixon!

Though both of us are huge fans of the pioneering British stadium rockers, is there any band whose music feels less relevant at this cultural moment? In other words, six seasons after Simon and the gang first took us on a trip down “Fat Bottom Girls” lane, it’s the obvious choice for “Idol” as the show steams — or limps — toward next month’s finale.

All snark aside, Wednesday night could belong to Elise Testone, since she’s the only one left who understands the intricate velvety folds of late singer Freddie Mercury’s bombastic voice. Also, if it was up to us, someone would have to do a song from the hugely underrated 1981 soundtrack to “Flash Gordon” (AAAH-AAAH!) but that’s for another time.

Of course, as is seemingly required by law, there’s also going to be a second hour of “Idol,” in which the top six will sing a song of their choice (like, it could be anything), so in anticipation of some “Killer Queen” and whatever comes after, MTV News’ resident “Idol” know-it-alls, Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery, are back with their carefully considered song suggestions for the remaining “Idol” hopefuls:

Hollie Cavanagh
Let’s get it right out of the way: Bottom-three squatter Hollie continues to live on borrowed time. Queen’s music is all about emotion and showy delivery, and the British cowgirl has proven time and again that those qualities are a taller order than, well, her. That said, she could soar with one of the band’s many rich ballads, such as “You’re My Best Friend” or “Somebody to Love.” For her song choice: Mariah Carey ‘s “Hero,” just because. — Kaufman

It would be fitting if she did “Another One Bites the Dust,” since she’s probably toast this week. Instead, she’ll do one of Queen’s excellent power ballads, like “Spread Your Wings” or “Save Me” (even though America won’t). As for her other song? I don’t even know where to begin. When she auditioned in season 10, she did a couple of Miley Cyrus tunes, so I’ll just say she does “The Climb” again. Hollie really inspires enthusiasm, if you couldn’t tell. — Montgomery

Joshua Ledet
Josh has pretty much been able to sing anything thrown his way so far, but Queen could be a serious roadblock. Though their songs have plenty of flavor, it’s not necessarily the gospel-y kind he favors. He should probably take the safe route and put some of his soul on a big ballad like “I Want to Break Free.” If the Queen thing falls flat, he can redeem himself with something young, sexy and firmly in his lane like Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People.” — Kaufman

He’s got the pipes — and the burgeoning ego — to take on the entirety of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” but he’d be better served channeling all those vocal histrionics (and craziness) into three-and-a-half minutes of “Don’t Stop Me Now.” And then we could call him Mr. Fahrenheit instead of Mantasia. For his second song, dude, I don’t know. He should just do a Fantasia song again. Any of them. — Montgomery

Jessica Sanchez
It’s been an up-and-down ride for the once-infallible Sanchez, but she should cruise this week, and I’m going to suggest she go rogue and sing the 1981 David Bowie/Queen collabo “Under Pressure,” which has a dynamic range that could let her show off those pipes. And she has to do Beyoncé again, so “Halo” it is. — Kaufman

Could see her dominating “Play the Game,” which has both scope and swagger, or “Body Language,” which is insane enough for BeBe Chez to take a bite out of. For song #2, well, like Kaufman, I’ve been wanting more Beyoncé for weeks now, and what better way for her to reclaim her mojo — and throw some shade at her presumptive finals foe Phillip Phillips — than doing “If I Were a Boy”? — Montgomery

Skylar Laine
The Mississippi queen has all the tools necessary to kill a rock song, but this might be the week she needs to give up trying to chicken-fry every performance. She might be able to get away with a twangy “These Are the Days of Our Lives,” or else she could go for broke and cowboy-up “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” She almost has to go with Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” just to remind us why we love her so much. — Kaufman

Did Gil already pick “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”? Dang, he did. OK, well, what if she put a countrified spin on “Fat Bottom Girls”? Or how about “I Want to Break Free”? As for her personal pick, I’ll say she does Carrie Underwood. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” anyone? — Montgomery

Phillip Phillips
No one has ever really tried to figure out what a Dave Matthews cover of Queen would sound like — until now. The boy can’t help it, so Phil Squared will almost certainly grout his way through “Another One Bites the Dust.” As for his own pick, does it really matter? I’ll say something by Zac Brown Band, like “Chicken Fried.” — Kaufman

As the lone remaining (sorta) rocker, Phillips could score this week with any number of Queen stompers: “Now I’m Here,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” “We Will Rock You” — any of them would work. If he were smart, he’d fulfill manifest destiny (and play to his fervent female fanbase) by doing the Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me” for his second song. It’d be right in his wheelhouse, and it would kill. — Montgomery

Elise Testone
Like we said, for one week only, it’s hers to lose. If there’s any way for the perennial cellar-dweller to scrape herself up from the floor, it’s a titanic tumble through one of Queen’s stadium rockers. She could go obvious with “We Are the Champions” or go for broke with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which might actually be a bit too tricky for her if she’s just looking to hang on. Then again, she can really blow it out if she thinks it’s her last chance, so why not go all-in with Soundgarden’s bombastic “Black Hole Sun”? — Kaufman

For whatever reason, I have a sneaking suspicion she’s doing “Killer Queen”; maybe it has something to do with her penchant for the dramatic? “Radio Ga Ga” would also be a good fit, as would “I Want to Break Free.” For her second song, does she live up to her raspy potential and do something like Taylor Dane’s epic “Love Will Lead You Back”? Given that she could choose anything, well, your guess is as good as mine. — Montgomery

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ Cast-Off Colton Dixon Took A ‘Risk’

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After a record 53 million votes were cast, America has allowed Elise Testone to continue on with her “vacation” in the bottom three on “American Idol” Thursday night as Colton Dixon — a potential favorite — was voted off.

And while this may come as the second-most surprising elimination of the season, the Tennessean, who found himself in unfamiliar territory with the fewest votes, acknowledged he only had himself to blame.

“It’s all good,” Dixon told MTV News backstage after the show. “There is always going to be peaks and valleys, but [Wednesday] night, I should have chosen a different song to begin with. And I know that. I knew I was going to be in the bottom three because of that. I was hoping I wasn’t going to leave, but stuff happens.”

The Mohawked metal rocker was rolling through the competition after receiving praise for his versatility and unique twists on perfect song choices. But Wednesday night he fell flat when he chose to start off with Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” which turned out to be more of a “Bad Rendition.” Even Jimmy Iovine was confused, calling his performance somewhere between “1985 Billy Idol on MTV ‘TRL’ to ‘Spider-Man’ on Broadway” — and we kind of agreed.

As the night went on, Colton failed to redeem himself when he took to the stage a second time to perform Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September.” Crouched over his piano, the skinny, tight-jeans-wearing contestant took a more somber approach to one of the grooviest tunes in soul music. However, despite any further confusion caused by the arrangement, he still stands by his motto: Stay true and take chances.

“I loved ‘September.’ ” Dixon explained. “It’s been one of my favorites that I’ve done on the show, just because it was so different than the original. A lot of people don’t like change, or so much change, you know, and I definitely changed that song and I understand the feeling that the original gave off. But um, that wasn’t me and that wasn’t my style. I chose that song and I ran with it and I think I did me and I loved it. So in some cases, there is a balance, but if you’re feeling something, you need to run with it no matter what they are going to say. It’s a risk every week. So you have to be willing to take that risk, and I did.”

The risk may have caused him the competition, but the 20-year-old said he’s glad he got to have one last moment to himself when it came to performing his swan song, Lifehouse’s “Everything.”

“I wanted to end tonight the way I started it,” Colton said. “I felt like I strayed last night, and I hate that I did but I was ready to bring it back and bring my focus back. I wasn’t singing for the judges. I wasn’t singing for my family or anyone in the audience. I wasn’t singing for anyone at all. I was singing for my Lord, the savior Jesus Christ. And we had a good time on that stage so I’m so glad I got to do that song.”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

c8fd7 spotted American Idol Cast Off Colton Dixon Took A Risk

‘American Idol’ Report Card: Joshua Ledet Soars, Phillip Phillips Scores

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“American Idol” gave us the best of both worlds on Wednesday night, as the top seven sang something old and something new. That meant dusting off some classic soul tunes and coupling them with the current crop of shiny pop hits, and though you might not believe it, the results were actually pretty good.

Yes, no doubt due to last week’s shocking near elimination of presumed front-runner Jessica Sanchez, the remaining “Idol” hopefuls were singing for their lives last night, and delivered a handful of genuinely great performances. Of course, a few tried to go outside the box, and the results… well, they were mixed.

Still, a memorable show all around, and not just because of Colton Dixon’s Lady Gaga get-up. So who earned the night’s highest marks? Who should consider hiring a tutor? Read on for our “American Idol” report card!

Joshua Ledet: Of course he did Fantasia. And, of course, his version of “I Believe” was amazing: lithe and limber, full of range and emotion, he’s the best male singer by a mile. Ledet also delivered big time with Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which got off to an unintentionally hilarious start — Seacrest introduced it as “an emotional civil-rights anthem, coming to you live, from Joshua,” which was followed by a shot of Joshua holding a wind-up toy, grinning like a goofball — but no one was laughing by the end. He straight-up murdered it, with jaw-dropping power and prowess that earned him a standing ovation and some overtly sexual critique from Steven Tyler. Randy followed that up by taking shots at “The Voice,” only not overtly at all. Settle down, dawg. A

Phillip Phillips: Let’s give a shoutout to Double P, who got out of the grouting business for one week only, first with a soft-core Skinemax take on Usher’s “U Got It Bad” and then a smooth (for him at least) spin through Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour.” Both were perfect choices, playing to his strengths — he is handsome — both left the ladies wanting more, and both had Steven Tyler talking like detective John Shaft (“No chump love, sucka.”) Game on, Colton Dixon. B+

Jessica Sanchez: Her version of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” was yet another powerhouse, as she set her intensity level on “simmer” and just let things cook. (Though for a minute, we were worried one of those umbrellas was going to fall on her.) We weren’t as crazy about her take on Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness” — sure, it was big and brassy, but also kinda growly, and seemed like a cruise ship performance. And could there be trouble brewing on the high seas for the formerly indestructible Sanchez? She got the dreaded “you need to connect” advice from Randy et. al, and J.Lo almost forgot the name of her alter ego, which might not bode well for her down the stretch. B

Skylar Laine: Wait, she did a Lady Gaga tune?!? Yep. Breaking free of her country container (it’s like Tupperware), Laine took on “Born This Way,” and we loved it. She’s got spark and attitude for days, and when you get the feeling she’s really pushing herself (like Wednesday or “Wind Beneath My Wings” a few weeks back) there might not be a better performer in the competition. On the flipside, her version of Marvin Gaye’s “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” wasn’t exactly great, and perhaps Laine needs to learn that just because you’re jumping around on the stage, it doesn’t mean you’re connecting with the song. Still, another strong week. She’s the dark horse from here on out. B”

Hollie Cavanagh: “No thinking, just singing” seemed to be her mantra this week, and it worked. She completed her manifest destiny by doing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” which was not only perhaps the biggest moment of the night, but had Steven Tyler talking about her tail feathers. Her version of Dusty’s “Son of a Preacher Man” was pretty much what you’d expect — faux swagger, some horns, a few nice notes — though the jury’s still out on whether Cavanagh actually connects with any of the voters. B

Colton Dixon: For the second week in a row, he surprised with a song choice, taking Gaga’s “Bad Romance” down to the mall for a Hot Topic makeover. It didn’t necessarily work, but the girls loved it, so who cares? Though he needs to stop crouching like Spider-Man when he’s “rocking” out. Meanwhile, his version of Earth, Wind Fire’s “September” got lost in an autumnal haze (maybe it had something to do with all the fallen leaves strewn atop his piano?) Not the strongest night for C. Dix… though we suspect he thought it went great. C-

Elise Testone: A tale of two Testones tonight. She did Alicia Keys’ “No One” (we almost called it!) and blew it out the box, with a performance that was restrained in all the right ways, big and booming in the best spots. But her gruff, kinda-goofy version of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” just never got on track and seemed like the worst possible song for her to sing. We love her, but we suspect this might be the week that does her in. C-

Do you agree with our “American Idol” report card? Leave your comment below!

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.