Well, we've made it folks. We have finally arrived at the final performance show. You've survived Seacrest's bad spray tans, Steven Tyler's creepy advances toward underage women and most importantly... lots and lots of filler. So here's you to, America! In my opinion, you're all winners! And anyone who's anyone knows that my opinion is the only one that counts around here.
Anyway, let's talk about tonight. Here's what we're working with:
Round 1: Idol creator Simon Fuller chooses (consequently, no one will be ripping on song choice during this round)
Round 2: Contestants pick their favorite song of the season
Round 3: Each contestant sings the Idol-manufactured tune that will become the winner's first single
ROUND 1
Jessica
"I Have Nothing," Whitney Houston
I'm sorry, but can you say "predictable?" Jessica singing a Whitney song has become so customary, I feel like she's singing one every week. Get with the program, Fuller. This is not to say that it wasn't remarkable vocally, but we're looking for diversity here.
Randy: Round 1 went to Jessica.
Phillip
"Stand By Me," Ben E. King
I really liked this choice for Phillip, and what I enjoyed even more was the unique spin he put on it. Although it didn't exactly push the boundaries, there was something very individual about Phillip's version.
J. Lo: He has soulfulness, originality, artistry.
Next, Jason Derulo performs this song that Seacrest has been making a big hoopla about all season. R.I.P Bling-Bling Neckbrace. You will be missed. Catchy song, though. Even Jordin Sparks thought so.
ROUND 2
Jessica
"The Prayer," Josh Groban, Celine Dion... whoever
This song gets me every time — goosies, I tell you! For some reason, I generally feel a greater impact from Jessica's scaled-back songs than her screaming-at-the-top-of-her-lungs ballads. She still showcases crazy high notes and ability, but it seems so much more effortless this way.
J. Lo: I've seen Jessica do that before.
Phillip
"Movin' Out," Billy Joel
Looks like Phillip is going for the haunting/monochromatic/dimly-lit stage combo — we've seen this trick before. I have to say, I was a little disappointed he didn't do "Volcano" from a few weeks back. The judges unanimously agreed it was his best showing to date! This performance was underwhelming... so much so, that I didn't even remember the last time he sang it during Billy Joel week.
Steven: You don't always have to be a good egg. Hatch or go bad. (Ed. note: Huh?)
ROUND 3
Jessica
"Change Nothing"
I didn't love the song initially, but toward the end, it became easy to envision it on the radio. It was perfectly tailored to Jessica's voice, and she seemed confident singing it.
Randy: I did not love the song... to do just a straight pop song is often a little weird for me.
Phillip
"Home"
It was mellow, folksy and had Phillip Phillips written all over it. The marching band over the chorus gave the song something a little unexpected, and I could see this single being the second coming of Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks." There were parts that lacked energy, but overall, it totally worked for Phillip.
J. Lo: There's nothing on the radio that sounds like that. Congratulations.
So what do we think? Whose single did you like better? Who is going to win tomorrow? Vote in our poll below!