The Top 3 will sing three songs each tomorrow night — one by Simon, Paula or Randy, one by Clive Davis and one of their own choosing. Here’s what the Idol Chat judges think will get them to the top.
BRANDON GARCIA: “Sledgehammer” – Peter Gabriel. This raucous soul tune sounded like nothing else on the radio in the mid-80s, and nothing could ignite the Passion of the Doolittle like this would. Tina Turner soul fire + 80s + stilettos + shoulder pads = Melinda Who Wins. Once she gets to the revival fireworks at the end of the song,
America will be on their knees worshipping a new idol. An American Idol.
GLORIA CHEEVER: “Respect” – Aretha Franklin. She’s a soulful gal, and I’d kinda like to hear her rip through this one.
MARITZA HAMILL: “It’s Right It’s But’s It’s OK”- Whitney Houston.
BRANDON GARCIA: “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Prince/Sinead O’Connor. Though I’ve basically had it with our resident Tweener Princess, I can say this: More and more, she’s learning how to let emotional ballads permeate her, and once in a while, it’s magic. “Nothing Compares 2 U” is the ultimate test. If she passes, they may as well UPS the crown to her house. If she blows it, that’s the last we’ll hear of her. Forever. (Fingers crossed.)
GLORIA CHEEVER: “I’m Every Woman” – Whitney Houston. I know it’s a blessing and a curse to do something so iconic, but I think she’s fun and talented and would do a fantastic job on this one.
MARITZA HAMILL: “The National Anthem”
BRANDON GARCIA: “The Scientist” – Coldplay. Blake’s at a crossroads at the moment. His beat-boxing is a flip-flopper: some days, it’s cool; others, it’s more irritating than a platoon of French mimes. He’s back at square one, and he’s got to give a killer performance without the noisemaker. “The Scientist” has a yearning, lilting melody that will caress Blake’s gossamer vocal cords like honey. The falsetto howl at the end is like icing on the cake. He’s got a modern, heartfelt ace-in-the-hole just waiting for him.
GLORIA CHEEVER: “Man In The Mirror” – Michael Jackson. I don’t know why I feel like he should do Michael Jackson, but I think he’d be able to make it really contemporary. It’d be interesting to hear what he does with it.
MARITZA HAMILL: “What Goes Around Comes Around” – Justin Timberlake
