Clark Beckham…..Jax…….Nick Fradiani…..

One of them would become season 14’s ‘American Idol’ tomorrow night……while one of them would be going home tonight!!

While we’re all still recovering from the cancellation news of our beloved Idol, we still have to get through this current season, and right now?

It was ANYONE’S to lose!!

Clark and Jax have been consistent from the start, while Nick has come from behind and really peaked during the right time.

In a huge twist in Idol history, Ryan had our top 3 closed to the screaming crowd, and he revealed who was going home…..

RIGHT OUT THE GATE.

And we have an all guy finale folks!!!

That’s right: Jax was eliminated at the start of the show, which meant Clark Beckham and Nick Fradiani would be battling for the crown.

Let’s get right to this!!

1. Clark Beckham – “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles

Now THAT is how you start a show!!!

Clark made us forget about that shocking intro, with a soulful, stirring rendition of the Ray Charles classic. Admittedly, when the song started, I kind of felt that the key was slightly off, however, Clark got his groove and THEN some once he hit his stride. The last few notes were butter, and he nailed the ending!!

2. Nick Fradiani – “Bright Lights” by Matchbox Twenty

Loved this the first time he did it, and loved it even more the second time!!!

Nick isn’t the belter that Clark is, but what he has is this crazy ability to make you rock out with him even if you’re watching from home. Jennifer Lopez hit the nail on the head by saying that Nick was the epitome of what AMERICAN IDOL stood for. He completely owned this performance.

Funny bit with the crowd getting behind Harry Connick Jr’s chant to try and get Jennifer pick which guy won round 1. She refused to pick one and said it was a tie!!

What do you guys think?

Round 2 would be Simon Fuller’s choice!!

1. Clark Beckham – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Remember season 7 when Kris Allen LAID THIS DOWN?

Well, Clark brought his own passion and flavor to the Withers classic, and DAMN…..he came to play tonight and is proving he wants this crown!! Simon Fuller picked a stellar song for Clark’s range and ne dominated this vocal with such ease.

2. Nick Fradiani – “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz

Nice surprise seeing Nick at the piano and another stellar choice from Mr. Fuller!!

Like Keith Urban said, it was heartfelt and emotional and Nick sounded great on it. Harry almost copped out too on his choice for who won round two, but he clarified it was a tie because:

Clark won round 1, with round 2 going to Nick!!

Time for the final round of the night, with the boys singing what would be their new single if they win the competition.

1. Clark Beckham – Champion

Okay…..have to keep it real with all of you right?

Clark sounded great on his song, but the arrangement and lyrics….and melody (?) were all over the place and didn’t really suit his voice. It wasn’t the confident Clark that we’re used to seeing. The judges critiqued the performance without really critiquing it at all.

2. Nick Fradiani – “Beautiful Life”

Give the winning single performance to Nick!!

Nick destroyed his performance to closing the show and it’s obvious that this song was tailored to him, like Harry Connick Jr said.

That was it folks…..

TOMORROW NIGHT.

The Idol grand finale!!!!

Who takes the crown?

CLARK BECKHAM 

OR

NICK FRADIANI 

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