American Idol: The Final Performances

The singers on “American Idol” have reached the final night of competition and the last chance for fans to vote for their choice of the winner. California girl Jessica Sanchez and Georgia boy Phillip Phillips Jr. will battle it out in song for the right to claim the title of “American Idol” winner.

After learning that he had made it to the finals last week, Phillip entered the hospital for emergency surgery due to an ongoing kidney stone problem.

Jessica Sanchez made it to the finals after the judges saved her several weeks ago.

The singers performed three songs – Idol creator Simon Fuller’s choice, singer’s favourite song, and the potential winner’s single.

Jessica takes the stage first performing the Whitney Houston song “I Have Nothing”.

After winning the coin toss, Phillip opted to receive in the second half and performed last in each round. Phillip picked up his guitar for his first performance and sang the Ben E. King hit “Stand By Me”.

The judges did not comment after each performance but waited until after both singers had performed. When asked her thoughts Jennifer said that it would be a tough decision because it was a battle of the opposites. Host Ryan Seacrest asked if anyone thought one of the singers won round one and Randy Jackson said Jessica and Jennifer agreed.

Before the competition continues Jason Derulo premiered the song, sponsored by Coke, that the fans helped to write – “Undefeated”.

For round two Jessica chose “The Prayer” as her favourite song of the season.

For his favourite performance Phillip chose “Moving Out” by Billy Joel.

Steven said that when it comes to Phillip he doesn’t always have to hatch a good egg, and gave the round to Jessica; but Randy said the round was dead even and Jennifer gave the round to Phillip.

Jessica’s last performance of the night is the song that would be her first single if she won – “Change Nothing”. Randy didn’t love the song but thought Jessica made something out of it and brought it to life. Jennifer said Jessica sang the song very well, not the song she would have chosen for Jessica. Steven didn’t feel it was the proper song for Jessica.

For his single – if he wins – Phillip sang “Home”; and as he has done all season long, Phillip performs with his guitar” The audience got involved with the performance clapping along and the judges gave him a standing ovation. Randy said that he loved the song, Philip, and the production; adding that everything was perfect and it was Phillip’s best performance of the night, was amazing, brilliant, and genius. Jennifer said the performance was so different, just Philip, and there was nothing else like it on the radio. Steven said Philip has made the world his home and was perfect tonight; adding Phillip was the man.

As the show come to an end and video clips play on the big screen, season 10 winner Scotty McCreery performs “Please Remember Me”.