American Idol: The Final 2

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

This is the night American Idol fans have been waiting for all week and possibly all season. The winner of this year's American Idol is announced tomorrow night, but tonight Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee went head to head at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Each of them performed three songs, two of which they performed before, and one original song written specifically for them and their voice. Following last weeks show, a coin toss determined this week's order. Taylor won that coin toss, but opted to go second.

That means Katharine McPhee opened the show tonight. For her first song, she chose Black Horse And The Cherry Tree. She sang this song back during Bilboards week, and it was one of her better performances. She did even better with the song this time around, and Simon even said she did good, even if he only used the small g. As for Taylor, he picked Living For The City. Another one of his better performed songs, and I think he did really great with this song tonight. In fact, I think there is no doubt who won round one tonight. At least for me, I think Taylor did better here.

Next up for round two, Katharine returned to the stage to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. I think she did well here. This song was her best performance of the season to date. Performing it again so soon was a bit of a risk, but I think Katharine even did a better job with this song tonight. This is one of my favorite songs of all time, and her performance even brought tears to my eyes. For Taylor's second performance, he chose Elton John's, Levon. I'm not sure what it was, but I agree with Randy and Simon here. This second performance wasn't as good as his first tonight. So I think round two goes to Katharine McPhee.

For the final performance for each singer, they sang the song that would become their first single. Katharine McPhee sang a titled My Destiny, and I just didn't like the song very much, so I have to agree with Randy on that. However, I just don't think this was Katharine's best performance at all. The judge's didn't say it, but I will. I heard some definite problems with her voice in that song. I think she even messed up the lyrics at one point. Katharine's best song tonight was Somewhere Over The Rainbow. No question in my mind there.

As for Taylor, his first single will be a song titled Do I Make You Proud, and based on this song performance I think we might be this year's American Idol. This song was definitely his song. He made it a Taylor song, even if the lyrics and music weren't totally Soul Patrol material. I liked Simon having to eat his words and selecting Taylor as winner. He did pass on Taylor when he auditioned.

However, this decision is not up to Simon. It is up to you. Four hours to vote. Three numbers to call. Make your voice heard! America is the one that will choose the next American Idol. Not me. Not Simon, Paula or Randy. I think there is a really good chance we'll see Taylor win tomorrow night. We'll have to wait 24 hours to find out though! Want to see who's performing on tomorrow night's finale check out my entertainment blog, Thoughts From The Couch! Want to chime in with your pick for winner go vote on my finale poll in my forum.