“American Idol” celebrated the music of the 1960s and Brit pop on Wednesday night and one singer took his songs and knocked them out of the stratosphere.
Joshua Ledet received, perhaps, the greatest praise ever given out on “Idol” during his second number of the night – “To Love Somebody” – a classic from the Bee Gees.
The soul singer had not heard the song prior to rehearsing it for the show, but bringing it to the stage, he gave a passionate performance that left the judges in utter shock.
“You’re one of the best singers on this show. Ever. Ever. No matter what goes down, you’re one of the best singers ever on this show… That was incredible. Nobody can do that better,” judge Randy Jackson said.
And Jennifer Lopez, too, had high praise.
“I think you’re one of the best singers I’ve seen in 50 years, I mean, it’s crazy, baby. Honestly. People since James Brown and all those people, the greatest soul singers and performers ever, honestly with the right records? Jimmy, [Iovine], you better not mess this up,” Jennifer said.
And Joshua’s performance earlier in the evening also won him lofty praise.
Taking on The Temptations’ classic “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” Joshua’s rendition left Steven Tyler marveling.
“You’ve gotta be one of the top 2 best ‘Idols’ of all time,” the rocker said.
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Here’s how the rest of the pack, mentored by Jimmy Iovine and E Street band member Little Steven (Steven Van Zandt), did:
Hollie Cavanagh performed the Ike & Tina Turner classic “River Deep Mountain High”
Steven commented: “This is the first time I heard you step out and use your blues.”
For the Brit pop segment, she performed Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love”
Jennifer said: “That was amazing.”
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Phillip Phillips covered “The Letter” by The Box Tops
Jennifer said: “You’re so compelling to watch… You’re really a dynamic performer.”
For the Brit pop segment, Phil took on The Zombies’ “Time of the Season”
Steven said: “You sang it well, you sang it really well. So good for you.”
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Skylar Laine performed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son”
Randy said: “I think Fogerty and all of them would be really proud. You were born to be on the stage.”
During the Brit pop portion, Skylar tackled “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” a Dusty Springfield classic.
Jennifer said: “You wanna win, don’t you?… And you just might, with performances like that.”
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Jessica Sanchez tackled the Ike and Tina Turner version of “Proud Mary”
Steven said: “The only thing that gives experience a run for its money is a 16 year old. You know what? You did it again!”
But Randy said: “You took on probably the biggest dragon of the night… It didn’t really quite sit with me.”
For the Brit pop round, Jessica sang Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”
Steven said: “You, once again, showed America, just how beautiful your voice is, and what a great singer you are. You’re gonna be No. 1, girl.”
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