Last night on American Idol, the finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips made the case for taking home the crown. This season of American Idol had a number of strong contestants, but these two are certainly great talents, with Sanchez having a great singing voice and Phillips having a unique style. Phillips showed off that style on the final song of the night, “Home.”
Often, the new song that American Idolists sing is the weakest of the songs, because it is hard for an unfamiliar song to compete with classics familiar to the audience. For example, Sanchez received a tepid reaction to her new song, “Change Nothing.” But last night, Phillips’ rendition of “Home” was the highlight of the show.
I thought the song might go over the top when the drummers came on stage, but Phillips kept it restrained throughout, leaving the audience wanting more. Randy Jackson noted that the song reminded him of Mumford & Sons, and I can see the connection too. It is not surprising that the writer of “Home,” Drew Pearson, is a fan of Mumford & Sons. Pearson originally wrote the song for British singer Greg Holden, but Pearson’s publisher submitted it to American Idol for consideration, and Jimmy Iovine loved the song.
Recently, Pearson participated in Phillips’ recording of “Home.” Win or lose tonight, it looks like we will be hearing a lot more of Phillip Phillips.
May 24 Update: Phillip Phillips won American Idol.
What did you think of the new songs on American Idol, including “Home”? Leave your two cents in the comments.
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