American Idol 11 Top 4 – California Dreamin’ & Songs I Wish I Had Written Theme – Jennifer Lopez, David Cook Perform

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  • May 5, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Reality TV ·

The finish line is in sight and the remaining contestants couldn’t want it more! Next week, American Idol‘s Top 4 embark on an interesting double theme: California Dreamin’ and ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written.’ Jennifer Lopez and David Cook are set to perform on next week’s results show. Cook will perform a brand new single called “The Last Song I’ll Write for You,” while a pre-taped Lopez performance will air.

So, it’s time to get the thinkin’ caps on. This theme is pretty wide open. It could mean anything; time to speculate!

Via press release:

American Idol 11 Top 4 American Idol 11 Top 4 California Dreamin & Songs I Wish I Had Written Theme Jennifer Lopez, David Cook Perform

Photo Credit: Michael Becker / FOX

Tonight, the Top Four Finalists were revealed – Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. One of them will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL! After America cast a season-high of nearly 60 million votes for their favorite finalists, it also was revealed tonight that Skylar Laine had received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition.

With only three performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Four return to the IDOL stage to sing for America’s votes on a “California Dreamin’”– themed performance show.

Don’t miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Three finalists are announced and get set for their hometown visits to see family, friends and fans. In addition, global superstar and AMERICAN IDOL judge, Jennifer Lopez, will perform her hit new song “Dance Again.” Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook also returns to the IDOL stage to perform “The Last Song I’ll Write For You.”

Nigel Lythgoe announced the second theme via Twitter, saying:


So guys, what do you think of next week’s theme? I’ll be back on the blog in a few days with my picks.

Follow me on Twitter! • Follow me on Facebook! • Follow me on Pinterest!

— Jason

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58 comments
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renzowiiii
renzowiiii

Top4 -The contestants will sing songs that were originally sung by Californian artists.

1 Jessica Sanchez "California Gurls" (Katy Perry)

2 Joshua Ledet "Whataya Want From Me" (Adam Lambert)

3 Phillips "Mercy" (Dave Matthews)

4 Hollie "California Dreamin" (Clara Ward Singers)

5 Jessica Sanchez "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" (Jennifer Holiday)

6 Joshua Ledet"Somewhere Down The Road" (Michael Buble)

7 Phillips "Telephone" (Lady Gaga)

8 Hollie "My Heart Will Go On" (Celine Dion)

 

So sad,Jessica missed "My Heart will Go On"

JanColman
JanColman

Any of the other 3 can win and I will be happy..If Phillips wins it will be a travesty.He cant sing.--but he can do the turkey trot and ing in one octave.. The other 3 can sing him under the table.

JulieBarbara
JulieBarbara like.author.displayName 1 Like

This California theme is pretty dumb. Well Sara Bareilles is from Cali so I hope someone picks her. Jessica is the only one who could pull off Sara's "Gravity." Might be good for her because it's less about vocal acrobatics and more about showing off your gorgeous vocal tone and emotional depth, so I think it would help Jessica show a different side of herself, like she did with "You Are So Beautiful."

bwatt27
bwatt27

 @JulieBarbara oh no, please no contestant ruin a Sara Bareilles song.  

JulieBarbara
JulieBarbara

 @bwatt27 I'm a huge Sara B fan and am VERY critical of anyone who attempts her music because her voice and lyrics are so special. Not many people can do her songs justice, especially "Gravity" - I have yet to hear a cover that can come close. Jeremy Rosado ruined it earlier this season. I just think Jessica has the best shot at pulling it off, but any cover will certainly pale in comparison to Sara's originals. 

maila
maila like.author.displayName 1 Like

if jessica's gonna rap i would suggest " super bass" by nicki minaj or "price tag" by jessie j.  id love to see her perform "fireworks" by katy perry

takakupo
takakupo

Hey :D I threw the whole pot of spaghetti at the wall and something stuck!

 

Artists from California? Gawd, how many people know the history of their artists?

 

California:

 

Hollie - "Finally" by Fergie. There's just no way- NO FREAKIN' WAY that Hollie can sing anything else. Their vocals are extremely similar with different styles but I've waited for Hollie to sing it since somewhere aroudn the top 10. It would be the moment we'd be waiting for ^__^ or she could save that one for the next round and do "Game of Love" by Santana feat. Michelle Branch.

 

Philip - "Can You Bend Your Back Like This" by Milla Jovovich and John Frusciant or "Californification" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

 

Joshua - I'm perplexed by him. I don't know of any California singers that fits his style or that he could mix up.

 

Jessica - "Firework" by Katy Perry. Anyone can say what they want about the song but you have to have energy and a hell of a range to pull it off. Jessica is the only one that can do it.

 

 

Song I Wish I'd Written:

 

Hollie: "Finally" by Fergie. She can't sing anything else. She just has to sing "Finally".

 

Philip: "Friday" by Rebecca Black. He's already trolling us so why the hell not?

 

Joshua: "Listen" by Beyonce. Total Acapella. He has to prove once and for all that he can take a song and just sing it and caress us with his vocals and amaze us at the same time. Acapella is the only way to do it, plus I don't much care for Melanie Amarro's version and she needs to be put to shame :D

 

Jessica: 9 mile by "Eminem" or "Moment 4 Life" by Nikki Minaj. She needs to rap on the show. It's the only way to give her flare and more depth to show people that she's more than just a big voice and that she can set herself apart from the others.

bwatt27
bwatt27 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @takakupo Phillip will do RHCP I just can't see him not.  also the Carpenters were from Cali, so I can see Joshua tackling one of their songs, like "They Long To Be Close To You" or "We've Only Just Begun"

takakupo
takakupo

 @bwatt27 Joshua doing Carpenters would be kinda cool but nothing amazing. It'd kinda make him Clay 2.0 and add to his gay-putation XD

takakupo
takakupo

 @jlscott13  @bwatt27 Someone google it! GOOGLE IT! :D Jason, pick "Finally" as Hollie's song :] Do it. You know you wanna'.

maila
maila like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @takakupo i can see joshua doing "journey" songs like  "foolish heart" or "faithfully"

JulieBarbara
JulieBarbara like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @takakupo Interesting... Jessica could sing the the hell out of "Firework" and put Katy Perry to shame. I'd love to see that. I think I'd prefer to see Jessica sing "Listen" by Beyonce rather than Joshua, although I know it's too obvious of a choice.

maila
maila like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @takakupo isnt beyonce from texas? maybe she has a home in cali but almost all famous musicians have homes in cali. nice suggestions for jessica though.

 

Ross88
Ross88 like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

This is a very crappy theme. :(

XL
XL like.author.displayName 1 Like

Oh lord, please don't subject me to J'Lo's singing. This entire season has been enough suffering. What did I do to deserve this? :P

maila
maila

ok i did my research. california dreaming theme could be the songs that define the era between the late 60s to early 70s , when everybody wants to go to california for the summer of love. its the time of the hippies, flower power, music of neil young, mamas and the papas, james taylor, johnny mitchel , steely dan, seals and crofts. songs like summer breeze, turn turn turn, horse with no name, its getting better, both sides now and of course california dreaming. another oldies theme ugh. tough week ahead.

fuckhead
fuckhead

 @maila And the whole thing ended on a high with Jackson Browne and The Eagles.

maila
maila

oops that's joni mitchell  not johnny mitchel

jlscott13
jlscott13 like.author.displayName 1 Like

I thought I'd post this. I talked to a gay guy I know about Idol this week and Skylar getting the boot.

 

He said he wasn't shocked and said he's glad she's gone. Apparently, he'd rather see "boys, boys, boys" on the show than a girl with talent. This just goes to prove that there are gay men out there that love PP. Oy.

Latest blog post: 'Glee' First Listen Friday: The Cast Covers Chicago, Kelly Clarkson, & More for 'Choke' Episode!

bwatt27
bwatt27

 @jlscott13 that's just sad and wrong.  Glad I feel the complete opposite.  I'm a gay that would rather sees GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS on these shows and eliminate all the males.  In fact, lets just make the show an all-girl singing competition, and then I'd love it.  

jeffreychrist
jeffreychrist moderator like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

“The Last Song I’ll Write for You"? I wish. David Cook should stop teasing us.

Mikhail XO
Mikhail XO moderator

 @jeffreychrist I agree! I hate being teased. ;)

fuckhead
fuckhead like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

As for the song I wish I'd written--new Rufus Wainwright--WELCOME TO THE BALL--

I will never be defeated· I will never come undone · I will never know the way it feels to be just anyone · I will never fall just as you all fall around me so · I will never know · I will never know · I will never be the one who tells you that I need you more · Nor will I have to be the one who’s walking out the door · When the hour has struck you will receive · A note addressed from me · I will never be · Be the one you see· So baby 

WELCOME TO THE BALL · Don’t worry all about nothing at all · I don’t know how you made it in · But since you have arrived · Let it begin · Cause something in your eyes has made this room a much more brighter place · The chandeliers and fireplaces all seem jealous of your face · Something in your smile has left a light that has left a trace · Come and take my hand and let you lead me to the promise land · That no one could have ever been promised· I don’t know if you feel it and I don’t really care · Cause long ago when I was young and innocent they brought me here · Far from my mothers home · I was all alone · I was all alone · So baby WELCOME TO THE BALL· Don’t worry all about nothing at all · I don’t know how you made it in · But since you have arrived

let it begin

Mikhail XO
Mikhail XO moderator

 @jeffreychrist    Could have guessed that the 'musicsmith' JeffreyChrst would like Rufus Wainwright.  :D

jeffreychrist
jeffreychrist moderator like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @WaynoCoaster And it would be a treat to hear Mo, Larry and Curly say "I've never heard that song before!" or "Rufus who?".

I hate these judges.

Mikhail XO
Mikhail XO moderator like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @WaynoCoaster Love Rufus Wainwright...and I'm lovin' me some Wayno. Good to see ya, dude.  :)

fuckhead
fuckhead like.author.displayName 1 Like

I've thought it over, and -- Songs from bands or singers from California -- is without an inkling of doubt the STUPIDIST theme yet, ever.

bwatt27
bwatt27 like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 4 Like

Maybe it'll be some type of Inspirational or journey-themed.  Like songs about goals or dreams, or whatever.  I don't know, nor care.  The themes for this season have been uninspired honestly.  Either too broad, or too narrow with a terrible selection.  "Sing songs that everyone today knows!" apparently no one knows a Jimi Hendrix song, but dammit 12-year-olds across America MUST know Billy Joel tunes, right?! w/e I'm just glad I don't have to listen to Skylar anymore. 

maila
maila like.author.displayName 1 Like

california dreamin' theme = songs about california? 

jessica- california king bed by rhianna

phillip - stay the night by james blunt

 

JulieBarbara
JulieBarbara

 @maila Jessica actually sang "California King Bed" in one of her self-produced YouTube videos. It actually didn't do much for me because Rihanna's melodies are too simple and not enough for Jessica to sink her teeth into. I hope she does something else.

maila
maila

 @JulieBarbara yeah i agree, i listened to rhianna's on youtube, realized it wont do anything for jessica, its just a famous song but not really a good one, specially for competition plus the lyrics are too sensual for a 16 year old. what about california girls by  katy perry? its fitting for a young girl but again its not challenging to sing. oy, its so hard to find a young song for a big- voiced girl. maybe she doesnt need to show her big voice everytime. i dont know

JulieBarbara
JulieBarbara

 @maila That definitely is a problem for young singers on this show, trying to find songs that aren't too mature but also not your typical bubblegum fluff. I prefer it when they just don't worry about the age appropriateness and just pick songs that can best showcase their vocal talent. As long as it's not too racy. And yeah, California King Bed is DEFINITELY too racy for a 16-year-old. California Girls would be more appropriate but still not enough of a vocal challenge for Jessica, I think. hmm... I hope the other theme next week is better because this one doesn't sound promising.

maila
maila

theres tons of songs written about california on wikipedia, just not sure which are famous and who should sing them

 

takakupo
takakupo

just cause. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fbahS7VSFs&feature=player_embedded

Mikhail XO
Mikhail XO moderator like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @takakupo Saw this on the news last evening. From a biological standpoint, this was a bit troubling to watch. Lions hunt by sight and I wonder if his jacket was a visual cue that triggered her 'hunt'---the little boy was, perhaps, mistaken for a weak, stationary zebra. This lioness was obviously hungry and even positioned herself-- crouched-- several times in the 'kill' postion, motioning toward the muzzle for her suffocating hold. I am surprised that his mum, instinctively, did not dash him out of there. Clearly he was safe behind the glass...but still...

takakupo
takakupo like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Mikhail XO You a zooligist Mikhail? @___@ That seemed like a super-competent assessment, haha. I was cringing and going, "Coool" the whole 30 seconds. I don't think I could have let my kid sit there like that while I filmed. Glad she did it though :D And then I'm not D: but then I am :D ...

takakupo
takakupo

Aww, it looks like it is going to be a "The Mamas and Papas" themed night. Look at their track record: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamas_%26_the_Papas

 

They have lots of songs to choose from though I'm not particularly keen on any of them since they all have that karaoke effect when sung by other people. At least there's hope since there will be two themes...I hope. 

rezzzy
rezzzy

 @takakupo Solo performers should not do songs based in harmonies. It would be a mess if they were to do Mamas and Papas and Beach Boys. So I hope they do :-P

My pick is Jessica doing California Über Alles :-D