Jessica Sanchez top4 performance (American idol 11)

 JESSICA SANCHEZ

For her first song, Jessica went back to very old-school Cali, doing Etta James's "Steal Away." It got a little growly in parts (growling is a habit Jessica picked up at age 7, according to home movie footage that aired this evening), but she nailed the sophisticated song and once again proved she's an old torch-singer soul trapped in a tiny teen girl's body. "When I think about all the great female singers out there who'd be your contemporaries, you're just one of the best," said Jennifer. "I love that. You just nailed that. That showed the other side of your voice," said Steven. "Your vocals are ridiculous. That girl right there can sing the phone book!" howled Randy. Probably true--but I'd rather hear Jessica sing Etta, thanks.

For her final song in the pimp spot, Jessica took on the Dreamgirls behemoth "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going," a crazy-difficult song that makes "Bohemian Rhapsody" seem, well, like singing the phone book. (Randy said it's one of the hardest songs in the world to sing.) It's also a song that in recent years has become closely associated in people's minds with one of the greatest "Idol" divas, Jennifer Hudson. But Jessica NAILED this. Inspired by the Judges' Save night when she almost went home a few weeks ago, she made it clear that she has no intention of ever coming that close to being sent home again--unless it means she's one of the top three enjoying a ticker-taped homecoming celebration next week, that is. This was a grand statement song, and it even topped her "I Will Always Love You" performance, which until this night had been the Jessica Sanchez performance by which all other Jessica Sanchez performances must be judged. "I think you're in it to REALLY win it," said Randy. "Another winning performance, just over-the-top," said Steven. "Your vocal ability is just not something you see every day. It was a real moment--we've had a lot tonight, but that was amazing," said J.Lo.

So now, it is prediction time. I think I've already made it abundantly clear who I think will go home this week--anyone other than Hollie will be a MAJOR upset--but who will join her in the bottom two? Possibly Phillip, because he sang first, and because Jessica and Joshua were so stunning...but it's a moot point, really, because it's Hollie's time to go. She had a good run, but it seems like she won't be able to make America love her this week.