Clark and Nick debut their coronation songs and perform two other songs after Jax Cole was sent home earlier in the first part of the two-part finale.
- May 13, 2015
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" sent home another singer on Tuesday, May 12, before the competition for the winning title began. It was Jax Cole who got axed in the final elimination of season 14, meaning that Clark Beckham and Nick Fradiani would be battling it out in the two-part finale.
After the results of last week's votes were revealed, Clark took the stage to reprise his performance of "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles. Keith Urban said, "It was Southern and soulful." Jennifer Lopez said watching the performance was "reminding us why you were here," while Harry Connick Jr. praised his "undercurrent of drive" and how he was always "pushing and pushing and pushing."
Nick delivered an encore of his performance of "Bright Lights" by Matchbox 20. J.Lo said Nick could be the "true American Idol and has the voice, the looks, the presence" and "everything it takes." Harry urged viewers to vote for Nick, while Keith said, "It was really good."
J.Lo declared round one was a tie.
In the second round, the two finalists performed a song picked by the show creator Simon Fuller. Clark got Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine". His performance was passionate and emotional as J.Lo dubbed it "awesome, beautiful, heartfelt, amazing."
Nick's second song was Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up". He performed it while playing the piano, and he got commended by Keith for showing his other skill. "I feel like you guys are really going toe to toe," J.Lo commented on the competition between Clark and Nick. Harry, however, thought Clark won the second round.
Next, Clark performed an original song, "Champion", that would be his coronation song should he win the competition. Harry said, "I think you did a good job - but it is obvious that it is a new song and you are still getting used to it." Keith said the song was "inspiring."
Nick's original song was titled "Beautiful Life", which he described as Fun. meets the Goo Goo Dolls meets him. The song suited his voice and it sounded ready for radio. Harry said Nick was lucky because "that song sounds like it was tailor written for you." Keith said people would buy it if Nick recorded the song. Keith declared Nick as the winner of round three.
On Wednesday, the winner will be announced.
