AMERICAN IDOL: Final Three Perform

Hey, AMERICAN IDOL fans! Here we are with the final three, Haley, Lauren and Scotty! In this week of the competition, the contestants sang three times: the first song self-chosen, the second song chosen by coach Jimmy, and the third and final performance of the night chosen by the judges.

I remember an American Masters interview about the Troubadour, and David Crosby said that the true test of a songwriter is the second album. The first record a person makes is the culmination of years of journal writing and inspiration and love poured out. But the second album is the true test — does a singer/songwriter have what it takes?

And while these three singers might not write their own material always, for my money, their self- picks were more revealing than the way they sang the other two. Sure, they were all on pitch, all full of personality, and each one could possibly be the 2011 American Idol. But for me, when it comes down to it, I was most intrigued by what each one CHOSE! They will all be famous probably, and will all have someone telling them what to sing. But in those moments where they can choose, they will be even more special.

Having said that, here are the three self-chosen picks for each singer.

Scotty, “Amazed” (Lonestar)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBnkklDgmas[/youtube]

Lauren: “Wild One” (Faith Hill)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ksPMdoT1Sk[/youtube]

Haley: “What Is and What Should Be” (Led Zeppelin)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CyNQyR0MwQ[/youtube]

Did you have a favorite? And who will be left standing…when three becomes two?