J.Lo Thinks Ledet is an Angel + More Commentary

Source: Un-Reality TV: American Idol



When Joshua Ledet announced he was tackling Mariah Carey’s “Without You” this week, I think everyone felt a little bit of concern. Jimmy Iovine said it best when he noted that it was “one of the most challenging songs you could ever sing in pop music.” Everyone knows the rule of thumb is to avoid diva songs, even if you have a strong voice. Joshua has a great voice, but we’re use to him singing us some gospel.

During rehearsals Jimmy and Stevie Nicks were concerned that starting off flat could ruin the whole song. “You’re hitting the notes, but if you go up a little bit with your body, it will make it easier to breathe… if he goes in with that first note and it’s a flat, he’s a goner,” she said. Joshua appeared confident in his interview, stating: “They said this song is a magic trick, hopefully I can pull the rabbit out of the hat.”

Mariah may have been the least likely song Joshua would pick as his hero, but in a strange way it worked really well for him. Unlike other gospel artists in the past on singing competitions, Joshua’s voice transfers well to pop music. My biggest gripe is the song is full of pain and heartache, I wish he would have started off softer, with less power, and built up to the chorus like Mariah does. However, it was his version of the song- not Mariah’s. At the end of the song Joshua had a complete emotional breakdown, showing up his sensitive side. The judges loved it, giving him a standing ovation as well.


Here’s what the judges had to say:

Randy Jackson: It was Mariah’s birthday yesterday. I was talking to her. She would be listening to you right now, telling you how proud she is. When you have a voice this big, you need to sing big songs like this. I love your voice, I think that was flawless. It was emotional. That’s what the audience feels. They want that. Brilliant, dude.


Steven Tyler: I don’t know what is going on tonight, but everyone’s pushing themselves beyond their own limits. And you did that. You pushed yourself so far that you had an emotional breakdown.


Jennifer Lopez: You were singing to me?! Don’t make me cry. You are a phenom. You are an angel from heaven. That voice is just god sent. Amazing, so beautiful. You are something special.