American Idol 2012: Randy Jackson Talks What It Takes To Win

May 22, 2012 Matt Boyer American Idol, American Idol 2012, Season 11 144

American Idol 2012 judge Randy Jackson

After last week’s American Idol 2012 elimination, judges Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson took to the press stage and discussed what these final two singers need to do if they want a chance to win.

“[Phillip] and Jessica have to pick nothing but sheer moments,” explained Randy. “No more of these safe songs. These snooze fest songs. These let me just be quiet and meek. No. You’ve got to go for everything now.”

Randy went on to discuss the strengths of Phillip and Jessica. “Listen. Jessica is an amazing singer and I think Phillip is an amazing creative kind of stylist. He’s that ‘artist artist artist.” Jessica’s maybe more the pop star with that big voice.”

Jackson was hesitant to give either a clear advantage over the other, but he did offer that both finalists have a clear shot at the title as the winner of American Idol 2012.

When asked by a reporter what it’ll take for Jessica to overcome Phillip’s “cute boy vote” Randy insisted that Jessica needs the right song choice and that “OMG” moment in her final performances.

The American Idol 2012 final performance show airs tonight at 8PM for just one hour, finally, and then we’ll get the big results on Wednesday night. Don’t miss all the action!

Source: THR

FROM THE WEB

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

144 Comments

    • Randy is a broken tool.  He says they have to pick songs that will give them nothing but “Moments”, but they have only one song choice the other two songs are being chosen for them.  Honestly, I don’t know how he finds his way around the streets.  Maybe he always has a driver.

      • Where can I purchase the Handy-Dandy-Randy Tool? No, on second thought, — I haven’t been buying what he is selling for several years. No reason to start now. Time for new blood.

  2. Cliche answers.  Sorta like sports teams say “one game at a time.”  How is it Phillip/Jessica has been great all year and then all of a sudden “no more safe songs” or “no more snoozefests?”    Why didn’t he mention that they were safe songs/snoozefests back when they performed them?

    Both are good singers.  Both simply need to sing well.  Then it’s out of their hands.  If Tom Petty and Martina McBride were in a sing off, both could do real well, but only 1 is going to win.  For the one that doesn’t, it doesn’t mean they did anything wrong, it just means the other one got more votes. 

    So unless either one bombs, which I doubt will happen, the winner has probably already been determined by which one has more fans.   Good luck to both of them.

    • Or which one the powers-that-be have decided is going to win.  I can’t help but be a little paranoid this season about  the validity of the actual vote count.

      I agree whole heartedly that what they need to do now should have been addressed a lot more during the season.  Phillip and Joshua needed to sing more songs that were not either one’s typical like Phillip did for his last song.  Joshua is/was fabulous but the proverbial “screaming” he is credited with only magnified after the judges told him how great he was and the same with Phillip’s “uniqueness.”

      I’m not going to be surprised nor disappointed with whichever wins.  I still believe that some of the ones that have been voted off will be as much if not more so as successful as the winner. 

      Great season for talent with contestants.  Judges, not anywhere close.

      •  I agree with you whole heatedly with your comment. I know of two others who have been voted off which I think should have been in the final two, but I guess they hear something different than we do at home on our TV.. it doesn’t matter one way or another who wins Idol now..Phillip doesn’t change things up much and Jessica the same.. There were two others whom I think changed it up from week to week. I wish we Canadians could vote too..  the outcome could be different..  🙂

    • I don’t think they would give leaks nevertheless, I don’t want to see~ 🙂
      For sure, we would figured out the songs for whom~ 🙂 Less excitement. Ray Chew only tweeted a picture of attache case where he said inside it, is the set of list. 🙂 LOL. 🙂 So probably, we should just wait for the performances~ 🙂 AJa.

      • well,.all the best p2 and jessica..and everyone!!!!!!!!! can’t wait…

  5. I think Randy is already aware of not messing up with his comments in interview~ lol :))) keeping it short and simple now.

    Watching..
    “American Idol Top Two Press Conference Uncut”

  9. See..even whoever this reporter was has Phillip at the advantage. Phillip for the win! I have to say..I’ve been listening to a shuffle of  a lot of the songs from this year. The top 10 was the best I remember in a long time. 

  10. You know,  Listen Up! is out and it’s great, so I really think Haley Reinhart deserves some attention!!!

  12. In a press conference, Jimmy Iovine described Phillip as an unusual talented artist with a crazy charisma and great character and he also went on saying that Phillip is not a typical WGWG. Jimmy also said Phillip could win it all with the right song choice. When he was asked of Jessica had any chances of getting any votes from ladies and teenage girls, he said yes, with her voice, she can change your mind on a dime.

    Good lfuck to both of them, my vote would go to Phillip.

      • They won’t count your vote, like they can’t really tell where a vote is coming from this day and age

      • Now you are going as far as to Hi-Jack our voting right to Vote for OUR!!!! OUR Idol- Get your own Show and vote for your own contestant – STOP butting in and hacking our phone voting system…. THIS IS OUR Choice NOT Yours – Stop sticking your nose in our COUNTRY and our Choice – She LOST — She is #7 — 7th place — America Voted for PHILLIP PHILLIPS and sent whats her name packing— PHILLIP WON — Tonights Show is to Celebrate AMERICAS Choice forAMERICAN IDOL 2012 WINNER – PHILLIP PHILLIPS — Man – I can’t believe the things YOUR PEOPLE are doing ….. Believe me when I tell ytou — PHILLIP DIDNT NEED CHEATERS – HE WON WITH PURE TALENT-  she will not, or DID NOT get our votes so YOU are willing to hack in and vote for her—- If she could sing she wouldnt need you to cheat to try to get hewr some votes— PHILLIP JUST SANG AND AMERICA DIALED HIS # – She got sent home even with you hacking in and voting illeagually — get your own filipino idol show and leave AMERICAN IDOL to AMERICANS…… You will be CAUGHT – I will make sure of it…..

    • OMG! The last sentence, it was a typo. I did not mean “good lfuck”. Sorry!

  13. I well love for Jessica Sanchez to win she is a Hispanic beauty reminds me of Whitney Houston she sings perfect

    • Yes, beautiful except for the teeth. She is very pretty, but not pure talent.  If the judges weren’t horrible at what they do, Jessica would be off by now. Colton was the best, and he got kicked off. The judges are luring us into a vote. Phillip for the win! :]

      • You have a problem with her teeth? Ok, an orthodontist can take care of that. What’s next? Her talent is not pure? What is it then, adulterated? Her talent may have been enhanced and honed by years of practice, but if that talent wasn’t there in the first place, no amount of training could bring up her voice to what it is now. Jessica deserved that save and you know it- her being in the finale is proof enough.

  14. do you think Joshua’s fans will vote?  if they do, who will they vote for?  the top 3 were so diverse, it’s not clear who joshua fans would vote for, if at all.

    •  I won’t vote…not because of anger.  Joshua will go far and I will be buying everything he records!  Tonight I get to sit back and enjoy a couple of super kids who have wonderful spirits, talent and personalities!  Besides, my elderly fingers are still cramped from sitting at the computer casting as many votes as possible for Joshua…for weeks on end!  This has been an amazing American Idol Season!!

  16. I have much respect for phillip and jessica but honestly this is a boring finale imo without joshua. the best never wins on this show. Its so predictable we all know that jessica will win because she has numerous of votes coming from overseas. Im not sure if I will watch this show again. its not based on talent anymore. I miss joshua 🙁 🙁

    • There are tens of millions of people out there who used to watch Idol, but haven’t watched a single minute since their favorites were voted off this year, last year, or five years ago. Yet, Idol wins the ratings war every week of every year. Idol watchers  take lying that is reserved for used car salesmen and politicians to an entirely new level.

    • joshua is not the best. he does sing well at times, but he screams too much. I’m sure his boyfriends can attest to that 😛

  17. jessica deserve to be an american idol!!!!!! true talent that shine every moment she sings..lots of passion and connect to the people…she deserves to be AI.

    • See..that’s the problem though..she doesn’t connect. The songs she has been singing are way too old for a 16 year old to be singing. She sings them well but there is no connectivity because she doesn’t even understand what she is singing about.

      • That’s your opinion. P2 sounds the same with every song but he connects to the Tweens most especially because he is CUTE. That’s his ” Connectivity ” according to you and his fans. Go Figure …

      • thats ur views not mine.. they r both can sing but Jessica for me is better than PP..

      • Maybe for you she doesn’t connect. Now tell me. what do you think she should do…..get teary eyed all the time when she sings, come up with some health issues to get your sympathy, or better yet do some theatrical acts just to have connectivity. I am so tired hearing this shallow immature excuse just to put Jessica down. Let her be for after all she made it to the finale because of pure talent. How can you even say that she doesn’t understand what she sings? Phillip is just as good as Jessica but your vote and mine will determine who deserves the title. Negative criticism/opinion will only generate more votes for Jessica.  

      • Yeah? How sure are you? Jessica’s smart………..maybe it’s you who isn’t
        that smart. First, can you sing? Maybe like…..Baba ba ba blacksheep.

    • Phillip deserves to win, he can sing, play instruments, write songs plus he’ll sell more cd’s. We already have many singers who can hit the high notes. When I think about it Barry White never hit e high notes and that man was awesome too.

  18. I don’t care who wins.  Both are great and deserve to be there.  I prefer Phillips music more (not a cute girl either) but think JS is a musical prodigy with a long career ahead.  My guess is she wants to win more.  Two very different artists and I just hope to be entertained tonight.  

    • Phillip wants to win more, to go through all the pain he’s going through with those kidney stones….  He is awesome

    • What a great post, so positive.  I too am a P2 fan but at this point it is anyone’s game.  I will be happy with either, they will both be very successful.

  19. I didnt not know that Jessica has been in America hs talent and other contest.. the judges kept saying , where did you get all the older kind of voice.. WELL .. HELLO. now we know..I HAPPENED TO VOTE FOR PHILIP… I just think he is so origianal… the way he brings a song alive…. Philip is not a cookie cutter kind of artist…. I would love to see his concert… cant wait for his CD to come out.. They will all have recording contracts…..Im happy for them all…

    • Are you stupid? What does it have to do if she´s been in another contest? it proves how much she´s worked for her dreams and to become a real singer. 

      P2 is not original at all. He just plays the guitar and make weird faces while singing. If you think that’s originality, well… you’re right, he’s  “original”.

      No more WGWG!!!

      JESSICA SANCHEZ FOR THE WIN!

      • Please be civil and don’t call people stupid. Sandra was just stating that she did  not know Jessica had been on AGT.  I understand that you love Jessica but to put the other contestant down is not right.  Please don’t bash.  Whomever wins will deserve it because America voted that way! 

      • Don’t call people stupid because they don’t see it your way! I happen to think that P2 is original as well. She does not compare to a Whitney Houston (she never screamed, she was just powerful and passionate). Jessica does not seem to feel her lyrics; she is a good imitator.

    • Why are you asking? If you were in the USA You would know – If you are not then YOU DON”T NEED TO KNOW ! ! This is AMERICAN IDOL – Keyword here is AMERICAN !!!!!!! American’s Vote — Others try to hack in and vote —- Truth for you to cnsider for tonight!!!! PHILLIP Sings and We Vote…… He has NEVER BEEN IN THE Bottom – Jess sings and got SENT HOME By AMERICA so judges said ok we might as well use it or loose it so they saved her- (Colton was the one who deserved it) And now YOU and all you far away outsiders are going to hack our voteing system to vote for OUR —-***AMERICA’S**** Winner because America didnt like her so we booted her out at 7th place…. Tonight is a Show to Showcase AMERICAS 2012 Winner – PHILLIP PHILLIPS – ALL of this your country is doing to our Show is UnGodly and an act of attack on America’s Right to pick who America wantsfor AMERICA’S IDOL …. GET IT

      • Umm im pretty sure “american” idol includes north and south AMERICA just sayin

      • @80ebaf96eeef14efeb35ec81b2ec6f1f:disqus No one refers to Canadians or Mexicans, or anyone from Central or South America as “Americans”.  They are Canucks, Mexicans, Brazilians etc.  Don’t try muddying the waters that way.  Not that it matters.  Jessica will not be successful in North America.  She may do well in Asia and So. America.

      • hey, you must be out of your mind!!! you voted her out because you don’t know anything about music…So shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  21. It’s kind of good that they are letting everyone know that Phillip is sick and his medication causes dry mouth and affects his singing.

    Now when they release the album we wont know if the improved vocals are auto tuned or just a result of him getting healthy.

    It’s often disappointing when you buy the album and it sounds so much different than the live stuff did.

    It shows great character that he is able to fight through all this and still deliver good performances. He’s a real champ!!!

  24. Now you are going as far as to Hi-Jack our voting right to Vote for OUR!!!! OUR Idol- Get your own Show and vote for your own contestant – STOP butting in and hacking our phone voting system…. THIS IS OUR Choice NOT Yours – Stop sticking your nose in our COUNTRY and our Choice – She LOST — She is #7 — 7th place — America Voted for PHILLIP PHILLIPS and sent whats her name packing— PHILLIP WON — Tonights Show is to Celebrate AMERICAS Choice forAMERICAN IDOL 2012 WINNER – PHILLIP PHILLIPS — Man – I can’t believe the things YOUR PEOPLE are doing ….. Believe me when I tell ytou — PHILLIP DIDNT NEED CHEATERS – HE WON WITH PURE TALENT- she will not, or DID NOT get our votes so YOU are willing to hack in and vote for her—- If she could sing she wouldnt need you to cheat to try to get hewr some votes— PHILLIP JUST SANG AND AMERICA DIALED HIS # – She got sent home even with you hacking in and voting illeagually — get your own filipino idol show and leave AMERICAN IDOL to AMERICANS…… You will be CAUGHT – I will make sure of it…..

    • No worries Joyelsberry, international votes are not counted no matter what they use. 

    • I will power vote for jessica!! If it was deandre and philip who made it to the finale, i will power vote for deandre! 🙂

    • Disgusting comment.

      American Idol is shown in Mexico and the Philippines. Although delayed, there is live satellite of the show abroad. With the onset of social media and the different platforms to vote via phone, text and facebook – there is nothing illegal. BTW there are Filipinos and Mexican in the USA.

      Pure ignorance…..

    • so sound so pathetic..you claim that this is your show? well, let’s see the results and you’ll shut up..

  25. my heart feels for jessica but my mind points to phillip as winner of season 11.. the voting public loves american boy next door guy ( the a look at the past4  seasons  scotty,  dewyze, allen, cook ) i hope this turns around. 

    • We do love the boy next door, I hope youare right.  That being said it is anyone’s game, do not count Jessica out. 

  26. Jolene, Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head… The Macarena and My Way are four songs we won’t be hearing tonight.  

  27. Phillip is more unique in terms of style. But we are not only for the style. He is cute yes, he is cool, yes, he is great singer yes. HE IS THE AMERICAN IDOL? NO

    At this moment just give it all to Jessica, not my favorite, but between this 2, its not a hard one. She had more moments. 

    TOP 5 ppl delivery the most stunning performances

    1. Elise Tostone
    2. Colton Dixon
    3. Jessica Sanchez
    4. Joshua Ledet
    5. Phillip Philips

  28. Hey this is the first season i’ve ever watched of american idol but i’ve realized that they are geniuses, but the whole show is a fraud. They knew jermaine jones had warrants out, but they didn’t say anything till after they brought him to the live shows because they wanted a save to be put into use. Jessica sanchez also did not get the least amount of votes that one week but they had to make sure they got rid of the save so colton dixon wouldnt mess with there plan of having jessica, phillip phillips and joshua ledet as their final 3. Its all for drama and publicity. Also jessica “will” win, not because she’s my favorite but because they have set her up to be the first asian/ first saved/ and first woman in the past 5 years. She’ll be famous & she’s a great singer, they’ll MILLIONS of dollars off

    • It didnt let me finish but they’ll make millions off of her. Vocal ability aren’t everything but she’ll be famous because of the events that have been put in place by american idol producers.

      • I would like to see phillip win just as much as jessica but jermaine jones was brought back for a reason, to have the save & to make jessica sanchez be famous for just another reason, they wouldn’t have went through all that trouble to have her get 2nd

    • I LOOOOVVVVVE jsanchez & i know she had plenty of voters that week and didn’t actually get the least amount of votes!! They just wanted to make an Xfactor thing out of it like they did to Melanie Amaro

      • That was my thoughts completely but im not biased, both p2 and jsanchez deserve to be there but american idol did manipulate the show

      • Jessica sanchez will LOSE!!!!!!! Phillip phillips deserves to win!!!

    • It’s true, there was a conspiracy section on wikipedia created about american idol & they actually removed the section that pretty much said all this. If i had my own television show i’d manipulate it too to get better ratings

      • Haha so true but in my opinion they shouldnt do this and they’re just using the judges and the contestants as they’re own playing pieces. It’s like the hunger games

  30. thanks God…American Idol find…..True  magnificent talent as…Jessica Sanchez..Good Luck tonight…Congratz in advance!!!!!! i Know America will proud of you!!!

  32. Hey this is the first season i’ve ever watched of american idol but i’ve realized that they are geniuses, but the whole show is a fraud. They knew jermaine jones had warrants out, but they didn’t say anything till after they brought him to the live shows because they wanted a save to be put into use. Jessica sanchez also did not get the least amount of votes that one week but they had to make sure they got rid of the save so colton dixon wouldnt mess with there plan of having jessica, phillip phillips and joshua ledet as their final 3. Its all for drama and publicity. Also jessica “will” win, not because she’s my favorite but because they have set her up to be the first asian/ first saved/ and first woman in the past 5 years. She’ll be famous & she’s a great singer, they’ll MILLIONS of dollars off

    • Yea i saw the comment earlier, im soo glad some people are realizing the truth of american idol smh

    • Hey this is the original poster of this message, i want to say thank you because we need to keep REPOSTING the truth about american idol. Thank you 🙂 but i am not trying to get rid of american idol, i would just rather watch a fair game, whether its dramatic or not. I could care less about fox’s ratings for the show

  35. I CAN’T stand all these annoying Jessica fans saying that Phillips only gets voted for cause he is ‘cute’. I’m a straight 19 year old male, and I LOVE his music and his style. I’m from Canada, but if i could vote than i would… and it would be for Phillip Phillips.
    And to be honest.. if it were ANY other contestant that P2 was against in the finale, i would want Phillip to come in 2nd. Jessica will for sure be signed by interscope if she loses, and I’m not so sure if P2 would sign a contract if he loses.  But I just want to see these Sanchez fans complain and cry like babies if (when) Phillip wins. The fans have made me dislike her.

    • I am a 20 year old famale and a P2 fan.  Yes, P2 is cute sexy and oh so talented.  It is the music that I love but it does not hurt him that he has it all.  That being said, I know they will both be so successful and yes,  P2 will be signed, of that I am sure.  Good luck to both contestants!

    • how can you say such a thing…..I am shocked hearing this coming fr a young man like you.For me, I love both of them…but being realistic, this is about, what kind of music one digs. You love P2’s style fine, but some ppl prefer a different style. But, to say that you “want to see JSan’s fans cry if P2 wins”. Is that not childish? My God, again? and again and again? Can we not just be entertained and let this be a fair competition for once without any uncalled for remarks for either of this wonderful singers?

  36. To me Phillip’s only moment was We’ve Got Tonight.  My personal favorites were Have You Ever Seen The Rain and U Got It Bad but I don’t think he should sing those for the win.  Like Branden said though it’s too soon, since he sang the song last week.  I don’t recall any other performance which means it didn’t make an impact on me.  I’ll bet if Jessica sings I Will Always Love You again he’s toast.  He might be anyways.  People already know who they’re voting for I bet so what does it matter.

  38. lets VOTE JESSICA SANCHEZ! enough of guy winners. its been 4 years and guys have been dominating the reality tv show. ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

    this season should be GIRL POWER! the women of American Idol are more successful than male winners and they were able to sustain their career as a singer. Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwoods. Lets also count Jennifer Hudson who didnt even make it to the finals yet she is successful.

    FRIENDS. PLS VOTE JESSICA SANCHEZ. no more cute guys for this season. looks can be deceiving.

    Let Jessica Sanchez be the FIRST youngest winner.

    • this is not about gender or age, and may the best performer tonight wins. good luck to both js and pp. having reached this stage (finale) they’re both good.

  39. Hello everybody!  I will surely vote for Jessica but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like Philip.  I will vote for Jessica because of her amazing voice and I like Philip because of his personality.  In fairness, he can sing, otherwise he won’t be in Top 2, but the song choice for him is quite limited unlike Jessica who can sing any song.  Let’s give her a chance to win this.  She deserves it. 
    It’s a God given talent which shouldn’t be put to waste.  
    Don’t be too personal in your comments.  This is just a contest for us to enjoy and be entertained.  PEACE!

    • Excellent post, keep everything positive.  I am a P2 fan and will vote for him but I love them both so whomever wins is ok with me.  They both have God given talent and I  look forward to purchasing their music in the near future.

  40. lets VOTE JESSICA SANCHEZ! enough of guy winners. its been 4 years and guys have been dominating the reality tv show. ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE.
    this season should be GIRL POWER! the women of American Idol are more successful than male winners and they were able to sustain their career as a singer. Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwoods. Lets also count Jennifer Hudson who didnt even make it to the finals yet she is successful.
    FRIENDS. PLS VOTE JESSICA SANCHEZ. no more cute guys for this season. looks can be deceiving.
    Let Jessica Sanchez be the FIRST youngest winner.

  43. actually..these judges confuse not only the listeners but oftentimes the singers..do this don’t do that..don’t sing this sing that..these judges better sing so we do the judging LOL 😉

  45. Im sorry to say tha the crucial ( moment in time )  did not connect to tne majority of the americans for Jessica.  In fact the thin thread of  her connection to them was cut off because of the message she out through the last song she sang… that she was  so naive and dont deserve to win the title….

Comments are closed.