'American Idol' season 11 rocks the Nassau Coliseum

The “American Idol” top ten of season 11 delivered upbeat, current, fast moving performances at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale last evening.  

My two daughters, my granddaughter Alex and I were lucky to score front-row seats – making it easy for Alex to have a clear view of the stage and her favorite idol, Elise Testone.

Alex, at five-years-old, is a veteran “American Idol” concertgoer, this being her third concert.

Alex held up a photo of Elise, which she spotted and acknowledged with a wave.  It made her day!

Eagle-eye Alex spotted Jeremy Rosado, who finished in 13^th place, sitting several rows behind us. 

Jeremy spent the entire intermission signing autographs, posing for photos and speaking with fans. He stood for most of the concert and sang along with and showed support for his fellow contestants on stage.

Since Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips were our favorites, we were so glad to hear a reprise of the duet they performed on the show, Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.”  We also loved Phillip's victory song “Home,” which was backed up by DeAndre Brackensick and Colton Dixon.

Powerhouse performances were also delivered by Jessica Sanchez (Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”), Colton Dixon (Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and an original song, “Never Gone”), Joshua Ledet (James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” for which he got the most applause of the night), Skylar Laine (Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead”) and Hollie Cavanagh (Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” with back up by Elise Testone and Erika Van Pelt).

This was one of the best “American Idol” concerts I’ve ever attended.

With new judge Mariah Carey and rumors that perhaps Randy Jackson may not return as a judge, and lots of speculation as to who the remaining judge(s) will be, I wonder if the show will hold our interest another season.

It’s been a good run for the show, and we’ve enjoyed the ride thus far.  Hope it continues!