On February 29, two contestants on American Idol sang “One and Only” by Adele: Elise Testone and Jen Hirsh. In some ways, Jen Hirsh had a better voice. She demonstrated better range, a cleaner tone, and more sophisticated embellishments. Even though the judges said she was one of the best, she was voted off the show. Jimmy Iovine called her an Adele wannabe, and warned that too many singers were covering Adele songs.

Elise Testone had the gift of emotion, and a voice that emerged deep from within her soul. The rough tone of her voice convinced me that she meant every word she sang. She made it into the top ten, and Jimmy Iovine didn’t mind at all that she was singing yet another Adele song. Check out the performances: