What a terrific article! If only the judges could give a review that's even close to what some of these people were saying--for example:" Adam’s diction in this song is impeccable, something that’s the hallmark of a great singer in any genre (Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald come to mind, but also Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel).
That ability helps him to bend syllables and color certain words, making the communication of the overall song a joy to experience.
He seems as if he’s improvising his embellishments (”licks”) on the spot; it doesn’t matter if they’re plotted within an inch of their lives. He makes it seem completely fresh which, after all, is the whole point. The phrasing makes me realize that he knows this song from the inside and is letting us in on the secret of the song, giving us some precious insight that only he might have known before.
The register breaks in his falsetto are masterfully covered so that everything sounds seamless and perfectly legato. A wonderful, engaging and touching performance."