Amber Holcomb delivered a stellar cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” that received a standing ovation from the judges. (Photo property of FOX’s Michael Becker.)
The American Idol Top 10 of Season 12 performed the music of the previous winners of American Idol for America’s votes!
Who pleased judges Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj? Who might be heading home tomorrow night?
Read on to find out….
Prayer leader Curtis Finch, Jr. tackled Fantasia’s coronation song: “I Believe,” which was vey subdued. While he showed off his baritone range, the song dragged on and it was boring. Keith stated that Curtis did a great job picked the right songs, but Randy wanted him to try something different because it was getting to predictable. B
Janelle Arthur tackled Scotty McCreery’s “Gone” that was very seductive and had great runs in it. However, the performance divided the judges, as Keith loved it while Nicki and Randy hated it. I am glad that Janelle got some confidence in her and this was her best showing since Hollywood. B+
Devin Velez took a risk and stepped out of his comfort zone to tackle Carrie Underwood. His “Temporary Home” did not shine and once again divided the judges. Keith stated it was not one of his best performances and Randy stated that his performance was “Way Too Safe.” C+
Angie Miller tackled one of Celine Dion’s more difficult songs from her catalog. She had a tough act to follow as the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, sang it during the first Top Four week. She gave an incredible vocal that moved all four judges. Mariah gave it one word: “Stellar.” A-
Paul Jolley (my favorite punching bag) tackled Lonestar’s “Amazed,” the song that put Scotty McCreery into the American Idol: Season 10 finale. His performance did not amaze fans and it seemed like it was warbly. While the judges thought it was one of his best, this was not a solid performance. D+
Idol frontrunner Candice Glover tackled a big Jordin Sparks (and Haley Reinhart) moment that made them both superstars. Candice’s cover of “I (Who Have Nothing)” was better than Jordin’s but could not match Haley’s. While she had some great moments in the song and deserved that standing ovation, I felt no emotion from it. B+
Lazaro Arbos tacked one of Kelly Clarkson’s greatest post-Idol hits: “Breakaway.” During his meeting, Jimmy Iovine told him to learn that song. He listened to the Interscope chairman’s advice and delivered an intriguing moment that will inspire any dreamer to chase their dreams. Unfortunately, the judges stated that it was not one of his best performances because he was nervous. Despite that, Lazaro should do one more song and if he cannot make it, he needs to leave the competition. B-
Kree Harrison tackled the late Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” which Carrie Underwood performed during the fourth season. Kree actually did a better job tackling this song and made it her own. Keith even stated that if she made a record tomorrow, he would buy it. She definitely shined and could actually take a spot in the Final Three with that performance. A
Burnell tackled Season Two champion Ruben Studdard’s coronation song: “Flying Without Wings.” The New Orleans champion delivered an okay version of the song and I thought that it was rushed. I hope viewers would vote for Burnell because he has a great voice and he deserves a second chance. B-
Amber Holcomb closed the night with the moment that started it all. It was an big risk to do this song but Amber nailed it and made Kelly proud. In the words of a certain Idol veteran: “Amber is in it to win it!” A+
Tomorrow night, Bon Jovi and Phillip Phillips provide the entertainment while 10 might become nine.
