“American Idol XIV” Top 12 went back to the start of their journey as they sang their audition songs! (Photo property of FOX, 19 Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Ladies and Gentlemen! This is it!
Tonight, after months of auditions, Hollywood Week and showcases at the House of Blues and performances at the Fillmore Detroit, American Idol XIV introduced this season’s Top 12, which included two deserving candidates that grabbed the two Wild Card slots.
Which of your favorites made it? Whose dreams came crashing down? Read on to find out…
Up first to face the nation was Sarina-Joi Crowe! For three seasons, she has been denied the opportunity to perform on the Idol stage…now her dream is coming true. I loved hearing Sarina’s cover of One Republic’s “Love Runs Out.” Some of her runs sounded Fantasia-esque and I hope that she sticks around for a couple of weeks! A-
The good news kept coming, as Rayvon Owen became the second member of the Top 12. While it was annoying to see the Swaybots activated this season, Rayvon’s vocals were the strongest I heard in weeks. The high note was gorgeous and gave me chills. He could be one of the guys that can be at the end of this competition! A-
America, I have a bone with you! I do not know what you see in Daniel Seavey. Yes, he has the “David Archuleta” factor…but his vocals are constantly leaning towards the Lazaro Arbos end of the spectrum. For 13 years, American Idol has been the world’s leading singing competition, NOT the Find the Next Justin Bieber show. Daniel is the reason why Savion is not in the competition anymore! While he redeemed himself with his cover of former Idol judge Paula Abdul’s signature song, he has worn out his welcome. D+
Another inexperienced singer that needs the boot is Maddie Walker! She completely bores me. There were pitch problems all over her rendition of Gwen Sebastian’s “Suitcase.” If she does survive, Maddie needs to look over yonder to The Voice’s vaults and see Amber Carrington’s “I Remember You” and “Skyfall,” because those were season defying performances. If Maddie does not bring her A-game tomorrow, she will be out next week. D+
Tyanna Jones is one of the last female 15-18 vocalists standing! The reason why she has secured a spot in the Top 12 is that she brings it every time she comes on an Idol stage. The 16-year-old delivered an impressive cover of Little Mix’s “Wings.” Win or lose this competition, she has a bright future in the recording industry. A
I hate that they refer Nick Fradiani as the old guy of the group! Age should not matter as long as you have the talent to back it up. I have watched Nick grow as a vocalist since his Beach Avenue days and I am so glad that America voted him through, His passionate cover of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” was not only one of the best guy performances of the night, but he also dethroned Tony Lucca as King of Instrumental Rock tunes. A
When I heard Clark Beckham singing “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” for his audition, I kept thinking about Juliet Simms, Joshua Ledet and Sisaundra Lewis’s astonishing groundbreaking renditions from previous seasons of Idol & The Voice. Clark’s silky cover of the Godfather of Soul’s legendary track was the highlight of the night and in all honesty, he needs to get $200 and go directly to the Final Four! A+
The final member of the Top 10 was Joey Cook! I do not understand why America keeps hounding this girl. She reminds me of Cyndi Lauper in her early days. Her cover of “King of Spain” put a smile on my face and it was interesting to see her channel the ghosts of Vaudeville and bring them to the present day. Watch out, America! I think we found a dark horse. B+
As Joey left the stage, there were six nervous singers waiting to hear their fates. The judges awarded Quentin Alexander and Adanna Duru with those spots. Quentin delivered a psychedelic take on Lorde’s Grammy-winning song: “Royals.” All I have to say is that Jimi Hendrix would be so happy with this performance. Bravo, Quentin! A
Adanna tackled one of Idol’s most covered songs in the 2010s: Lady Gaga’s “You & I.” Haley Reinhart, Elise Testone and Jessica Meuse each made Idol history with their cover of the track. However, Adanna took it to church and gave me chills with her outstanding cover! A+
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Loren Lott, Adam Ezegelian, Alexis Gomez and Mark Andrew!
Tomorrow night, the show goes live for the first time this season!
