Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. talk to the remaining singers before they sing their solos during Hollywood Week. (Photo & graphic property of FOX, FremantleMedia North America & 19 Entertainment)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last week, the American Idol XV hopefuls arrived in Los Angeles for the FOX singing competition’s “final” Hollywood Week.
As the contestants faced the Lines of 10 and Group Day, judges Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban slimed the hopefuls down to a couple lucky contestants. Tonight, the remaining artists must perform one final solo in order to move on to the Idol Showcase.
Who soared to the top of the pack? Whose dreams came crashing down? Read on to find out…
Tonight, the contestants must pick out one song and perform it with the band for the very first time!
Kicking off the night was Stephany Negrete! She dedicated a passionate performance of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” to her family, who could not make it to Hollywood due to her father’s heart procedure. However, the lack of judges’ feedback was got to several singers including Avalon Young. Young rocker Olivia Rox brought an original tune for her final chance, while John Wayne Schultz made Keith proud when he tackled “John Cougar, John Wayne, John 3:16.”
As the judges argued over the mangos, the contestants argued who got to sing which song, Team CeeLo alum MacKenzie Bourg debuted an original song, “Roses, on the Idol stage. I think that MacKenzie made a bold move and I think he should be bestowed with a spot in the showcase. While his fellow Voice alum Shelbie Z slayed Heart’s “Alone,” James the VIII delivered a soaring version of “Wicked Game” and Tristan McIntosh delivered a heart-wrenching rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.”
While Sonika Vaid made her mother and Ariana Grande proud with “One Last Time,” 16-year-old Lee Jean made the audience smile with his rendition of Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” and Sara Sturm brilliantly interpreted Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” Meanwhile, Jenn Blosil shined on Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” that would make both the Kinky Boots veteran and AGT: Season Nine runner-up Emily West proud. Unfortunately, Idol veteran Emily Brooke was unable to sing at full strength during her performance of Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.”
Emily was not the only one to experience to vocal paralysis. Malie Delgado fought laryngitis to power through her cover of Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches,” while Jessica Cabral inspired the crowd with her interpretation of “Up to the Mountain” that was definitely one of the highlights of the night.
Solo day ended with veteran musician CJ Johnson delivered a superb rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” Jeneve Rose Mitchell inspired everyone with “In the Morning When I Rise” and School of Rock teacher Dalton Rapattoni concluded the festivities with a haunting version of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” that would impress both Julianne Hough and Olivia Newton-John.
Tomorrow night, the remaining artists will fight for their spot in the Top 24 at the Idol Showcase.
