The “American Idol” judges are ready to select the Top 24! Who will compete for the title? (Photo property of FOX, FremantleMedia North America & 19 Entertainment)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The American Idol XIV Top 48 have passed several crucial tests including the infamous group rounds and the final solo day!
However, in order to here the coveted phrase: “You made it to the Top 24!” from Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban…they have one final examination.
For the second time in show history, the Top 48 will be performing in front of a studio audience before the coveted Live Semi-finals. While they were not performing in Las Vegas like they did on Season 12, they sang on hollow ground…The House of Blues’ stage!
The Top 48 have one final chance to prove themselves worthy of moving on to the Live Shows, where that round made the last names: Clarkson, Aiken, Hudson, Underwood, Daughtry and Lambert…household names!
Which artists rose to the occasion? Who cracked under the pressure? Read on to find out…
Up first was J.Lo’s Nashville dance partner, Michael Simeon! He has evolved from farmer to contender with his Hollywood Week performances. However, he took a huge risk by tackling MKTO’s “Classic” and rapped during the middle of the song. His versatility paid off as he got the first ticket to the Top 24!
Adam Ezegelian has been a wild card throughout the season. His goofy exterior may have confused the audience. But, his sick, wicked performance of Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again,” proved that he could be a contender and live up to the legacy of another Adam. Good luck in the Top 24, Adam E, we will be rooting for you! (By the way, I hope in the future…he does a duet of this song with Amanda Brown! That collaboration would be insane.)
Two competitors that I believe flew under the radar this season are both Maddie Walker and Lovey James. While they have strong voices, they lost me throughout the entire pack of girls. As Lovey celebrated, Maddie had to sing for her spot! However, the judges decided to choose Maddie because was ready for prime time after she soared with Kellie Pickler’s “Red High Heels.”
Clark Beckham had a lot to prove to Harry Connick, Jr. during the Nashville audition, when he told him that he was not ready for Idol. However, he proved Harry wrong since he delivered exceptional performance after exceptional performance. Clark’s cover of “Georgia On My Mind” sent him to the Top 24!
Tyanna Jones made me smile when she took the House of Blues stage! From the first notes of her cover of Beyonce’s “Love on Top,” Tyanna stole the show with her cover. There was note-for-note perfection and her smile made me beam in delight! Good luck, Tyanna! I will be cheering you on during the live shows.
I wish that the show featured more of Rayvon Owen’s cover of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down.” It was full of so much soul and his vocals were gorgeous. The judges awarded Rayvon with a spot in the Top 24. In all honesty, Rayvon is one of my favorite frontrunners to win this season!
The last result of the night belonged to Jax! She made a big gamble in her cover of Lady Gaga’s “You and I” that included a dramatic pause, while it confused and disappointed the judges…I thought it was a brilliant move! I have been a fan of her since her audition and I believe that she is a genuine superstar-in-the-making.
Tomorrow night, the results continue and more dreams will continue to blossom or shatter!
