Lionel Richie actually did put it greatest on the finish of Monday’s American Idol: “That f–ked me up. I can’t take this.”
The decide was referring to the ultimate duet of Hollywood Week, which was speculated to be a efficiency of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me” between Kaya Stewart and Fire. The catch? Duets require two voices, and just one got here to the stage ready to sing.
“During this performance, I got to work with Fire, which was such a great experience,” Stewart introduced to the judges after explaining that she’s been getting progressively sicker all week. “She’s so talented and so incredible, and we bonded so much. But I realized that I wasn’t able to give 100 percent, so I’ve decided to not perform.” When Katy Perry requested if meaning Stewart’s Idol journey is over, she confirmed, “Yes. Me not performing today means I’m no longer going to be in the competition.”
Rather than letting Fire sing alone, the judges tossed their rod into the ocean of different contestants, asking if anybody may be keen to affix her on stage. Jayna Elise took the bait, doing the perfect she may with seemingly no follow by any means. Considering Elise’s group carried out Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” it actually speaks to Elise’s flexibility and flexibility that she was capable of rescue Fire with a totally totally different track at a second’s discover.
Was it a flawless efficiency? Absolutely not. But it had its moments, and Fire is being packaged as this season’s ingenue, so come on — did you actually suppose she wouldn’t make it by means of?
Read on for a breakdown of the duos (plus one trio!) despatched by means of to subsequent week’s Showstopper spherical…
* The first team-up of the night time, Elijah McCormick and Lucy Love, was simply as magical as you’d anticipate it to be. This jazzy association of The Temptations’ “My Girl” gave each singers ample alternatives to showcase their particular person abilities, whereas additionally letting their voices come collectively in a good looking mix. It was easy, it was robust, it was… attractive? Click right here to observe.
* Matt Wilson‘s smooth, R&B-friendly vocals blended surprisingly well with Elise Kristine‘s more folksy tone, resulting in a good — but not perfect — performance of Calum Scott’s “You Are the One,” which was spectacular each in its highly effective and softer moments. Click right here to observe.
* The chemistry between Hannah Nicolaisen and Warren Peay was each instantaneous and plain throughout their tackle Tim McGraw’s “It’s Your Love.” Watching these two real artists come collectively was like witnessing the rebirth of a basic nation duo, and I stay up for extra. Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMg1_-AYrKo
* Pity and sympathy can get you far on American Idol — simply ask Zachariah Smith and Isaac Brown (aka the “Body Roll Boys”), who tried to carry out Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” with their faces glued to their telephones as a result of they didn’t be taught the lyrics. Perry advised them to place the telephones and away and belief themselves, which was horrible recommendation, as a result of it principally simply left them floundering up there. The judges beloved the duo’s made-up lyrics, and I’ll even admit that Smith’s voice sounded implausible in sure moments, however I’m shocked that each of those guys made it by means of. Less is extra, particularly in terms of tacky choreography. Click right here to observe, in the event you dare.
* Expectations had been excessive (maybe too excessive?) for Tyson Venegas and Kaylin Hedges, two Platinum Ticket winners who teamed as much as carry out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” It was good. It was additionally so much. Like, they positively didn’t each want to start out at an 11 out of 10. But I can’t hate on a few of these notes they nailed. And I received’t hassle criticizing Venegas for forgetting the lyrics — that was such a typical incidence this week, it felt like a requirement. Click right here to observe.
* Iam Tongi was simply one of many night time’s most extremely anticipated performers, however his huge second took an unlucky flip when the guitar gifted to him by his late father instantly broke. He obtained a brand new guitar for his efficiency, with the judges’ promise that the Idol staff may repair Tongi’s personal, however his confidence was clearly shaken. Fortunately, he powered by means of his feelings for a reasonably good efficiency of The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” with Oliver Steele. It’s not a track I’d have chosen for both of them, not to mention as a duet, but it surely was adequate to maintain them within the recreation. Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DlUnGwCyn0
* Remember that trio I alluded to earlier? Well, Idol ended up with an odd variety of singers this week (thanks, Sarah Beth!), so poor Adin Boyer was left with no accomplice. Fortunately, Summer Joy and Jayna Elise — sure, the identical Jayna Elise who sang with Fire in her hour of want — had been more than pleased to make their duo a trio. Did it sound like three utterly totally different variations of “I’m Still Standing” being sung on the similar time? Slightly bit! But when these harmonies had been tight, they had been tight, and I appreciated that every singer received an opportunity to point out off what they’ve received. Perry calling them “the holy trinity,” nonetheless, is a main stretch. Click right here to observe.
* I appreciated that Wé Ani and PJAE‘s decision to embrace the storytelling aspect of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style,” however I truly suppose they leaned into it a bit too exhausting, because the chaotic power often overpowered their in any other case stable vocals. Still, when Ani began scatting, the deal was sealed for me. That was a second. Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UeBfDrOEDk
* This subsequent one was extremely irritating to observe: J Valerione was over the moon when Cam Amen selected them as his accomplice, however the stress of the competitors rapidly received to them, they usually principally ghosted Amen earlier than the night time was over. Amen was left to organize for a solo efficiency, however his plans modified as soon as once more when Valerione instantly reappeared the following morning. Despite having virtually no time left to rehearse, Amen agreed to sing with Valerione, an act of mercy for which Amen deserves sainthood. The finish end result was… not nice. I didn’t even know they had been singing The Doobie Brothers’ “Listen to the Music” till they received to the refrain. Still, they had been each despatched by means of — and I can’t be mad about that.
Unfortunately, not everybody’s Idol story received a cheerful ending this on Monday night time. Carina Deangelo was despatched residence, regardless of duet accomplice Nutso going by means of. It was additionally the tip of the highway for Jon Wayne Hatfield, whose duet with Preston Duffee was good (click on right here to observe) but additionally illuminated that they’re principally a copy-paste of the identical particular person. We will, nonetheless, be seeing extra of Duffee.
OK, how are we feeling with Hollywood Week eventually behind us? Which singers are beginning to develop on you? And what did you consider tonight’s largest moments, together with Stewart’s self-elimination? Let all of it out in a remark under.
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