Disney Songs:
Lin Manuel Miranda is coaching the contestants this week.He's great, he gives them great advice on where to take the various songs.
Gabby Samone sang How Far I'll Go from Moana-- Lin tells her this is a wordy song that is difficult to sing, he's right, but she navigates it beautifully. Carrie tells her that her voice is made for songs like that. Luke says he has never heard her deliver a more clear vocal.
Jamal Roberts sang Go the Distance from Hercules-- What a great song choice for Jamal. Wow! It has some gospel roots/ nuances to it. He sounds great. Luke said you're always able to make it your own and challenge yourself. Lionel said typically people put on flashy clothes to compensate for something, you put on flashy clothes and it gets bigger than that.
Breanna Nix sang Reflection from Mulan-- This song matches Breanna perfectly. She is peaking at the right time, she's someone initially I thought would go home. She loved Lin's advice and thinks it will be her perfect performance. Luke felt she was in total control and that she picked the perfect song. Lionel loved her poise and grace. Carrie loved what she did with the song.
John Foster sang Almost There from Princess and the Frog-- Lin asked him about his connection to the song and he said that the movie is set in his home state of Louisiana. I had my doubts, but this was a good choice for him, and he sounded great even though it was unlike anything he has done in the past. Lionel said that was amazing. Carrie said no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster. Luke said you have charisma.
Slater Nalley sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King-- Slater is super excited about meeting Lin and calls him a legend. Lin encourages him to start the song quiet and let it build. It's great advice. Slater messes up a little but recovers well. Carrie said it was exciting to see his session with Lin. Luke said he recovered well. Lionel said you're a storyteller, use that voice more.
Mattie Pruitt sang Remember Me from Coco-- I am glad that Mattie picked a song from a movie she really likes, it should give her a chance to connect. Lin calls her incredibly gifted. Luke says it is one of her favorite performances. Lionel thinks she's grown up, I do too, but is it too late? Carrie says this is why you are here.
Thunderstorm Artis sang Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas-- Lin says he was most excited to hear Thunderstorm. He wants him to not smile on the first verse. He says the first verse of the song is an accusation. That was great! Lin's advice was on point. Lionel said you are an amazing storyteller. Carrie said that was my favorite arrangement of the night, it was beautiful. Luke said you had me immersed in the moment.
Mother's Day Dedications:
Breanna Nix sang Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina-- Wow!!! That was such a stunning performance and I love that song by Lauren Alaina. Carrie said I am going to cry my way through this, it was beautiful, the voice, the song, the moment. Luke loves this night, we love where you're trending at this point in the competition. Lionel said, once you hit the tear, you've got everyone in the room.
Gabby Samone sang Home from The Wiz-- Oh my gosh! She's so good, she has to be on Broadway once all is said and done. She's amazing. I am such a Gabby fan!!! That made me emotional. Luke said that was my favorite performance you've done. It took tonight to a whole new level. Lionel said you sang that song like you were closing the show. Carrie said that was ridiculous, I am in awe.
Slater Nalley sang Don't Think Twice It's Alright by Bob Dylan-- This was so perfect for him and so needed to keep him in the competition. It felt authentic and genuine. Loved his voice in this. Lionel said that's the way you bring out the surprise secret weapon, simplicity is king. Carrie said you seemed in your element. I listen to Dylan when I'm sad but you made me happy. Luke said you're an artist, your sound is so oidentifiable.
Jamal Roberts sang A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- This was the perfect example of who Jamal is, his voice is a throwback but somehow he makes it current. Carrie said you proved why you are here. Luke said how good you are is humbling to me.
Mattie Pruitt sang Those Kind of Women by Lauren Alaina-- Great song choice by Maddie. She does well when she picks songs that she relates to. Luke said she is getting more comfortable, and you're getting the "sass" and it's making me happy. He said this because she said Mister Luke I need to get some sass. Carrie said that was a great song choice for you. It seemed like you felt every word.
Thunderstorm Artis sang Out of the Blue (original song)-- I loved that Thunderstorm chose to do an original song, and it's perfect that it was about his wife for Mother's Day. The words are beautiful, it's always a risk to do an original song, but this was perfect. Lionel said you are about to turn your thunderstorm into a tornado. If you are writing those kinds of words you have a career. Carrie said, Thunderstorm, you are an artist. You've brought some amazing songs to us already. Luke said when I heard you were doing an original, I was like cool, I can't wait to hear this song.
John Foster sang Believe by Brooks & Dunn-- That was such a touching and beautiful performance, I believed every word. This had a gospel like quality to it, I believe! Carrie said that was the perfect song choice. Luke said you keep surprising me every week. Lionel said what the heck are you doing? John said exactly what you told me to. You told me to find my voice. I have spent the whole competition doing that. Lionel said, I now believe you as an artist.
Wow, Gabby and Mattie are going home.
