What an amazing night on American Idol. I will admit the results were a little shocking. I loved that Carrie Underwood continues to honor her roots on American Idol. She was wearing the dress she wore when she won American Idol. Fantasia returned to mentor this year's class of American Idol contestants. She did an amazing job mentoring. I felt like she tapped into something deeply personal with everyone left in the top 12. I think it's because Fantasia is such a genuine person. She's evolved over the years and is someone who is comfortable in her own skin, but also deeply rooted in her faith to God.
The theme of the night for contestant song choices was Iconic Idol Moments.
Slater Nalley sang Angel from Montgomery by John Prine, he was inspired by Megan Danielle's performance. This was tried and true Slater. He sounded great, and he did great. Carrie said she can imagine what his first album would sound like.
Che sang Dancing on my Own by Robyn, he was inspired by Colin Stough's performance. I loved this song for him, but it seems as though he is on borrowed time in this competition. He chooses the correct songs, and comes just to the point that he falls short of hitting them out of the park.
Thunderstorm Artist sang House of the Rising Sun by The Animals, he was inspired by Hailey Reinhart's performance. Wow, this was a perfect song choice for him. I remember what a big moment this was for Hailey. The style of Thunderstorm and Hailey's voices are similar in that they both have that incredible rasp in their voice. Lionel said that Thunderstorm made it his own.
Kolbi Jordan sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland, she was inspired by Kat McPhee's performance. That moment for Kat way back in time was monumental. In my opinion, she should have won the show that season. Kolbi changed certain parts of the song, but it was tasteful and still true to the original. Lionel called the performance divine, Carrie appreciated how she kept it simple, and. Luke said it was a supernova.
Filo sang And I am Telling You (I'm Not Going) from Dreamgirls, he was inspired by Jennifer Hudson's performance. Filo easily could have oversang this, but I think he really took and appreciated Fantasia's notes. The point was not to recreate an iconic moment, but to have your own. That's exactly what he did, and Carrie noticed it. What a great performance for Filo. Luke said it was his fave Filo performance so far. Mine too!
Mattie Pruitt sang Because of You by Kelly Clarkson-- Another performance that I just was not crazy about. I feel like she is a little out of her element. I want to see her feel the song more, it's almost like she's not connecting with the song. The judges gave her positive feedback. Carrie said her voice is so good, and Luke liked her confidence.
Canaan James Hill sang Goodness of God by Cece Winans, he was inspired by Roman Collins performance with Cece last year on the finale. Canaan is going to be an amazing gospel singer. He always seems to know exactly who he is and exactly the right song to sing. Carrie thanked him for a beautiful performance and Luke said, everytime you perform, you baptize me.
Gabby Samone sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway, she was inspired by Elliott Yamin's performance. Wow, that was so far back, and that was such a memorable performance by him. Gabby is just overwhelmingly talented. This was such a thoughtful and inspiring performance. Carrie said it was perfection, Luke said he was speechless, and Lionel was lost for words.
Josh King sang All by Myself by Eric Carmen/ Celine Dion, he was inspired by Pia Toscano's performance. What was really cool here was that he tapped into something that was deeply personal. It is always hard to be so vulnerable in front of everyone. He talked about not having a lot of friends growing up and he's made so many friends on Idol. Also it was great to hear a guy sing this song since a guy wrote it. Obviously Celine made it famous. All of the judges appreciated his vulnerability and told him that with his American Idol family he will never be alone again.
Breanna Nix sang Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey. She was inspired by Danny's performance. Breanna's niche really seems to be in Christian music, so this is a perfect match for her. Lionel said the show is divinely guided and she raised the bar. Carrie commends Fantasia for her work with the contestants. Luke says this is why she's here.
John Foster sang I Told You So by Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood. John was inspired by Randy and Carrie's performance and wanted to dedicate the performance to Carrie because she has been one of his top supporters. This was the perfect song for John and his voice sounded amazing. Carrie said you push yourself and I love watching you grow. Lionel says he is so proud.
Jamal Roberts sang Heal by Tom Odell, he was inspired by Leah Marlene's performance. There is a reason Jamal sang last tonight, that was such an amazing performance. Lionel calls him divinely guided. It was so quiet when his performance finished you could hear a pin drop. He could win the whole thing.
Che was eliminated and shockingly Filo! That was really surprising.
The Top 10 is:
John Foster
Josh King
Jamal Roberts
Mattie Pruitt
Thunderstorm Artis
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Canaan James Hill
Kolbi Jordan
Breanna Nix
I cannot wait for Miranda Lambert to come in and mentor on Sunday and the all the performances are going to be about women in music.
