After consolidating the ‘Top 9’ of this season American idol welcomed 10 finalists from last season for a chance to become number 10 lucky. And some of them will need all the luck they can get.
Real talk: Season 19 is an extraordinarily talented group, and only a few of these returning singers have operated anywhere near that level. Maybe it’s because they weren’t used to singing on the main stage, but the whole evening was pretty disappointing.
Read on for an overview of each gig, with official videos added as they become available:
CYNIAH ELISE, 19 This was a fun way to start the show, but there was nothing special about Elise’s take on Miley Cyrus and Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix). Even the big nut, that one could been a moment was not impressive. I appreciated how much attitude she put into the performance, but I actually think that came at the expense of the vocals. There’s a reason the judges spent so much time talking about her nails. In all fairness, there was not much else to discuss. Click here to watch.
NICK MERICO, 25 While most of tonight’s finalists took advantage of a second chance, Merico enjoyed his thirdHe knew it was risky to perform ‘City Lights’, an original song about someone special, but he did it anyway. And it was … not great. Luke Bryan was absolutely right when he said that it was a good representation of who Merico wants to be as an artist, but he was also right when he said that Merico simply does not score well compared to this season’s Top 9. Click here to have a look.
ALIANA JESTER, 20 To be honest, I barely recognized Jester on the podium tonight, which is a testament to how much she’s grown since we first met her last season. That also applies to her singing, which sounded excellent on Lady Gaga’s ‘I’ll Never Love Again’. (More such as A star is reborn, amirite?) she was the first performer of the night who didn’t feel like competing to come back – she belonged on that stage. Watch:
FRANKLIN BOONE, 29 First of all, I forgot how much I loved Boone, and I got it weird excited when he told Bobby Bones that he and his wife are expecting another baby. That said, I never would have chosen Switchfoot’s “Meant to Live” for him. It wasn’t bad, but something felt a little strange about it. I’m with Katy Perry – I miss the coffee shop / singer-songwriter vibe Boone gave us last season. I respect the guts it takes to take such a risk, but I’m not sure it paid off. Click here to watch.
FAITH BECNEL, 21 Forgetting the words “Cry Baby” last season has probably haunted Becnel every day since it happened, so I’m glad she got the chance to save herself for that reason. Not only has she mastered every lyric this time around, but she’s shown tremendous growth. I don’t think she will win the coveted spot, but she should be extremely happy with what she did on that podium tonight. Click here to watch.
ARTHUR GUNN, 23 Last season’s runner-up made a name for himself remixing CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” a million times, so I wasn’t surprised that he also changed quite a bit from tonight’s song, Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.” So much so that I almost didn’t recognize the number. Lionel Richie was right when he said Gunn’s voice is instantly recognizable, but I’m not sure it’s a voice to match the rest of Season 19, if that makes sense. Watch:
DEWAYNE CROCKER JR., 24 Crocker’s fellow comeback kings and queens raised their hands during this performance as if they were having a religious experience, and even Perry said it gave her “ church chills, ” but I just didn’t feel it. He’s not someone I remembered particularly well, and I’m not sure I’ll remember him after this week. I wouldn’t say it was “bad”, but it didn’t resonate with me. Click here to watch.
MAKAYLA PHILLIPS, 18 I loved – no, taught – Phillips last season, so I had high hopes for her take on Demi Lovato’s ‘Anyone’, and she did not disappoint. I was a little worried at first, but when the big notes started playing I was blown away. From the soaring vocals to the heartfelt emotion, it was a great performance. Of all the singers tonight, her voice is perhaps the most timely. Watch:
OLIVIA XIMINES, 17 OK, now I feel like I am in church. Ximines ‘take on Michelle Williams’ ‘Say Yes’ really woke me up. I forgot what a fun artist she was. And you can bet no other recurring vocalist would have dared to get that little dance slump. Click here to watch.
LOUIS KNIGHT, 20 Like Merico before him, Knight chose to perform an original song this time. Fortunately, he is a much better songwriter. Everything about his performance, from construction to execution, felt polished and professional. He also feels like the singer who makes the judges want us to vote in favor – and I don’t totally disagree. Click here to watch.
Which recurring finalist do you want to see in the Top 10? Then vote below leave a comment with your thoughts on the first of its kind.