A week before the Academy Awards hit ABC, American idolCollected the Top 12 Live to Perform Oscar-Winning Songs of Yesteryear.
Lionel Richie showed them all how, and he kicked off the two-hour event with a performance of ‘Say You Say Me’ by White Nights, for which Richie won Best Original Song at the 1986 ceremony. Click here to watch.
Before we get to the numbers, let’s start with the results. The next nine singers, joined by one of last season’s returning contestants, advance to the Top 10: Grace Kinstler, Casey Bishop, Willie Spence, Alyssa Wray, Caleb Kennedy, Deshawn Goncalves, Chayce Beckham, Cassandra Coleman and Hunter Metts.
Unfortunately, that meant we had to say goodbye to Madison Watkins, Beane and (panting!) Ava August.
Read on for our rundown of Sunday’s gigs, with official videos to be added as they become available:
GRACE KINSTLER, 20 (‘Happy’ from 2013 Despicable Me 2
Like the world’s most talented onion, we discover new layers for Kinstler every week, and I’m falling in love with her as an artist more and more. Going against Katy Perry’s suggestion for a more classic-sounding song was a bold move, but what’s Kinstler so cool? There was nothing despicable about this energetic, impactful take on Pharrell’s ubiquitous hit, even if it prompted judges to wonder what kind of record Kinstler would release. (A Minion-approved record, that’s what!) Click here to watch.
AVA AUGUST, 15 (“City of Stars” from 2016 La La Land
I think La La Land is much overrated? Yes. But did I still get chills when I learned that August was tackling this wonderful number? Yes also. It suited her ethereal voice, which didn’t hesitate for a moment. And unlike Kinstler, August showed us exactly what her potential record would sound like. I was tempted to side with Perry and Bobby Bones (for once!) And agreed that August should embrace her childhood a little more, but there’s no denying that voice. Besides, what does it actually mean to be “15 or 16” anyway? We are all different! Watch:
CALEB KENNEDY, 16 (“On the Road Again” from the 1980s Honeysuckle Rose
How can someone so talented continue to deliver such consistently boring performances? Vocally and instrumentally I have no criticism. This guy is good enough to release an album tomorrow, but who is he?! Kennedy gave us a touch of personality when he addressed the audience briefly (“Let me hear you, come on!”), But it was a fleeting moment. And why don’t the judges give him the same criticism they give August about having to sound more like a teenager? Are male Idol participants who are expected to be less exciting? Click here to watch.
HUNTER METTS, 22 (2007’s “Falling Slowly” Once
This would probably have been a better choice for the Duets round – since it’s, you know, a duet – but Metts did a good job of strumming along his lone one. Well, until he forgot the words at the end and worked his way through the judges’ criticism. That said, what we heard was beautiful, and there are far worse ways to screw up live television. (Just ask Ashlee Simpson!) I actually think his imperfection endeared itself to viewers, although I’m not sure I’d agree with Richie that his mistake made it a “perfect run”. Click here to watch.
MADISON WATKINS, 25 (“Run to You” from The Bodyguard from 1992)
I’m so glad the judges chose to keep Watkins in the competition, if only because it gave us the chance to bask in its brilliance again. From the beautiful beginning to the powerful climax, this was a solid performance. She proudly performed this iconic Whitney Houston ballad. (Unrelated, but I’ve been trying to figure out who Watkins reminds me of, and I finally hit it off tonight. Isn’t there something Megan Fox-esque about her ?!)
CHAYCE BECKHAM, 24 (“[Everything I Do] I Do It for You ”from 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
If I could sum up this performance in one word, would it be … fine? I thought it suited his creepy 90s / 00s sounding voice, but when Richie praised Beckham for being in the second half of the song, I wondered if we were watching the same performance. I also rolled my eyes to Perry’s comment about the “young ladies” who were eager to vote for him tonight, because I feel like Beckham is fully expanding that charm. This number had one moment, and it just didn’t have one. Click here to watch.
BEANE, 23 (“[I’ve Had] the Time of My Life ”from 1987 Dirty dancing
Last week I was wondering if I might be a Beanie Baby. I can now confirm that I am a card-carrying member of the team. Like Perry, I was very worried that this performance would be dull. (Never forget: he’s a professional wedding singer!) But from his unconventional opening to his endless bag of vocal tricks, he sold this one from start to finish. His conversation with Bones also proved that he knows his place in this competition, recognizing what his competitors have to offer and how to use his own idiosyncrasies to get an edge. (And what about the fact that he’s deaf in one ear? I never would have guessed.) Click here to watch.
ALYSSA WRAY, 19 (“This Is Me” from 2017 The greatest showman
Echoing Richie’s sentiments, I loved this performance, which started well and grew into something truly stunning. And kudos to Wray for capturing that high-pitched note, which even original singer Keala Settle famously rummaged in live performances. (Quick question though: why was Richie the only judge to weigh in on this one? Was there no time left for the show?)
DESHAWN GONCALVES, 20 (“The Way We Were” from 1973 The way we were
Fran Fine is plotting somewhere. I wasn’t really into this performance at first – I thought it caused some big lounge singer vibes – but Goncalves was completely absorbed in the emotion by the end. And I love that Ruben Studdard got in touch to give him some encouragement. Click here to watch.
CASEY BISHOP, 16 (“Over the Rainbow” from 1939 The Wizard of Oz
The word ‘timeless’ has been used multiple times to describe Bishop’s playing style, so this Judy Garland classic was a perfect choice – especially since it was such an exciting departure from what we’re used to seeing. This whole performance was a moment, and I agree with Perry that Bishop is the front runner. The only question is, did Bishop Katharine officially dethrone McPhee, who famously owned this song in Season 5? Click here to watch.
CASSANDRA COLEMAN, 24 (“Writing’s on the Wall” from 2015 Ghost
This was a tough one, especially since it started big right from the gate, but Coleman handled himself nicely. Her nerves tend to get the better of them on that stage, and this time they were certainly there – but if it was right, it was. goodAfter hearing Coleman’s performance, I also wonder why Florence Welch wasn’t tapped for one 007 song not yet. (Bring it on, Hollywood.) Click here to watch.
WILLIE SPENCE, 21 (‘Stand Up’ from 2019 Harriet
Let’s face it, no one doubts this would be incredible. But even I wasn’t expecting such a beautiful – or as Richie said, “religious” – experience. The highs were breathtaking, the lows were terrifying and the emotions were palpable. Watch:
Who gave your favorite performance of the night and did the right nine singers advance to the next round? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the state of Season 19.