Sunday night’s show featuring the Top 14 remaining contestants on American Idol proved to be a mix of nerves, pushing vocals, and a big stage filled with a large audience that rattled a few contestants. Longtime show host Ryan Seacrest reminded viewers that they could vote for their favorites in order to cut the Top 14 performers to the Top 10 Finalists. The show itself had a mix of great performances and those that seemed to fall a bit flat. However, each of the Top 14 contestants gave it their all on the stage and it was easy to see that they were all trying their best although some song choices seemed to miss the mark. Each performer was backed up by a full band and backup vocalists along with a full electronic display background.
CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON
The night started out with Caleb Lee Hutchinson who sang “Midnight Train To Memphis” while playing the banjo. This song allowed Hutchinson to hit many high notes that he hasn’t shown before and did a great job of showing his wide vocal range. Lionel Richie mentioned that Hutchinson may have gotten a little bit distracted by the screaming girls up front by the stage but that he had a great performance overall.
MICHELLE SUSSETT
Michelle Sussett was up next and stayed true to her image with her performance of “Friends” along with a mixture of black clothes, metal accessories, and signature strut. Her ability to work the stage was noticed as Luke Bryan stated, “You became a pop star tonight”. Lionel Ritchie told Sussett that she gave the crowd attitude as well.
MARCIO DONALDSON
Marcio Donaldson brought his signature blazer and bright smile while singing “It’s A Miracle”. This fast paced song mixed with Donaldson’s ease on stage overshadowed his vocal ability and didn’t showcase his voice as well as other songs have in past episodes. Lionel Richie was quick to stand up after the performance and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen that was old school.”
MARA JUSTINE
Taking a nod from hit movie, The Greatest Showman, Mara Justine chose to belt out “This Is Me” and showed true emotion during her performance. She mixed big notes with controlled soft verses that left the audience reeling. Judge Katy Perry commented that Justine had improved with her stage presence this week but that her voice didn’t come through until about half way through her song. Overall she is a powerhouse of a singer packed in a 16 year old body.
GARRETT JACOBS
Garrett Jones brought out his guitar and sang “Raging Fire” that got the live audience clapping along. The vocals fell a little flat but Jacobs looks very confident on stage and his smile and perfectly timed raised eyebrow action has the makings of the next pop singer. Judge Luke Bryan stated, “That was a very dynamic performance from you,” and also, “You looked comfortable up there.”
ADA VOX
Ada Vox sang “The Show Must Go On” while dressed in a full feather outfit and sparkly accessories. She belted out note after note with a dramatic performance that left the audience stunned. Lionel Richie said, “You have no idea how fabulous you are. You came here tonight to stop the show.”
CATIE TURNER
At the age of 18, Catie Turner brought her deep Adele-like voice on a ride with her rendition of “Take Me To Church”. Katy Perry stated, “Whatever happens I would like to personally sing with you. I think that you are exactly like you should be.” Apparently Turner has read some negative comments online that rattled her and the judges tried their best to tell her that she not only belongs on the show but has a good chance of winning it.
CADE FOEHNER
Cade Foehner brought out his electric guitar and sang “Black Magic Woman” which matched his voice quality well. He had big vocals along with a great guitar solo which showed his true abilities as an all-around musician. Lionel Richie told Foehner, “In our business we like to call that the package. You are the package.” Katy Perry seemed in awe of Foehner overall and asked for a piece of his hair for her adoring mother who is obsessed with him.
DENNIS LORENZO
Dennis Lorenzo sang “In My Blood” that started slow and quiet and then moved to some high and strong vocals. Lorenzo definitely has the voice for the show but lacks the stage presence to complete the package. Katy Perry stated, “It was a little shaky at the start. I kind of always thought you were one thing and then you showed me another thing tonight. I love that you have another card up your sleeve.”
MADDIE POPPE
Maddie Poppe brought out her guitar and sang “Homeward Bound” which catered perfectly with her smoky alternative voice that is easy on the ears and heart. It is clear that Poppe understands her vocal range and makes song choices that will truly showcase her beautiful vocal abilities. Katy Perry stated, “You have incredible musical taste and it is really showing.”
JURNEE
Jurnee came out in knee high boots and shorty shorts for her version of “Bang Bang”. She had the crowd clapping along with additions of high vocals and a side of her that can rap very well. Jurnee used the stage very well and was one of the only contestants who used the catwalk to go deeper into the crowd. Katy Perry said, “I think that you are an artist now, you know, not like some wedding singer”.
JONNY BRENNS
Jonny Brenns sang “This Is Gospel” and he looked like he was having a good time on the stage. He spent a lot of his song looking down at the live crowd at the front of the stage along with his arms spread wide. Judge Katy Perry told Brenns that he needed to work on the notes and that it looks like he is still surprised that he is still in the competition. Overall Brenns had fun on stage and his infectious smile is hard to miss.
MICHAEL J. WOODARD
“Titanium” was sung by Michael J. Woodard along with a string trio that helped him reach the soft and rich feeling that accompanies this soulful song. The song showcased his high vocal range and allowed him to belt out the high notes well. Luke Bryan told Woodard, “I have felt in my heart since day one that people are going to love you.”
GABBY BARRETT
Gabby Barrett left the crowd swaying during her performance of “The Climb”. The beginning of the song included simple piano accompaniment that allowed her voice to be the star of the show. Barrett’s vocals were totally on point and she didn’t miss a beat whatsoever as the song grew bigger and bolder to a final pure note at the end. “That was my favorite vocal situation of the night,” stated Judge Luke Bryan.
Watch Gabby’s performance here
VOTE NOW
Ryan Seacrest asked viewers at home to vote for their favorites at the end of the show in order to narrow down the competition to 10 singers. Seacrest will help to reveal the top 10 contestants on episode 14 which will air live tomorrow, April 23rd at 8pm EST.
For the latest on American Idol follow ABC.go.com and stay tuned by following American Idol host Ryan Seacrest on Twitter and Instagram @RyanSeacrest
