It’s another exciting night of American Idol on FOX with an all new Thursday February 25, season 15 episode 16 called “Top 10 Revealed and Perform” and we have your weekly recap below. On tonight’s episode, two semifinalists advance and the Top 10 is revealed. Then, the finalists perform.
On the last episode, after proving themselves alongside IDOL legends, some semifinalists reached the end of their journey. The judges announced the first eight semi-finalists to make it into the Top 10, leaving six to sing for America’s vote and the final two spots in this farewell season’s Top 10. Did you watch the last episode? If you missed it, we have a full and detailed recap right here for you.
On tonight’s episode as per the FOX synopsis, “the first live show of the season is finally here! Host Ryan Seacrest will reveal America’s Vote and announce the final two semi-finalists joining the Top 10. Then, the Top 10 finalists will perform for America’s vote.”
Tonight’s show is going to be an exciting one, which I’m not going to miss and neither should you. Tune in tonight at 8 PM EST! Celeb Dirty Laundry is your go to place for all the up-to-date American Idol News and we’ll be recapping the finale right here for you. Do you have a favorite to win? Hit up the comments and let us know who you really like!
Tonight’s episode begins now – Refresh Page often to get the most current updates!
Tonight’s episode of American Idol kicks off with Ryan Seacrest introducing our judges: Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. Last night the judges gave four contestants fast passes to the top 10: Dalton, LaPorsha, Trent, and Olivia. Tonight we will find out which 6 singers will be joining them in the top 10.
According to America’s votes last night, the singers that have made it through to the top 10 are – Tristan McIntosh, Sonika, Gianna, McKenzie, Avalon, and Lee Jean. That means that Manny, Thomas, Jenn, and Jeneve are officially eliminated from American Idol. Ryan Seacrest says goodbye to the eliminated four and singers and sends them on their way.
Ryan Seacrest has a surprise for the audience – he brings out the very first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, who is very, very pregnant. She jokes that her water may break during the show. Kelly joins J-Lo, Keith, and Harry at the judges’ table and she will be performing later tonight.
Now, it’s time the top 10 to perform. Olivia Rox is up first, she performs a rendition of Katy Perry’s hit song “Unconditional.” After she is done singing, she receives from feedback from the American Idol judges
Keith: “You are such a real artist, it’s beautiful watching that unfold in front of us. I would encourage you to keep loosening up and relaxing, you’ve got everything.” Jennifer: “Yes, I love what you did with the song. The thing in the beginning, was that your idea? It was so beautiful and so was your voice, you sang it beautifully and you were in control. You have to really hit those notes hard, I would practice them ya know.” Kelly: “She’s right, in the beginning, obviously you know I love big parts. The beginning, that’s tasteful, people don’t realize it takes so much air to riff around like Mariah. I’m a big fan, I have been watching the show, and you’re super good and young – I can’t wait to see what happens.” Harry: “I have nothing to add, I loved it. In the beginning it was so pretty, you did everything you had to do, good job!”
Gianna Isabella is up next, she hits the American Idol stage and performs a rendition of Beyonce’s song “Listen.” Afterwards, she awaits the judges’ feedback.
Jennifer: “Ok, so now we are in to it and the competition gets serious That was not your best performance ever, there were parts that sounded great because you have an amazing voice – but it was shaky. Now is when you are going to have to focus and pick songs that show all of your strengths if you are going to make it all the way through. You have potential to make it to the end, but you have to pick songs that you feel 100% comfortable in. Kelly: “Yeah, I was going to say too – those are two bold songs right off the bat that you two have both chosen. I think one of the things is you’re 15, I’ve watched back my Idol days and I was pitchy too. When you get nervous, you get pitchy. I see myself in you, I use to focus so hard on hitting every note perfect that I would lose focus. You have such a beautiful gift, but that is also 15 ya’ll, I was like what!” Harry: “It is so fun sitting next to one of the greatest pop singers ever. How lucky for these guys to get that kind of advice. I have nothing to add other than it did feel very arranged. The song is about tenacity, you don’t want to give up your dreams, it felt rehearsed to me.” Keith: “The good thing is, when you have the voice like that, all you have to do is believe in yourself because the gift is there.”
Lee Jean is up next, he hits the American Idol stage and sings “Skinny Love” by Ben Iver. After his performance, the judges let Lee know what they thought.
Kelly: “I love you, stick with what you like I love that you stick with what you are good at. The problem is you are dealing with a lot of vocalists, and they are going to blow it every chance they get. People are going to love to come watch your show – it’s easy and it’s chill. I like it.” Harry: “What concerns me is when I look at McKenzie up there if you two guys are similar. If you both move forward in the competition that is something you are going to have to concern yourself with, but I don’t see you doing any EDM or anything, this is what you do. I would just concentrate on pitch.” Keith: “One of the things you do really well is you tell a story. If you pick a song that is vulnerable and you show us that side of you, that is something that will be very different than what everyone up here is going for, you got that in your wheel house” Jennifer: “It’s really about achieving what Chris Medina made you feel, when you were watching him. So, the songs that you pick have to mean something to you so that when someone watches it, they feel the same way. It’s about your performances being more impactful every single time with what you do.”
Avalon Young hits the American Idol stage next and sings the popular song “Stitches” by Sean Mendez. After she is done singing, the judges’ panel lets Avalon know what they thought of her performance.
Harry: “One of the things that Kelly said before you came out is that you are so cool – and you do have this cool vibe. I’m not so sure if I would have one that half time groove in the beginning, there was something exciting last night when you sang “Yo,” you were really telling a story. This song was fine, I just don’t think it was the best song for you.” Keith: “One of the things about getting to see you guys in a live setting is that we get to watch when and how the audience responds to moments. In the beginning it felt like you were nervous and the audience felt it too – after the halfway point you loosened up and the audience was with you. You need to be loose like that from the beginning.” Jennifer: “Yeah you haven’t had trouble doing that which is really funny, so maybe it was the song like Harry said. It’s so natural and easy for you and we sensed that it wasn’t the same thing. But you are such a great performer that halfway through you found a way to make it happen and that was great. That champion in you came through – but be careful with the songs.” Kelly: “Okay this is where I am going to get booed. You are so captivating, and there is something so special about you. I don’t generally like the songs that you sing, but I love them when you sing them. You make me love anything you sing, and that is so special. I love you I think you are so cool.”
Dalton Rapattoni is up next on American Idol, he performs “Hey There Delila” by the Plain White T’s. Afterwards, the judges critique his singing.
Keith: “Dalton! I love what you do with songs, always take the somewhere different. You come out with so much confidence, really cool. You took a folk kinda thing and you beefed it up – it was like electric barnyard. Very cool.” Jennifer: “You know what I love about you is you are the really cool and cute guy, but you also have a lot of heart. That’s why all of the girls are like “ohh Dalton.” You were really speeking to them and that is how you should sing a song, good job.” Kelly: “You are so comfortable on stage and that is a real thing. I have to say everytime you sing, it is like a completely different genre of music and that shows artistry not just a great singer, and that’s important. And, they like you, so good luck.” Harry: “How do you like it when all of those girls scream for you? Keith remembers what that used to feel like. Every time you have sung, you have completely flipped the concept of the arrangement and so far you are batting a 1,000.”
It’s Tristan McIntosh’s turn to perform, she sings “Nothin’ Like You” by Dan & Shay. Afterwards, the Idol judges let Tristan know how she did.
Jennifer: “You know it is funny I was just realizing we have a very young top 10. I think you guys are still figuring yourselves out and finding yourselves. I know you are a country singer, and that’s what you want to do. It’s about finding certain songs that you feel comfortable in. I felt like that song was the strongest performance that you could have given. It’s just about finding the right thing so you feel comfortable. It’s not about trying to be the artist you are going to be when you are 25.” Kelly: “Yeah, and whatever your message is. I don’t know you, I would love to know your story. I saw you when they surprised you with your mom and you reminded me of Alicia Keys. Whatever you were singing, you were so lost in the moment, and I was like dang she is going to do well. I would love for you to sing like Trisha Yearwood, I think you would really nail it. I just think you are super talented, it’s a young thing, I want to see you sing a song that you have felt Okay, I am done talking now.” Harry: “It’s a very lyricy song, I would choose songs that have more cross-over appeal that everyone knows. If you are going to talk to people in the crowd, you can’t let it affect your vocal. Just stand there and sing. When you stopped doing that, you sang a little bit better.” Keith: “I don’t totally agree with Harry. If you find a song and it plays to your strengths and you can kill it, it doesn’t matter what the song is. Dan & Shay, Shay is an amazing singer and that is a tricky song to sing. I thought you did pretty good, but you really got to watch the pitch baby.”
McKenzie Bourg takes the American Idol stage next, tonight he is singing “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. After his performance the judges give McKenzie some feedback.
Kelly: “I just want you to know that my little man has not moved the whole show and he was like doing flips during your performance. So, he likes you. I just wanted to say, I was on this show at a young age, what is so entriguing and awesome for you is that you know exactly where you want to go and you are super talented and you write. I’m so excited to hear what you are going to do in the future.” Harry: “I agree with Kelly, you are very compelling and I just want to ask you quickly, what do those lyrics mean to you?” Keith: “What I love too is you play guitar. It immediately gave you a comfort and you can tell in your vocal you were so chill and in the zone, and you pulled us is.” Jennifer: “Yeah and that is what you do and that is what you are capable of. You know I think as the competition goes on it will be interesting to see what songs you choose to really make an impact. I know that you are ready, I am excited to see it.”
LaPorsha Ranae is the next contestant to head up on the Idol stage tonight, she performs a rendition of Rihanna’s popular song “Diamonds.” Afterwards, the judges give LaPorsha their feedback, and she gets a standing ovation from Kelly Clarkson.
Harry: “That’s your critique” – he says over the cheering crowd who won’t even let him get a word in edgewise. Kelly: “It’s not even my turn to speak and I don’t care because you, I mean if I were you, I would just every time I open my mouth and sing I would be like ‘you’re welcome.’ It’s such a talent. If you don’t win, I don’t understand, you are so blessed. Jennifer: ”And it’s your control, you’re so in control you are out of control. It’s crazy.” Keith: “Hey LaPorsha, there is a beautiful quote – you judge yourself not by what you have, but by what you are willing to give. And what you just gave was pure humanity, it was beautiful.”
Sonika Vaid is up next, tonight she sings Evanesence’s classic “Bring Me To Life” for the American Idol judges, then they give her some feedback. Keith: “Sonika! So good, I love that song, so good and all that drama. It played to your strengths, it was terrific. Great job!” Jennifer: “You’re dangerous, it’s because you have such an amazing voice, if you wake up in this competition we will have a real show on our hands this year. The voices are amazing. You start coming in to your own and believing in yourself then you are dangerous.” Kelly: “You are one of those singers too, you are never pitchy, and that is amazing accomplishment in itself. And, number two I loved that you followed Porsha like ‘Hey wait a minute girl.’ Harry: “I love the way you sang the song, and I loved the way you were showing us a different angst and passion that we haven’t saw yet. I thought it was great, that was very, very smart.”
Trent Harmon is the final singer to perform tonight on Idol, and he sings Sam Hill’s popular song “Like I Can” for the Idol judges.
Jennifer: “Wow, seriously I feel like we have one of the best competitions ever on Idol this year. One of the reasons is because of people like you Trent, your voice is so unique and different It wasn’ tperfect every single moment, but you are an artist, and I really love you.” Kelly: “It’s such an impressive thing to have such a unique voice that stands out. Sometimes people are like ‘I don’t know who that is on the radio.’ I would love and just because I love when a man sings soft – I would love to hear more of that from you. The power and then to come in to soft, I would like to hear more of that because it is so good.” Harry: “I thought it was fantastic, but what is really interesting to me is I am enjoying listening to the audience, it’s like watching ice skating, whenever they land a triple axel the audience is like yeahh. And, you can do that. I like watching runs, if you start over-doing it, you can increase your chances of screwing up – but I don’t think you did that at all, great job.” Keith: “I think we should have LaPorsha just start every show, because everyone is rising to the occasion. Great job.”
Tonight’s episode of American Idol closes with Kelly Clarkson singing her song “Piece By Piece.”
THE END!
