A week before the Oscar award went out on ABC, American Idol‘s top 12 has put together live to perform Oscar-winning songs from earlier.
They all showed how it was done, was Lionel Richie, who started the two-hour event with a performance of “Say You Say Me” by White nights, for which Richie won the best original song during the 1986 ceremony. Click here to watch.
Let’s start with the results first before we get to the songs. The following nine singers, who will compete alongside 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 we had to say goodbye to Madison Watkins, Beane and (snag!) Ava August.
Read on for the details of Sunday’s performances, and official videos will be added as they become available:
GRACE ARTIST, 20 (“Happy” from 2013s Despicable I 2)
Like the world’s most talented onion, we discover new layers for Kinstler every week, and I fall more and more in love with her as an artist. Contrary to Katy Perry’s suggestion for a more classical sound was a bold move, but what is Kinstler, if not bold? There was nothing despicable about this energetic, scene-driven approach to Pharrell’s ubiquitous hit, even if it would leave the judges in doubt as to what kind of record Kinstler would deliver. (A Minion-approved record, that’s what!) Click here to watch.
AVA AUGUST, 15 (“City of Stars” from 2016’s La La Land)
I think La La Land are big times overrated? Yes. But did I still get chills when I heard that August was tackling this amazing number? Also yes. It fits perfectly with her ethereal voice, which for a moment was never doubted. And unlike Kinstler, August showed us exactly how her potential record would sound. I was tempted to (for once!) Join Perry and Bobby Bones and agree that August would embrace her youth a little more, but the voice just can’t be denied. Besides, what does it mean to be ’15 or 16 ‘anyway? We are all different! Look:
CALEB KENNEDY, 16 (‘On the way again’ from the 1980s Honeysuckle Rose)
How can someone who is so talented continue to deliver such consistently boring performances? Vocally and instrumentally, I have no criticism. This kid is good enough to release an album tomorrow, but who is he ?! Kennedy gave us a hint of a personality when he addressed the audience briefly (“Let me hear you, come!”), But it was a fleeting moment. And why do not the judges give him the same criticism as they give August about the fact that they should sound more like a teenager? Is male Idol participants expect to be less exciting? Click here to watch.
HUNTER METTS, 22 (“Falling Slow” from 2007’s) Once)
It probably would have been a better choice for the Duets round – because you know, it’s a duet – but Metts did a great job by being lone. Well, until he forgot the words at the end and sobbed through the judges’ criticism. That said, what we did hear was wonderful, and there are far worse ways to upgrade live television. (Just ask Ashlee Simpson!) I actually think she loved imperfection for viewers, though I’m not sure I would agree with Richie that his mistake made it a ‘perfect run’. Click here to watch.
MADISON WATKINS, 25 (“Run to You” from 1992 The Bodyguard)
I’m so glad the judges chose to keep Watkins in the competition, if only because it gave us the chance to cherish her glow again. From his beautiful start to his powerful climax, it was a great achievement. She proudly performed this iconic Whitney Houston ballad. (Not related, but I was trying to figure out who Watkins reminds me of, and it finally clicked tonight. Isn ‘t there something Megan Fox – like about her ?!) Look:
CHAYCE BECKHAM, 24 (“[Everything I Do] I do it for you ”from 1991s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves)
If I could sum up this performance in one word, would it be … good? I thought it fit well with his gravelly, ’90s’ /’ 00s sounding voice, but when Richie Beckham praised himself for being in the second half of the song, I asked if we were watching the same performance . I also turned my eyes to Perry’s remark about the ‘young ladies’ who are eager to vote for him tonight because I feel Beckham is taking full advantage of the charm. This song has a moment, and it just did not have one. Click here to watch.
BEANE, 23[I’ve Had] the time of my life ”from 1987s Dirty dancing)
Last week I was wondering if I could not be a Beanie Baby. I can now confirm, yes, I am a card-bearing member of the team. Like Perry, I was very worried that this action would be cheesy. (Never forget: he’s a professional wedding singer!) But from his unconventional opening to his endless bag of vocal tricks, he sold it 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 he can use his own peculiarities to gain an edge. (And what about the fact that he’s deaf in one ear? I could never guess.)
ALYSSA WRAY, 19 (“It’s Me” from 2017’s The Greatest Showman)
When I reflect on Richie’s sentiments, I loved this performance, which started well and grew into something truly amazing. And a pat on the back for Wray for nailing that high note, which even original singer Keala Settle has rummaged through during live performances. (Quick question: why was Richie the only judge to consider this one? Did the show go over time?)
DESHAWN GONCALVES, 20 (“The Way We Were” from 1973’s The way we were)
Ewhererens is Fran Fine plotting. I was initially not crazy about this performance – I thought it was giving a big finger in the lounge singer – but Goncalves was fully immersed in the emotion in the end. And I love that Ruben Studdard encouraged him to encourage him
CASEY BISHOP, 16 (“Over the Rainbow” from 1939s The Wizard of Oz)
The word ‘timeless’ has been used several times to describe Bishop’s performance style, so this Judy Garland classic was a perfect choice – especially since it was so exciting of what we were used to seeing. This whole performance was a moment, and I agree with Perry that Bishop is the forerunner. The only question is: Did Bishop Katharine McPhee officially dethrone what song was known in season 5?
CASSANDRA COLEMAN, 24 (“Writing’s on the Wall” from 2015’s Ghost)
It was hard, especially since it started big right outside the gate, but Coleman handled herself nicely. Her nerves tend to prevail on that stage, and they were definitely present this time – but when it was good, it was well. After hearing Coleman’s performance, I also wonder why Florence Welch has not yet been tapped for a 007 song yet. (Come on, Hollywood.)
WILLIE SPENCE, 21 (“Get up” from 2019s Harriet)
Let’s really be, no one doubts it would be incredible. But even I did not expect such a beautiful – or as ‘Richie’ ‘religious’ experience. The high notes were breathtaking, the low notes were chilling, and the emotions were palpable.
Who delivered your favorite performance of the evening, and made the right nine singers to the next round? Leave a comment with your thoughts on the state of season 19 below.