The final “American Idol” Top 10; Ray Mickshaw/FOX(NEW YORK) — On Thursday night’s two-hour edition of American Idol, the top 10 contestants were revealed and original Idol Kelly Clarkson returned as a guest judge and sang her new single, “Piece by Piece.”
On Wednesday, Dalton Rapattoni, Olivia Rox, Trent Harmon and La’Porsha Renae were awarded “fast passes” into the top 10 by judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. The remaining artists sang for America’s vote and one of the final six spots.
On Thursday, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Tristan McIntosh, Sonika Vaid, Gianna Isabella, MacKenzie Bourg, Avalon Young and Lee Jean also advanced.
Manny Torres, Thomas Stringfellow, Jeneve Rose Mitchell and Jen Blosil were sent home.
After the top 10 was revealed, each of the contestants once again sang for America’s vote.
Here are Thursday’s highlights:
Olivia Rox got things rolling with Katy Perry’s “Unconditionally.” Keith praised the performance and the song choice, but noted that Olivia could still loosen up a bit more. Jennifer particularly liked Rox’s arrangement of the tune. Kellie also complimented the singer on not always going for “the big note,” and called the performance “tasteful.”
Gianna Isabella was next, tackling “Listen,” by Beyoncé. Lopez didn’t think it was the 15-year-old’s best performance, noting it was a little “shaky.” Clarkson agreed, adding that the performance was “pitchy” at points, and suggested Isabella focus less on technique and more on just “letting go.” Connick thought the performance felt “arranged” and “rehearsed.” Urban’s advice to the teen was just to believe in herself.
Another 15-year-old, Lee Jean, followed with Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love.” Kelly praised Lee for sticking with what he’s good at, calling Jean’s style “easy and…chill.” Harry agreed, but also warned the young artist that it could be his undoing later in the competition, as the field thins out and he goes up against contestants with similar vocal styles. Keith applauded Jean’s “vulnerability” and ability to tell a story.
San Diego native Avalon Young sang “Stitches,” by Shawn Mendes. Connick thought she had a “cool vibe,” but didn’t agree with the song choice. Urban sensed Avalon was nervous at the beginning, but loosened up at the end. Clarkson disagreed, calling Avalon’s performance “captivating,” and telling Young, “You make me love you.”
Dalton Rapattoni fired up the crowd with “Hey There Delilah,” by the Plain White T’s. Keith loved Dalton’s confidence and the way he “beefed up” the song. Jennifer added that Rapattoni had a lot of heart. Kelly was impressed at how comfortable the singer is on stage and with his versatility. Harry praised Dalton for constantly playing with the song arrangements and nailing it every time.
Another teen, 15-year-old Tristan McIntosh, brought a little country to the stage, belting out Dan + Shay’s “Nothing Like You.” All four judges felt Tristan’s age and inexperience showed in the performance. Lopez didn’t think it was her strongest showing and advised the teen to “be who you are” in the future. Connick urged the country singer to pick songs with more crossover appeal. He also noted that her attempt to interact with the audience affected her vocal performance.
Lafayette, Louisiana, native MacKenzie Bourg chose Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” Kelly was impressed that Bourg knew exactly in which direction he wanted to take his career. Harry called the performance “compelling.” Keith complimented MacKenzie for being “in the zone” and pulling the audience in.”
Next up was La’Porsha Renae’s powerful performance of Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” which brought the audience and judges to their feet and La’Porsha — upon seeing that — to tears. Kelly boldly predicted Renae would win the whole competition. Jennifer praised Renae’s control. Keith, quoting a saying which noted, “I judge myself not by what I have, but what I’m willing to give,” declared the Idol hopeful gave “pure humanity.”
Martha’s Vineyard native Sonika Vaid answered Renae’s performance with a powerful one of her own on Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life.” Urban complimented Sonika on a “killer song choice” that played to all of her strengths. J-Lo called her “dangerous,” adding that if Vaid comes into her own, she’ll be tough to beat. Clarkson praised Sonika’s pitch control and applauded her for going toe-to-toe with La’Porsha.
Trent Harmon tried his best to maintain the level of competition with his version of Sam Smith’s “Like I Can.” Jennifer noted Trent’s performance wasn’t perfect, but his “unique” voice made up for that. Kelly added that Harmon has a “natural gift,” but also wanted to hear more of his falsetto. Harry was impressed with Trent’s vocal “runs.”
American Idol continues with a one-hour edition on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
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