The 51 remaining singers learn their fate in the final judgment room after performing solo.
- Feb 5, 2016
AceShowbiz - The last ever Hollywood Week of "American Idol" has wrapped with the airing of the Thursday, February 4 episode. The 51 singers who made it through in the previous episode performed once again in front of a large live audience and judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban.
Stephany Negrete was the first to learn her fate in the final judgment room. The judges loved her performance of Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire" the night before. J.Lo said, "There is no way that we wouldn't want you in our Top 24 on this, our last season of 'Idol'," and she became the first semi-finalist of the season.
Shelbie Z, who sang Heart's "Barracuda", joined Stephany in the Top 24. Michelle Marie also delivered an amazing performance the night before with a cover of Carrie Underwood's "Little Toy Guns", but J.Lo noted at the end of the day, "it's not just about one performance." Looking back to her previous performances, the judges thought there were many other singers ahead of the game, so they sent Michelle home.
Colette Lush, according to Harry, lost the special quality they saw in her audition. She was eliminated, along with early favorite Jessica Cabral, Jessica Clark, Ameet Kanon and Terrian.
Mackenzie Bourg, who sang an original song in the previous solo round, performed "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" with a great arrangement that earned him a spot in the Top 24. Trent Harmon, who was diagnosed with mono during Hollywood Week, hasn't fully recovered but he still managed to deliver an amazing performance of "Tiny Dancer". He also advanced.
Jenna Renae, James VIII, Kory Wheeler and Adam Lasher were the next to be announced safe. They were followed by Jeneve Mitchell who sang "Ring of Fire". C.J. Johnson made it to the Top 24, and so did Amelia Eisenhauer. Showing potential to become a great artist, Lee Jean was sent through with several notes. The judges also gave Avalon Young a chance to grow on the competition as they saw something unique with her.
Chynna Sherrod, Mary Williams and Zach Person were among those who didn't advance. After that, Dylan Rapattoni sang "It's Gonna Be Me" by NSYNC and it landed him a spot in the Top 24. Manny Torres was up next and his impressive vocals sent him to the next round. Laurel Wright, Isaac Cole and Anatalia Villaranda were not that lucky. They were eliminated along with Jon Klausen, Kassy Levels and Andrew Nazarbekian.
Thomas Stringfellow sang "Story of My Life" by One Direction. While Harry said there were better singers than him in the competition, he had something special that was enough to land him a spot in the Top 24. Sonika Vaid delivered a powerful performance of "I Surrender" by Celine Dion, but the judges felt there's something missing. After a hard time making a decision, the judges decided to give her a go.
Malie Delgado who lost her voice in the solo round didn't have what it takes to be in the Top 24. Olivia Rox also struggled with health issue going into this round. Harry said the band overshadowed her performance a bit, but the judges sent her to the next round anyway.
Sara Sturm, Jordyn Simone, Tiffany Harnly, Kayla Micklesen, Mionne Destiny were the next batch of singers who were eliminated. Gianna Isabella, the daughter of singer Brenda Starr, had a chance to follow in the footsteps of her mother as she was sent through to the next round.
Jenn Blosil impressed the judges with her unique tone after singing "The Hanging Tree" from "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1". She made it to the Top 24. The next singers who performed after her, Christian Eason, Ariel Sprague and Kelsie Watts, were cut. Tristan McIntosh turned things around with her best performance to date and was sent to the next round.
With only two spots remaining and four singers left, the judges called two singers at once. Kacye Hynes and Jordan Sasser walked in the final judgment room together. While Harry noticed they "have a lot in common," the judges chose to keep Jordan and send Kacye home. Lindita and La'Porsha Renae learnt their fate next, and La'Porsha nabbed the final spot in the Top 24.
Next Wednesday, 12 of the Top 24 will perform with former contestants.
