And we're off! We have an hour to not only name the Top 12 but also listen to them perform. Craziness. They barely have a moment to be excited before their music starts and they are vying for votes once again. "You made it! Now sing for your life immediately! And hurry because this is a 60 minute episode!" The contestants are also tasked with singing their audition songs, which is kind of a cool idea. Let's see who made it to the Top 12...however briefly.
Contestant: Sarina Joi-Crowe
Song: "Til the Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic
As much as I like Sarina, this performance is pitchy with a side of pitchy. Curse you, Randy Jackson, for making that word such a big part of my vocabulary. I wonder what The Dawg is up to tonight... Anyway, Sarina makes a valiant effort to show her vocal range, and she totally does have range, but this particular rendition does her no favors overall. That's tough place to be in for the for the first performance of the night.
Judges Say: Keith says Sarina looks incredibly comfortable on stage and JLo mentions her pitch. Thanks JLo. I luh ya. Harry looks forward to seeing Sarina progress in the competition.
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Contestant: Rayvon Owen
Song: "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry
I'm intrigued by the way Rayvon gets on his tip toes throughout the song. He's adorable and he sounds freaking amazing. I wish the performance could have lasted longer. I also wish I had a hat like his.
Judges Say: JLo says Rayvon felt the moment and Harry thinks Rayvon sounds like his voice is "in shape." Keith compliments the song choice.
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Contestant: Daniel Seavey
Song: "Straight Up"
The 15 year old dude who hopes to be on the verge of becoming a teen heartthrob is in way over his head tonight. The vocals are shaky, he forgets the words, he looks scared to death at times, and it's all just awkward to watch.
Judges Say: Harry says Daniel is young and inexperienced and it's showing. Keith thinks Daniel just needs to find an emotional song and JLo agrees.
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Contestant: Maddie Walker
Song: "Suitcase" by Gwen Sebastian
Yay! A country girl! Maddie is totally in her element with this tune and I look forward to seeing (fingers crossed) much more from her.
Judges Say: Keith thinks the song suited her well and JLo encourages Maddie to get out of her head. Harry thinks Maddie gave a solid performance.
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Contestant: Tyanna Jones
Song: "Wings" by Little Mix
Tyanna has some serious personality on stage and I love it. I'm not super familiar with this song, but she's got me dancing from my couch anyway, so I applaud when the performance is over.
Judges Say: JLo compliments Tyanna's composure and Harry says something similar about her comfort level on stage. Keith tells Tyanna she moves like a star, dresses like a star, and sings like a star.
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Contestant: Nick Fradiani
Song: "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
Nick and his guitar can cover Peter Gabriel on my TV any day. He brings a little more desperation (in a good way) to the song with his rendition, and he's a very seasoned performer. I definitely enjoyed this.
Judges Say: Harry comments on how Nick is almost twice as old as some of the other contestants on the show but also says Nick did a good job. Keith thinks Nick has a great look and a great voice but needs to believe in himself more. JLo wants Nick to pick a song that suits every part of his voice.
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Contestant: Jax
Song: "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles
Jax starts the song solo behind a piano and she sings it beautifully. I'm just about to get completely lost in what she's doing....but then she then picks up the tempo and starts working the stage while the band plays. I think I would have preferred her singing the whole song at the piano rather than the band coming in, but I'm glad she made it through tonight. She has a haunting quality to her voice and I want to hear more of it.
Judges Say: Keith and Harry both think she could have just stayed at the piano, and JLo calls Jax "compelling."
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Contestant: Qaasim Middleton
Song: "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder
Qaasim just makes me smile. He's so sassy and he loves every moment he has with a microphone. His version of "Sir Duke" has some pitch problems for sure, but no one can argue this dude doesn't know how to have a good time.
Judges Say: JLo loves Qaasim's energy and Harry wonders if we'll get a performance that isn't an explosion of energy. Keith thinks he killed it.
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Contestant: Clark Beckham
Song: "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown
Hell. Yes. I had to watch the performance a few times before I could move on to the next finalist. Clark's voice is so soulful and he hits every single note effortlessly. BEST performance tonight!
Judges Say: Harry says Clark made him forget all about the chauvinistic message of the song. Keith thinks Clark did an amazing job and JLo says Clark had the vocal of the night.
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Contestant: Joey Cook
Song: "King of Spain" by Tallest Man On Earth
This girl never fails to make me happy. Joey is not everyone's cup of tea, but she's original, she puts all of herself into those quirky performances, and I hope she sticks around for a while. I would glady tune in to see her sing every week.
Judges Say: JLo thinks this was one of Joey's best performance and Harry says she did a nice job.
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Contestant: Quentin Alexander
Song: "Royals" by Lorde
Wild Card spot #1 goes to the emotional Quentin, who sort of just melts into the song, and then breaks down in the end. His poor family is a mess in the audience. I just want to give all of them hugs.
Judges Say: JLo is happy Quentin is still in the competition and Harry loves how in touch Quentin is with his artistry and emotions.
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Contestant: Adanna Duru
Song: "You and I" by Lady Gaga
The final Wild Card spot is given to Adanna, and she tries to put all kinds of sexy in the song, with hair whips and struts and stuff. I'm not really on board with her performance, but Idol just gave me 12 performances in an hour without much nonsense, so I'm not going to complain any further.
Judges Say: Harry tells Adanna she has to find a way to channel her energy to a specific musical place and JLo agrees. Keith says she "has somethin' goin' on."
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So this leaves Loren Lott, Mark Andrew, Alexis Gomez, and Adam Ezegelian packing their bags tonight. I'm generally happy with the Top 12, but I was beyond disappointed with Daniel's performance. I know Qaasim and Sarina can do much better than they did tonight, but for me, Clark definitely owns the hour. We'll find out which contestant will quickly follow Adam, Loren, Alexis and Adam tomorrow during the next kinda elimination/performance show. Til then!
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