American Idol is narrowing in on one of the most important aspects of the show: finding out who has made it into the semifinals. By the end of this week’s episodes, we’ll know who will be competing in the Top 31, including the two guys who will face off for the final spot. (If you can’t wait that long, check out the Top 31 spoilers here.)
But before that happens, the remaining contestants must perform again as Hollywood Week comes to a close. FOX has released preview videos, giving us a sneak peek at five of the singers we’ll see on Wednesday and Thursday.
American Idol Recap: The Ups and Downs of the Group Round >>>
First up is Alex Preston. Not too many male singers have impressed me this season so far, but he’s one of the few who has. And here is yet more proof of how much talent he has: this performance draws me in and makes me pay attention to what he has to offer in this competition.
You can be one of the greatest singers ever to grace the Idol stage, but that won’t necessarily translate into a successful music career. What Jillian Jensen wants to do is show the judges what kind of an artist she is. “The point of American Idol isn’t just to find someone as a winner of this year,” she says. “It’s supposed to find someone that’s supposed to continue on in the industry and have longevity.”
After a performance like this, you’d hate to see her leave. So does she? We don’t know yet, but at the end of the clip, we see her on the elevator, getting off and walking into the room where the judges will reveal her fate.
If Jillian looks familiar to you, it’s because she was mentored by Demi Lovato during season 2 of the now-canceled X Factor. She made it to the Judges’ Houses round, but didn’t advance any further.
Video: Clay Aiken Running for Congress >>>
Emmanuel Zidor has presented himself as a very dramatic performer, and this week will be no different when he delivers a showstopping performance of “I’m Going Down.” But that’s not the only reason why he’s memorable. Jennifer Lopez is challenged to a Walk-Off in heels, but Emmanuel has one condition. Watch the video below to find out what it is.
If he makes it into the Top 31 (and even beyond), do you think he’ll continue to be remembered more for the theatricality or will his voice trump everything else?
Sometimes a singer (on any of these talent shows) chooses a song that, on paper, doesn’t seem like it would fit them, but it somehow does. For Maurice Townsend, who would have thought he’d perform Miley Cyrus‘ “Wrecking Ball”? Does he pull it off?
Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” is one of those classics that’s hard to go wrong with as long as you have the talent to back it up. And Leah Guerrero certainly does. Unfortunately, this preview clip cuts off right before the chorus, so we don’t get to hear her belt out the best part. I’m looking forward to the full clip airing on the show this week.
What do you think of these final Hollywood Week performance previews? Any standouts? Do you think all five of them are bound for the Top 31? And the most important question of all: will we ever get to see that Walk-Off in heels between J-Lo and Emmanuel Zidor — and who will provide the shoes?
American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on FOX.
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
