‘American Idol 21’ episode 15 recap: Top 12 perform on ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night’; who was eliminated? [UPDATING LIVE BLOG]
Tonight on “American Idol,” the competition heats up as the Top 12 contestants perform for superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night.” America’s vote for the Top 10 is revealed LIVE coast-to-coast. Will your favorites make the cut? Emmy Award winner Ryan Seacrest hosts the reality TV competition series for the show’s sixth season on ABC and 21st overall.
Follow along with our updating live blog on Sunday, April 30 (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT) as we react to the Top 12 performances and reveal who will perform in the Top 10 on Monday, May 1.
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SEE Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 21: Finalists, judges and celebrity mentors
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol”! The Top 10 were revealed before the judges saved Lucy Love and Nutsa to round out the Top 12. Who will stand out tonight as the contestants perform iconic numbers from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees? Let’s find out!
8:10 p.m. — Idol’s international superstar Adam Lambert will help mentor the contestants this week. First up is Tyson Venegas, who has decided to change things up with a song that will knock peoples’ socks off. Adam tells Tyson to cover Stevie Wonder and Tyson settles on “For Once in My Life.” It was a smart suggestion on Adam’s part because this fits Tyson’s vocal register perfectly. He’s not over-singing like he has some of his past performances. He even throws in a few dance moves! Luke says, “That was so comfortable!” and applauds Tyson for stepping away from the piano. Lionel says Tyson was “on fire.”
8:15 p.m. — Warren Peay is next, singing “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals. Adam coaches the newly engaged contestants on storytelling before he takes the stage. He’s an authentic bluesy country singer, but there are at least three of those this season. Warren might be the best, vocally, but does he have the stage presence to win over America’s vote? He seems to improve each week. Lionel thinks the song may have started “too low” but he came out of it. Katy loves Warren’s voice. Luke calls it an “overall great performance.”
8:25 p.m. — Haven Madison is showing a new side to herself with the Bon Jovi hit “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Adam tells her to let her technique “go a little bit” and let loose. Haven puts her own spin on the tune, stripping it down and giving it a modern pop flare. She’s set the instruments aside and works the stage like a pro. Katy tells the teenager, “You’ve traded in your Flintstones vitamins for confidence vitamins!” Luke calls it a huge “step out moment” and she’s a “massive star.” Lionel loves that Haven’s confidence is “staring us in the face.”
8:35 p.m. — Lucy Love will take on Lionel’s own “All Night Long.” She chose the song to celebrate the judge who has stood by her all season long. Adam says Lucy is overthinking everything too much. He tells her to just smile and have fun. She does just that for her performance. It’s a fantastic song, but Lucy inserts a little more gymnastics than the tune requires. That’s just my take — the judges appear to love every second. Luke says, “You showed us so much character in your vocal movements.” Katy tells Lucy to “trust in your voice.” Lionel says she made his song her song.
8:40 p.m. — Oliver Steele is singing the classic “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles. Adam says it’s a great song, but Oliver bored him. He tells the singer he needs to take the song somewhere and give it a journey. During Oliver’s performance I can understand what Adam was saying. The man has a great voice, but he’s just sort of strumming along. This is a competition and I’m not sure this is the best showcase of Oliver’s talent. Lionel says he did a “fabulous job.” Katy can’t get enough of his voice, but wished he would have used the electric guitar instead. Luke calls his voice “timeless.”
8:50 p.m. — Colin Stough is singing “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers Band, a song her looks comfortable with and he’s dressing the part. He wants to live up to the standout performance he had with “Dancing On My Own” last week, and I don’t think he’s done that. This rendition is fine, but it’s a bit forgettable for me. Katy loves the song for him, but she wanted him to “attack it.” Luke tells Colin to work on “getting comfortable” because they want his star to shine. Lionel says, “You gotta get nasty!”
8:55 p.m. — Marybeth Byrd has chosen “Dancing Queen” by ABBA for her performance. She’s excited to put her own country twist on it and Adam compliments her musical choices and tells Marybeth there’s no reason to doubt herself. She looks great on stage and I do like the country twang she mixes into the song. It’s not a “wow” moment, but it’s a solid performance. I’m still waiting for someone to really blow me away. Luke loves how she made the song her own. Lionel tells her she “delivered the goods” and he “loved it.” Katy congratulates her for pushing herself.
9:15 p.m. — After a performance from Adam, Wé Ani puts her own rock spin on the Etta James classic “Something’s Got a Hold On Me.” She’s bringing some much needed energy to the stage and I love how she’s completely changed this song into a rock anthem. This was my favorite of the night so far. Lionel says, “That was how you bring nasty to the table!” Katy says Wé did not come to play and “just turned this thing into a competition.” Luke says he has never heard the room get so loud.
9:25 p.m. — Nutsa has something to prove after nearly being eliminated last week. She has the perfect mentor for “The Show Must Go On” by Queen. Adam thinks it might be more interesting if she toned things down with another song — she keeps the song, but does try to take his advice by singing “more angelic notes.” I will say, she’s got a great stage presence. This might be my favorite performance from her so far. She sounds great! Katy says, “You will be Nutsa, forever and always!” Luke compliments her fight and her ability to put all eyes on her. Lionel calls her “a star” whatever place she finishes.
9:35 p.m. — Megan Danielle is singing a song she relates to – “Angel From Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt. Adam tells her to slow it down and “take it to church.” He thinks she has that special something you can’t put your finger on and “the reason why this show works.” Megan takes Adam’s advice and sings the song in Bonnie’s original tempo, injecting her raspy, soulful vocals. Megan really does have one of the most distinct voices. She doesn’t know how great she is, and that’s what people love about this show. Luke says that performance would stand up in any room, including the Grammy Awards. Lionel calls it “stellar.” Katy says, “I finally believe in you 100 percent.”
9:40 p.m. — Zachariah Smith is singing “Don’t Bring Me Down” by Electric Light Orchestra. Adam says Zachariah sounds “dope” and tells him to show off his smile and enjoy his performance. For all of the fun Zachariah has, it shouldn’t be lost on people that he’s actually a great singer. I love the way he entertains the crowd each week. Lionel calls his attitude “brilliant.” Katy says there’s no one else like him. Luke says he needs a drink after this performance.
9:50 p.m. — Iam Tongi is closing out tonight’s performances with “Bring It On Home” by Sam Cooke. It’s his first performance this season without a guitar — and he’s proving he doesn’t need it. That voice is the star of the Iam Tongi show and he sounds as good ever. Each week he just looks so effortless. The crowd is going absolutely insane! Katy can’t even hear herself talk, but says, “You are just magic.” Luke says, “There is no way people can’t love you.” Lionel is at a loss for words, but eventually says, “The crowd is saying it all.”
10:00 p.m. — America has voted and it’s time for Ryan to reveal which two singers will be eliminated and who will continue on to Monday night’s Top 10. Over 22 million votes came in. The Top 10 are, in no particular order, are: Warren, Wé, Iam, Megan, Zachariah, Haven, Colin, Oliver, Tyson and Marybeth. America stays consistent and puts Lucy and Nutsa at the bottom for the second week in a row. Unfortunately, this will end their journey.
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