American Idol featured 12 of the fifteenth season's Top 24 contestants performing live during Wednesday night's broadcast on Fox.

ADVERTISEMENT

Host Ryan Seacrest explained there will be a two-week long American Idol "Duets Round" that will feature superstars from the show's past taking the stage with this season's hopefuls. On Thursday, February 11, the 12 contestants who took the stage last night with a song of their own choosing will perform a duet, and at the end of the broadcast, five singers will be eliminated.

Then next week, on Wednesday night, the remaining 12 contestants from the Top 24 will sing their solos. The following night, those hopefuls will participate in the "Duets Round." Former American Idol stars who will return include Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard, Nick Fradiani, Caleb Johnson, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery.

Stephany Negrete, a 21-year-old student from San Diego, CA, kicked off last night's performance show with "Mama Knows Best" by Jessie J. Idol judge Jennifer Lopez called her the "full package," saying she has every ingredient to become a pop star and recording artist -- her looks, voice and performance quality. However, she needed more connection to the song, and judge Keith Urban advised her to loosen up more.

Mackenzie Bourg, a 23-year-old musician from Lafayette, LA, then took the stage with "Say Something" by A Great Big World. Jennifer said he did exactly what Mackenzie does, and judge Harry Connick Jr. said he made the lyrics important and maintained the integrity of the song. Keith said Mackenzie made it sound like it was his own original song and he really believed what Mackenzie was selling.

Jeneve Rose Mitchell, a 15-year-old student from Crawford, CO, performed Sarah McLachlan's "In the Arms of an Angel." Jennifer got the "goosies" and called her performance beautiful, and Keith dubbed her "extraordinary" and a risk-taker. Harry, however, said it was a disservice she played the harp during her performance because she couldn't focus as much on the lyric.

Jenna Renae, a 23-year-old musician from Williamson, NY, sang "My Church" by Maren Morris. Keith said it was a really good song so she's made him curious about what she'll deliver in the future. Jennifer said she was in her element, and Harry loved her energy and enthusiasm in the performance. However, Harry pointed out Jenna shouted a little too much and then pitch was sacrificed because of that.

James Dawson VIII, a 24-year-old musician from Provo, UT, performed his own rendition of "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West. Jennifer thought the song choice was "interesting" but not really in a good way because it didn't grab her. Harry called him talented but needed more complexity out of him. Keith advised James to be careful about being so "chill" during a performance because it can become indulgent.

Sonika Vaid, a 20-year-old student from Martha's Vineyard, MA, took the stage with "Safe and Sound" by Taylor swift. Harry explained it was the most emotional performance he had seen yet, so it was very powerful. Keith and Jennifer both complimented how beautiful and amazing her voice is. Keith just stopped taking notes at one point in order to listen.

Gianna Isabella, a 15-year-old student from Jackson, NJ, sang "I Put A Spell On You" by Annie Lennox. Keith said her voice is undeniably good but her moments of owning the stage were inconsistent. Jennifer said Gianna has the most "privileged voice" in competition, and Harry thinks it's great she tries to challenge herself.

Emily Brooke, a 17-year-old student from Wellington, FL, performed "I Am Invincible" by Cassadee Pope. Jennifer wasn't thrilled the verses of the song were so low because they didn't show off the sweet spots in her range. Harry insisted she didn't sell the lyrics and struggled with pitch. Keith, however, complimented Emily for exploring her artistry more.

Avalon Young, a 21-year-old server from San Diego, CA, took the stage with "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber. Harry said she's the artist in the competition most in tune with who she is. Keith told her not to be afraid to take charge and give the band some direction to change things up. And Jennifer commented how Avalon has the audience in the palm of her hand the second she opens her mouth. Jennifer asked her to always have a good time and not get self-conscious.

Jordan Sasser, a 27-year-old worship leader from Raleigh, NC, sang "All By Myself" by Celine Dion. Keith said that while he can really sing, he shouldn't lose the emotion of the song because it got a little too theatrical. Jennifer wanted to feel it, and Harry said it was too "show-offy," that he doesn't need to make his performance so big and or sing so loud.

Thomas Stringfellow, a 17-year-old student from Bentonville, AR, performed "Creep" by Radiohead. Jennifer loves how he transforms a song with the way he plays with his voice and sings with such emotion. Harry called the performance "tremendous" and "really, really strong." Keith said his natural way of performing was to "leave in abandonment" so he shouldn't pull himself out of that because it's so compelling.

Last but not least, La'Porsha Renae, a 22-year-old call representative from McComb, MS, performed "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner and stole the show. She got Keith on his feet, and Harry admitted she's either going to make her fellow competitors get better or make them quit because she's so captivating and smart. Harry noted it would be "foolish" to critique her performance in any way, shape or form.

Keith loved how La'Porsha isn't conscious of feedback, simply making her a portal to deliver her gifted voice. He said her voice is so beautiful, and Jennifer explained she dreams about voices like La'Porsha's and she'll only continue to get stronger.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS