American Idol's Top 8 girls sang for America's vote during Thursday night's broadcast of the Fox reality singing competition's fourteenth season, and two girls in particular shined.
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The Top 8 girls were determined based upon the home viewer votes cast following last week's performance show which had featured 12 girls taking the stage. The eight girls with the highest vote totals were able to sing again, performing a Motown song, in the hopes of becoming a member in this season's Top 6 girls.
Those lucky six girls will eventually join the Top 6 guys, rounding out the Top 12.
Sarina-Joi Crowe, a 19-year-old musician from Columbia, TN, sang "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" a little out of tune, however, she was also given the biggest compliment of the night. Judge Jennifer Lopez told her that she's "probably the best singer here" and super special and gifted. She said Sarina-Joi "really sings" and it's so fulfilling to see her achieving her dreams after she had previously tried out for American Idol three times.
Tyanna Jones, a 16-year-old student from Jacksonville, FL, performed "Rockin' Robin" and easily had the best performance of the night because the judges didn't have one bad thing to say about it. Keith Urban said she played to her vocal strengths, Jennifer noted she had a throwback vibe, and Harry Connick Jr. asked, "What can't you sing?!" Harry said it was strong and subtle.
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Loren Lott, a 22-year-old actress from San Diego, CA, also had a great night by singing "I Wanna Be Where You Are." Jennifer said she has an innate talent, Keith dubbed her performance "really good," and Harry said she just pushed the bar up higher for every other contestant to reach.
The five other artists performed well but had some issues the judges discussed.
Maddie Walker, a 16-year-old student from Ankeny, IA, took the stage with "I'll Be There."
Maddie was probably the best of the bottom half, as Harry said her performance put to rest any doubts viewers might've had about her being in the Top 8. However, he told her she had the tendency to go sharp and needed more dynamics in her vocals. Keith asked her to think a little less about the vocal execution and a little more about the feeling of the song.
Joey Cook, a 23-year-old server from Woodbridge, VA, sang "Shop Around." Keith said she certainly made the song her own and Jennifer called her unique and emotional. But Harry worries fans may get tired of her act because it is so specific and stylized.
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Adanna Duru, an 18-year-old student from Diamond Bar, CA, performed "Hello." Harry gave her an "A+" on singing the lyrics, but he also said she sang out of tune. Jennifer noted she liked it but didn't love it because the song failed to really fit the tone of her voice.
Jax, an 18-year-old musician from East Brunswick, NJ, sang a brand new stripped-down version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Keith explained he loves her originality and artistry, but Harry and Jennifer agreed she changed the arrangement way too much to the point where it sounded dull and didn't really work.
Alexis Gomez, a 22-year-old Spanish tutor from Dayton, OH, performed "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)." She received the most criticism of the night. Jennifer said she sang way out of key, Harry explained it's very important for her to control herself and settle down, and Keith said the song choice wasn't a good one.
The following four singers did not make it into Idol's Season 14 Top 8 girls: Shi Scott, a 19-year-old artist from Belcamp, MD; Katherine Winston, an 18-year-old musician from Lenox, MA; Lovey James, a 16-year-old student from Portland, OR; and Shannon Berthiaume, a 17-year-old student from St. Paul, MN.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski