American Idol's Top 8 guys sang for America's vote during Wednesday night's broadcast of the Fox reality singing competition's fourteenth season, and three guys killed it.
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The Top 8 guys were determined based upon the home viewer votes cast following last week's performance show which had featured 12 guys taking the stage. The eight guys 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 guys.
Those lucky six guys will eventually join the Top 6 girls, rounding out the Top 12.
Adam Ezegelian, a 21-year-old toy designer from Wantagh, NY; Qaasim Middleton, an 18-year-old student from Brooklyn, NY; and Quentin Alexander, a 21-year-old retail associate from New Orleans, LA, wowed Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. so much that it will be a shock if they don't advance in the competition.
Adam sang "I Want You Back." Keith said it as the perfect song for him, and Harry called his voice "dangerous" for his competitors because he had nailed every note.
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Qaasim performed "I Wish." Keith said he lives and breathes performing and he just explodes in front of an audience. Jennifer called him "so funky" and pointed out how he owns the stage every time he sings. Harry said he never lost his vocals and executed runs wonderfully. Harry actually told Qassim that he's exactly what the judges have been looking for.
Quentin took the stage with "Master Blaster (Jammin')." Jennifer noted it was easy, smooth and perfect. He's one of her favorites. Harry said Quentin settled into the groove, and Keith told the artist he knows who he is and he knows how to look and how to sing. Keith said he hit the bullseye.
The rest of the Top 8 guys performed very well but didn't exactly blow anyone away.
Daniel Seavey, a 15-year-old student from Portland, OR, sang "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)." Harry called him gifted and adorable, but he needs work singing harder and getting more relaxed.
Mark Andrew, a 29-year-old landscape foreman from Eden Prairie, MN, performed "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." Jennifer said she loved his voice but the performance just didn't move her.
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Rayvon Owen, a 23-year-old singer and vocal coach from Richmond, VA,sang "My Girl." Keith explained he needed more weight to the song and feeling, but he has a strong, nice stage presence.
Clark Beckham, a 22-year-old street performer from Whitehouse, TN, performed "The Tracks of My Tears." Jennifer said he has one of the best voices in the competition but he can let loose onstage even more. Harry said the song kind of stopped in the middle and didn't have an end.
Nick Fradiani, a 29-year-old musician from Guilford, CT, sang "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." Harry told the artist it was strong and he had a great arrangement. The judge just asked him to smile more. Keith questioned whether he's really comfortable playing the guitar.
The four guys eliminated from the competition by the end of Wednesday night's episode were Michael Simeon, a 21-year-old farmer from Lumberton, MS; Savion Wright, a 22-year-old student from Jasper, TX; Trevor Douglas, a 16-year-old student from Fort Worth, TX; and Riley Bria, an 18-year-old student from Spring Hill, TN.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski