American Idol's penultimate auditions episode featured some familiar faces Wednesday night on Fox.

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With only one auditions episode remaining, last night's broadcast showed moments of triumph for Season 14 contestants looking for a second chance. Former Idol hopefuls returned for a shot at receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood since the show is in its farewell season and this marks the last time they can come back. 

Adam Lasher, a 28-year-old musician from Danville, CA, performed a samba-sounding version of "Knocking On Heavens Door." He made it to Hollywood last season and approached the judges this time around with a new makeover -- including short hair and a snazzy outfit.

The singer, who sounds like John Mayer, told the cameras he wanted to try out for American Idol again to show what he's capable of and show the judges what he can be at 100 percent.

Jennifer Lopez said she really liked the sound of Adam's voice, and Harry Connick Jr. explained it was a terrific rendition of the song -- as he actually sped the tune up compared to most singers who slow down fast songs. In addition to Harry noting he looked great, Keith Urban also told Adam he had done a really good job. Off to Hollywood!

Emily Brooke, a 16-year-old student from Wellington, FL, performed RaeLynn's "Careless." She had made it all the way to The Final Judgement in Season 14, but the judges agreed she just wasn't ready yet and they hoped she'd come back.

Emily spent a year perfecting her instrument, and Jennifer noted she really did improve and get so much better. She said it was tough to let Emily go last year but they knew she needed to grow in certain areas, like performing for more people and getting truly comfortable onstage.

Harry told Emily she clearly took the judges' advice last year, practiced and delivered the best audition of the day. Harry liked her more than last year, and he pointed out that this is the exact reason American Idol exists -- to foster talent like hers. Keith, although quiet, was onboard with his fellow judges' comments and so she advanced to Hollywood.

Viewers might also remember the talented Shi Scott from last season. She wowed the judges were her performance of "Umbrella" and made the Top 24, however, she didn't have much confidence and the pressure of the competition seemed to get to her. 

Although Shi didn't audition, her sister Miranda "Poh" Scott decided to give the show a try. Poh warned the judges she's not a singer because she's actually a dancer. However, the judges asked her to let them decide if she can sing.

After her performance of "Fairytale" by Sara Bareilles, Poh heard the compliments pour in. Harry suggested she never say negative things about herself again because her vocal was actually really refreshing and passionate. Jennifer could tell she was feeling the music, and Keith called her one of his favorites thus far considering she had rasp in her voice and sang carefree.

The episode concluded with Harry summing up the talent so far on Idol's fifteenth and final edition.

"We've seen enough contestants to have a competition. It's going to be a fierce battle -- lots of different genres, lots of different performance styles. We're going to be in really good shape this year," Harry told the cameras.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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