American Idol determined its Top 14 contestants after the remaining 12 of the fifteenth season's Top 24 hopefuls performed duets with superstars from the show's past.
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During Thursday night's two-hour broadcast on Fox, 12 contestants performed duets with either David Cook, Haley Reinhart, Kellie Pickler, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, and Jordin Sparks.
Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. then deliberated which seven contestants should advance in the competition and which five artists should go home.
The judges chose to keep the following singers on the show: Trent Harmon, a 25-year-old waiter from Amory, MS; Dalton Rapattoni, a 19-year-old vocal coach from Dallas TX; Olivia Rox, a 16-year-old student from Agoura Hills, CA; Lee Jean, a 16-year-old student from Bluffton, SC; Manny Torres, a 20-year-old worship leader from Flushing, MI; Jenn Blosil, a 23-year-old in child care from Brooklyn, NY; and Tristan McIntosh, a 15-year-old student from Nashville, TN.
Jean performed Daughtry's song "Home" with him. Jennifer was speechless, Harry said the amount of fun he has onstage is captivating and he's clearly passionate and controlled. Keith added it was an overall impressive duet.
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Torres and Sparks performed her hit "No Air" featuring Chris Brown. Keith called it a powerhouse duet and said they had a real moment onstage together. Jennifer said it couldn't be more perfect, and Harry was shocked by Torres' great charisma because he actually found his eyes going back and forth between him and the beautiful Sparks.
Blosil and Maroulis sang "My Funny Valentine" by Frank Sinatra. Keith got up out of his chair to applaud the duo, and he said he "freaking loved it." While Keith thought Blosil came across strong and cool and Jennifer noted they were in a world of their own, Harry thought it was a shouting match and they didn't do the song justice.
McIntosh and Pickler took the stage with the former Idol finalist's song "Best Days of Your Life." Harry admitted it was "pretty darn good," but he asked McIntosh to not rush songs and definitely sing in the pocket. Keith explained the harmony was tricky and McIntosh was therefore a little shaky. Jennifer added that the young artist's lack of experience showed.
Rox and Cook performed his hit "Light On." Keith said Rox needs to wear an "Olivia Rox, yes she does" T-shirt. Jennifer complimented her "phenomenal" voice, and she and Harry agreed that if she can continue picking the right songs and finding her groove, she'll be in this competition for a long time.
Rapattoni and Daughtry sang "Higher Ground" by Stevie wonder. Harry said it was "terrific solid," and Jennifer confessed he's the "dark horse" in this competition coming to the surface now.
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Harmon and Sparks took the stage with "To Love Somebody" by the Bee Gees. Jennifer loves Harmon's vocal ability and tone, saying they are so "unique and beautiful." Keith could tell Harmon has a lot more to show America, and Harry admitted the song was so good he could put it out as his own single.
Although it was a very difficult decision last night, Lopez, Urban and Connick chose to eliminate Shelbie Zorn, a 23-year-old hair dresser from Sumiton, AL; Kory Wheeler, a 27-year-old barista from Nashville, TN; Amelia Eisenhauer, a 16-year-old student from Nashville, TN; CJ Johnson, a 28-year-old musician from Memphis, TN; and Adam Lasher, a 27-year-old songwriter and performer from Danville, CA.
Next week, Idol's judges will narrow down the field again and then America will vote for the Top 10. The show's first winner Kelly Clarkson will also be returning to the Idol stage to perform.
Below is the list of American Idol's fifteenth-season Top 14 contestants:
- Jenn Blosil, a 23-year-old in child care from Brooklyn, NY
- Mackenzie Bourg, a 23-year-old musician from Lafayette, LA
- Trent Harmon, a 25-year-old waiter from Amory, MS
- Gianna Isabella, a 15-year-old student from Jackson, NJ
- Lee Jean, a 16-year-old student from Bluffton, SC
- Tristan McIntosh, a 15-year-old student from Nashville, TN
- Jeneve Rose Mitchell, a 15-year-old student from Crawford, CO
- Dalton Rapattoni, a 19-year-old vocal coach from Dallas TX
- La'Porsha Renae, a 22-year-old call representative from McComb, MS
- Olivia Rox, a 16-year-old student from Agoura Hills, CA
- Thomas Stringfellow, a 17-year-old student from Bentonville, AR
- Manny Torres, a 20-year-old worship leader from Flushing, MI
- Sonika Vaid, a 20-year-old student from Martha's Vineyard, MA
- Avalon Young, a 21-year-old server from San Diego, CA
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski