‘American Idol’ Coldplay Night Ends in a Shocking Elimination
Jill O'Rourke Reading Time: 5 minutes
On Sunday night, American Idol Season 19 returned for a show celebrating Mother’s Day, as well as the band Coldplay’s music. The episode featured live voting, and two contestants were eliminated at the end of the show, revealing the Top 5.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ TOP 7 SHARE ADORABLE PHOTOS WITH THEIR MOMS ON MOTHER’S DAY
Who Made It to the ‘American Idol’ Top 5?
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin mentored the Top 7 singers before their performances of some of the band’s biggest hits. The band also performed their new single “Higher Power” during the show. Viewers were allowed to vote during the show, ending at the last commercial break.
1. Casey Bishop
Martin gave Casey advice about easing her anxiety. She chose to sing Coldplay’s song “Paradise” for her first performance. Katy Perry said she loved to see her “let loose.” Luke Bryan told her she’s never hit a bad note during her time on the show. Lionel Richie said she was “flying.”
For her Mother’s Day performance, Casey chose to sing “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette. Bryan said he loved seeing her rock out to a song in her genre. Richie enjoyed seeing her have to much fun on stage. Perry told Casey she’s “possessed by personality.”
2. Chayce Beckham
Chayce chose to sing “Magic” for his Coldplay performance. Martin said he loved how Chayce sang the song. Bryan told him he has so many signature moves as an artist. Richie encouraged him to “enjoy the ride.” Perry said Chayce has “that Chris Martin magic about you.”
For his Mother’s Day performance, Chayce sang an emotional original song called “Mama.” Richie said it made him cry, encouraging Chayce to “put that song out now.” Perry praised his vulnerability. Bryan called it a great song for the theme of the night.
3. Willie Spence
Willie chose to sing “Yellow,” which was released when he was just a year old. He said he wanted to speak to people who have dealt with insecurities like he has. Richie called it “a religious experience.” Perry said he touched a place “between heaven and earth.”
Willie also chose to sing “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker, in tribute to his mom. Perry said she’s never heard the song sung that way, saying it “came straight from the heart.” Bryan said Willie’s voice is “so identifiable.” Richie said he made it his own.
4. Caleb Kennedy
Caleb chose to sing “Violet Hill,” admitting that he’s never listened to Coldplay before. Martin said he thinks Caleb can be a “superstar country artist.” Perry said it’s the first time she’s had a Coldplay song scare her “in a good way.” Richie told Caleb that he seemed to lose confidence in the middle of the song.
SEE ALSO: MUSIC SUPERSTAR FINNEAS ANNOUNCED AS THE ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ TOP 5 MENTOR
Caleb sang an original song called “Mama Said” in honor of his mother. Bryan called him “a true anomaly,” expressing amazement that he’s only 15 years old. Richie told him to “put that record out,” comparing him to a 90-year-old man. Perry praised him for “wearing your heart on your sleeve.”
5. Grace Kinstler
Grace originally chose to sing “Hymn for the Weekend,” but Martin suggested she try “Fix You” instead. She ultimately went with “Fix You” as her final choice. Richie told Grace that her vulnerability made her so special. Perry said she was “breaking through the facade of show business.”
Grace also sang “When We Were Young” by Adele, which is one of her mother’s favorite songs. Perry said she was “so proud” of Grace, adding that she’s “stepped up your game.” Bryan called it “magical,” saying it was “like being in a movie.” Richie said it was “perfectly done.”
Which ‘American Idol’ Contestants Were Eliminated?
Voting was open during the show, and closed during the final commercial break. At the end of the night, host Ryan Seacrest announced the Top 5. Sadly, the show had to say goodbye to two contestants, including one fan favorite who some thought might win the show.
1. Arthur Gunn
Arthur, who was voted this year’s comeback artist from Season 18, chose to sing the Coldplay song “In My Place,” creating his own arrangement for the performance. Martin called him a “free spirit.” Bryan praised him for sticking to his guns and doing things his own way. Richie called him an artist, and Perry said it seemed like he was at his own show.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FANS OUTRAGED AFTER ARTHUR GUNN RETURNS TO THE COMPETITION
Arthur also performed “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd for his Mother’s Day tribute. Richie said he could sing the phone book. Perry praised the song choice for his voice, while Bryan encouraged him to keep fighting and “dig in even more” as the competition continues. Shockingly, Arthur was eliminated at the end of the show, leaving the season’s top spot open for one of this year’s original contestants.
2. Hunter Metts
Hunter chose to perform the song “Everglow,” sharing that Coldplay’s Parachute was one of his first CDs. Perry said she gets “so many texts about you,” adding that he’s “beloved by the world.” Bryan praised how unique Hunter’s voice is. Richie called him a storyteller, saying “the sky is the limit” for him.
Hunter sang an original song called “The River” for his Mother’s Day performance, at the request of his mom. Bryan said it was “10 out of 10,” calling it a “musical experience done by a pro.” Richie agreed, saying he should be proud of himself. Unfortunately, Hunter was eliminated at the end of the show.
