‘American Idol’ Hawaii Week Continues with More Top 24 Performances
Photo by: Disney/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 3 minutes
American Idol Season 23 returned on Monday night, as the second half of the Top 24 performed at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Voting was open during and after the show, to let fans decide which singers should remain in the competition. During Monday’s episode, guest mentor Josh Groban helped the contestants prepare for their performances, alongside artist in residence Jelly Roll.
Two Platinum Ticket Winners Perform on American Idol
During Sunday’s show, Platinum Ticket winner Kolbi Jordan delivered a powerhouse performance in the Top 24. On Monday night, this season’s other two Platinum Ticket recipients (Canaan James Hill and Filo) took the stage for their own performances.
Canaan chose to sing the worship song “Glory to Glory to Glory” by Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ. The singer was dealing with allergies ahead of the performance, but judge Carrie Underwood said it was “a bit of a blessing,” because it “forced you to simplify a little bit.” Luke Bryan said it was like having “church on the beach.”
Monday’s episode also featured a performance by Filo, who sang “Who’s Lovin’ You” by the Jackson 5. After the song, Filo’s emotional mother joined him on stage to give him a hug. Judge Lionel Richie praised Filo for making the song his own. Underwood marveled at how great the competition is this season.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ TOP 24 TAKE THE STAGE IN HAWAII FOR AMERICA’S VOTE
The Voice Alum Thunderstorm Artis Covers Bob Marley
Monday’s episode also featured a performance from former The Voice artist Thunderstorm Artis, who took the stage to perform “Is This Love” by Bob Marley. The soulful performance earned a standing ovation from the judges.
Richie told Thunderstorm that he’s “so in love with what you do,” while Underwood predicted that people watching at home would fall in love with him. She added that she feels “blessed to get to listen to you.” Bryan said it felt like Thunderstorm was headlining a Hawaiian music festival.
Thunderstorm wasn’t the only talent show alum to perform on Monday night. Drew Ryn, who previously appeared on The X Factor, also took the stage to perform “I’m With You” by Avril Lavigne. Underwood told Drew that she knows who she is. Bryan said she had “total control” of the song.
Amanda Barise Performs ‘Defying Gravity’
Another notable performance from Monday night’s new episode of American Idol came from Amanda Barise, who chose to sing “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. Amanda put a more pop spin on the Broadway hit, belting out the lyrics. She had the judges on their feet and dancing.
Carrie Underwood told Amanda that she’s a “superstar, ready to go,” adding that she would pay money to see her perform. Luke Bryan gave credit to Jelly Roll for his mentoring, saying he thinks this has been the “best Hawaii experience we’ve ever had.”
Voting for Monday night’s performances was open until early Tuesday morning. Two contestants from each group will be eliminated, while the remaining singers will make up the Top 20. Who do you think will be going home?
If we go by how many views the singers’ performances have racked up on YouTube, it’s safe to say that Jamal Roberts, Victor Solomon, Slater Nalley, and Canaan James Hill will be moving on. Singers on the lower end include Zaylie Windsor, Penny Samar, and Grayson Torrence. We won’t know for sure until next Sunday’s new episode on ABC.
