‘American Idol’ Recap: Shocking Eliminations as Two Singers Test Positive for Covid-19
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American Idol Season 20 returned on Sunday night for a Mother’s Day episode featuring the Top 7 singers. Host Ryan Seacrest announced at the start of the show that Noah Thompson and Fritz Hager had tested positive for Covid-19.
Noah ended up performing from his hotel room, while Fritz’s rehearsal performances from Saturday were shown. The other five contestants performed live on the stage after being mentored by Will.i.am, and at the end of the night, Jay and Christian Guardino were voted out in a shocking elimination.
This week, each singer performed two songs each. The first song was a choice from TikTok, while the other was a tribute to the mothers and mother figures in their lives in honor of Mother’s Day. The night was full of strong performances, making it even harder to say goodbye to two singers.
‘American Idol’ Contestants Test Positive For Covid-19
Despite Fritz and Noah testing positive for Covid-19, they both made it into the Top 5 on Sunday night after delivering two performances each. Fritz performed original songs for both of his performances.
He started off singing a song he wrote called “All My Friends,” showing off a rocker style, and later he sang “The Ocean,” which he wrote about his family’s beach house in honor of his mom and grandma. Even though both performances were technically rehearsals, they could have been the real thing.
Meanwhile, Noah Thompson performed from his hotel room, at first singing “Painted Blue” by Sundy Best and later singing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac for his grandma. Judge Katy Perry called his second performance the best he’s ever given, and Lionel Richie said he actually sounded better sick.
Jay, Christian Guardino Eliminated from the Top 7
At the end of the night, two singers had to go home to decide the Top 5 contestants. One of those eliminated singers was Jay, who received one of three Platinum Tickets earlier this year. Since fellow Platinum Ticket holder Kenedi Anderson dropped out of the competition, HunterGirl is the only Platinum Ticket holder left.
Jay performed a soaring cover of “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston before singing “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men for his mom. Jay had to be saved by the judges in the past, so his elimination isn’t a total shock, but it’s still sad to see him go.
Perhaps the most shocking elimination of the night was Christian Guardino. He started off singing “Lonely” by Justin Bieber, before performing “Dear God” by Smokie Norful in honor of his mom. Perry said she could “feel the spirit in here” with his performance.
Even though Christian was eliminated, he received a special invitation from Michael Bublé to sing a duet during the finale. That invitation still stands, so we’ll see Christian return to the stage at the end of the season.
The Top 5 for Season 20 are Noah Thompson, Nicolina, HunterGirl, Leah Marlene, and Fritz Hager.
I’ve watched the show for 20 years, but it’s become as manipulated and fake as any other “reality” show. I no longer believe in the integrity of the voting process, and am sorely disappointed by the racism of the eliminations. The producers have chosen a winner, and won’t let the audience vote stand in their way.
two people are in the top five because???? Because they have covid or ???? Neither has a real future so what’s the deal? If Christian had been thinner and whatever- he would have been in the top 5 hands down. It is sad.
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