‘American Idol’ Recap: Top 26 Take the Stage in Hawaii for America’s Vote
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol Season 21 returned on Sunday night, as the first half of the Top 26 performed at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, mentored by singer Allen Stone. It’s time for the viewers at home to start voting for their favorite singers to make it into the Top 20.
American Idol Singers Pull Out All the Stops in Hawaii
The first 13 singers to perform in Hawaii definitely brought their A game to the stage. One example was Zachariah Smith, who delivered an energetic performance of Little Richard’s “Lucille” that had judge Luke Bryan telling him, “You’re crazy.”
Then there was Nailyah Serenity, who stunned everyone with her whistle notes on a rendition of “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton. Lionel Richie, who knew Riperton, told Nailyah that she “went to the next level,” describing her voice as “Martian-like.”
Lucy Love also brought plenty of charisma to the show with her cover of “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner that earned a standing ovation from the panel. Bryan told her he can see that “nobody wants it more than you.”
Other highlights from Sunday’s show included Warren Peay’s cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Kaeyra’s performance of “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue, and Emma Busse’s take on “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith.
SEE ALSO: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ CELEBRITY MENTOR ALLEN STONE
Iam Tongi Performs in His Home State
Sunday’s episode ended with a performance from contestant Iam Tongi, who is from Hawaii. As Richie pointed out, this is the first time a contestant from Hawaii has competed in the Hawaii round. His performance was a perfect way to end the night.
Iam performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie, strumming his guitar and showing off his beautiful voice. Richie said he had a “spiritual experience” listening to him sing, while Katy Perry called him “authentic through and through” and said he was “representing your state so well.”
Now it’s time for the fans to decide which singers they want to see in the Top 20. Voting will be open until 6 a.m. ET on Monday, April 17. Fans can vote on the show’s website, through the American Idol app, or by texting the number of their favorite singer to 21523.
The show will return on Monday night at 8/7c on ABC, as the second half of the Top 26 takes the stage for America’s vote.
Hawaii I want 3 and 4 and 5