‘American Idol’s Top 5 Becomes The Top 3. Who Made It To The Finale?
ABC Reading Time: 4 minutes
This week’s American Idol marked the final episode before the season finale, as the Top 5 got whittled down to the Top 3. The judges used their save on Laci Kaye Booth last week, so this time it was all up to America’s vote.
The contestants sang three songs this week. The first was chosen by in-house mentor Bobby Bones. The singers also performed songs for their heroes in honor of Mother’s Day, as well as songs by Elton John. Read on to see the night’s performances and find out who went home.
Wade Cota
Bobby Bones chose Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” for Wade to sing. Katy Perry praised him for stepping outside of his comfort zone, and encouraged him to “let it go” for his next two songs. Lionel Richie agreed that he should relax a bit more.
Laci Kaye Booth
Bobby assigned Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” to Laci, since the lyrics resonate with her own story. “I’m glad we saved you,” Luke Bryan told her after she sang. Lionel said the song “fit you perfectly,” calling her a storyteller. Katy told her to “take more chances” later in the show.
Alejandro Aranda
Bobby chose for Alejandro to sing Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” saying he wanted to hear what the singer did with a well-known song. Lionel praised him for making every performance his own. Katy suggested that this is the most seriously he’s taken the competition, while Luke said he’ll “change music.”
Laine Hardy
Bobby called Laine an “old soul,” and challenged him to sing “Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band. Katy told him to “keep scaring yourself.” Luke complimented his arrangement of the song, while Lionel encouraged him to “give us attitude” moving forward.
Madison VanDenburg
Bobby said he chose Pink’s “What About Us” for Madison to stop her from holding back. Luke praised her for connecting more with the audience, but urged her not to get “complacent.” Lionel said her last two notes were “way out of the stratosphere.”
Wade Cota
Wade performed Elton John’s iconic song “Rocket Man” for the second round of performances. He even wore some Elton-esque shades for the occasion. Lionel said it was good that he “played with it,” despite it being a difficult song. Luke said it gave him chills.
Laci Kaye Booth
Laci had some fun with her Elton John performance by singing “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” Katy told her to “just keep doing that,” while Luke praised her for doing something different than usual.
Alejandro Aranda
Alejandro performed Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” on the piano. Luke said he was “owning the night.” Lionel told him, “You killed that.” Katy told him he’s “decided to actually play in this competition.”
Madison VanDenburg
Madison performed one of Elton John’s most well-known records, “Your Song.” Lionel said she’s there to “knock everybody out.” Katy made a hamburger metaphor by saying Madison “brought the ketchup and the mustard.” Luke complimented her range.
Laine Hardy
Laine performed Sir Elton’s “Something About the Way You Look Tonight.” Katy said he’s “pushed” himself and “it’s paying off.” Luke compared him to Frankie Valli, while Lionel called him “a winner.”
Wade Cota
Wade chose to honor both his mother and his stepfather with a performance of “Hard Luck Woman” by KISS. Luke called it an “amazing tribute,” while Katy told him “it’s just the beginning for you.”
Laci Kaye Booth
Laci chose to honor her grandma with a performance of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. Lionel said she’s “stronger than ever,” while Katy said she was a “mess” as she teared up. Luke said it was a preview into what Laci’s future career could be.
Madison VanDenburg
Madison dedicated a performance of the song “Make You Feel My Love” to her mom. Katy said she would have “sounded awful” if she had tried to sing that for her mom, because she would be so emotional. Lionel encouraged viewers to vote.
Laine Hardy
Laine paid tribute to his big brother with a performance of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles. Katy said it was “super cool,” and thanked him for returning to the show this season.
Alejandro Aranda
Alejandro chose to honor his friend and mentor, musician Twin Shadow. He performed an original song called “Blesser,” complete with some impressive piano accompaniment. Lionel said we’re “watching musical history.” Luke said he will “champion” him.
Who Went Home?
America voted during the show, and chose to send Laine, Madison, and Alejandro to the finale as part of the Top 3. That means that Wade Cota and Laci Kaye Booth were eliminated. Next week, this season’s new American Idol will be crowned. Who do you think will win?
