The ‘American Idol’ Top 14 Bring Down The House For America’s Vote
ABC Reading Time: 6 minutes
The American Idol Top 14 performed on the big stage Sunday night, and now it’s time for America to vote for their favorites. Read on to watch all of the night’s performances, and learn how you can have your vote counted.
There are several ways you can vote for your favorite contestant to move on to the Top 10. You can vote on the ABC website, on the American Idol app, or by texting the number of your favorite singer to 21523. You can vote up to 10 times per contestant per voting method.
Voting is open until 9 a.m. ET on Monday, April 15. This week, America’s vote will only decide seven of the Top 10. The rest of the Top 14 will perform for the judges on Monday night’s episode. The judges will then choose the rest of the contestants to move on.
1. Laine Hardy
Laine admitted that he’s “still not used to Hollywood,” but you’d never know it from his new style. He said he’s gained new confidence from it, but called himself a “bayou boy at heart.” The comeback kid took the stage to perform “That’s All Right, Mama” by his idol Elvis Presley. The judges praised how far he’s come, although Luke Bryan said he wanted him to be a bit “looser.”
2. Evelyn Cormier
Evelyn said she would rather be recognized for her musical talent than her appearance on reality TV show 90 Day Fiancé. She says she’s “owning” her unique voice. For the Top 14, she took an interesting route by performing “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, which she listened to growing up. Lionel Richie said it was “what show business is all about,” and Katy Perry praised her song choice as a “crowd pleaser.”
3. Alyssa Raghu
Alyssa said people back home think she’s older than she is, but she reminded viewers that she’s still a teenager. She chose to sing “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles. “The sauce is on fire,” Lionel told her after the performance, saying the judges are “proud” of her. Katy said she’s a “fan,” and Luke said he felt like he was hyperventilating when she first starting singing.
4. Eddie Island
Eddie revealed that he lost 60 pounds his senior year of college, which gave him more confidence. He chose a song befitting his signature yellow glasses — “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John. Katy said it seemed like he was nervous, but praised his voice. Luke said it was “so much fun” to watch him. Lionel encouraged him to keep being himself.
5. Riley Thompson
Riley said her hometown was “supportive” of her when she returned home after making it into the Top 14. But no one is as excited as her little sister, for whom Riley hopes to be an inspiration. She chose to sing “Suds in the Bucket” by Sara Evans. “How does it feel becoming a star?” Luke asked her. Lionel said she’s “crushing it,” and Katy said she “grew up.”
6. Wade Cota
Wade revealed that he used to sing heavy metal, which “wrecked” his voice and gave him the rasp he has today. He chose to sing “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne. Katy called it a “great song choice,” and said she loved knowing that he’s a “metalhead.” Luke praised him for using his whole body to sing.
7. Dimitrius Graham
Dimitrius said he was introduced to classical opera at a performing arts school. For the Top 14, he put his own spin on “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Katy said he’s “developed into an artist,” and encouraged him to use emotion when he performs. Lionel said he enjoyed how Dimitrius made viewers think he’s shy, and then “you explode.”
8. Madison VanDenburg
Madison called Kelly Clarkson “a really big inspiration,” but hoped to set herself apart from the original American Idol winner. This week, she channeled Alicia Keys with a performance of “Fallin'” on the piano. The judges gave her a standing ovation, with Luke saying she “made a statement” and encouraging her to become a “diva.” Lionel said she “killed it,” and Katy said it was “Madison through and through.”
9. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Jeremiah took to the piano to sing Elton John’s “We All Fall in Love Sometimes.” The performance brought Katy to tears, as she said they’re “so blessed” to be able to meet him. Lionel said he “Jeremiah’d the whole thing,” saying he hit notes that Elton John and Freddie Mercury couldn’t. Luke said he felt like he’s “not worthy” to watch Jeremiah perform.
10. Uché
Uché brought his energetic persona to a crowd-pleasing performance of “Finesse” by Bruno Mars, complete with a dance break. Katy was so blown away by it, she had to lie down on the judges’ table. “Are we allowed to show that performance on television?” she asked. Luke compared it to “the opening of the best awards show I’ve ever been to.”
11. Alejandro Aranda
Alejandro went from “sleeping on people’s couches” to performing on national television. He said the best comment he’s gotten online was from Stevie Nicks. For the Top 14, Alejandro gave perhaps his most unique performance yet with a cover of Drake’s “One Dance.” Luke said he “can do no wrong.” Lionel nicknamed him “DJ Alejandro.” Katy called him a “true artist” and encouraged him to keep “growing.”
12. Ashley Hess
Ashley’s boyfriend James VIII was on American Idol in Season 15, but didn’t make it to the live shows. He supported her before she took the stage to sing “Fix You” by Coldplay at the piano. She said the song had a special connection to her, as she heard it when her grandfather passed away. Lionel said it was a “very, very strong” performance, and Katy compared her to Carole King. Luke praised her for “being you.”
13. Laci Kaye Booth
Being on American Idol has been Laci’s dream since she was little. You might not have expected this country girl to perform a song by Blink-182, but that’s what she did. She delivered an emotional performance of “Miss You.” Katy said Laci sings “timelessly,” calling her the definition of “idol.” Lionel said she’s “blossoming.”
14. Walker Burroughs
Walker said he feels a lot of “pressure” in the competition, but wants to go as far as possible. He chose to sing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from The Sound of Music. Luke called it “one of the most interesting performances” he’s done. “You have grown so much,” Lionel told him. Katy said this is his “purpose.”
