The American Idol Top 14 took the stage for the FIRST time for your votes. The singers were able to choose their own songs. The set list featured an interesting array of songs many never sung on the Idol stage before. There were some outstanding performances from the singers. Some of my favorites were “Homeward Bound” from Maddie Poppe. “Titanium” from Michael J. Woodard, and “Take Me to Church” from Catie Turner. Honorable mentions go out to Ada Vox, Jurnee and Dennis Lorenzo and Gabby Barrett.
American Idol 2018 Recap – Top 14 Performances (VIDEOS)
Sure, there were some first night jitters up on stage. And for that reason, I wish the contestants had more weeks to compete. It’s not really possible to sustain any kind of real “growth arc” in four or five weeks. After tonight and tomorrow, there are only 4 weeks remaining in the season. Remember back in the day when the finals took 11 weeks to unfold? And that’s not counting the semifinal round! Those were the days.
I more or less like the new set and its club feel–except that the judges table seems miles away from the stage. Maybe the distance is why Lionel Richie feels the need to stand to deliver critiques to the contestants. And they are critiques! Lionel and his fellow judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are attempting to deliver some helpful advice to the singers post-performance.
Although, I could have done without some of the shenanigans, like Katy pulling hair out of Cade’s head as a souvenir for her 70 year old mother. It reminded me a little of the judges insisting that Casey James take off his shirt. It’s cute (as in NOT cute) that Katy set up Cade to be some kind of Granny bait, with even Ryan Seacrest invoking the king of granny bait, Clay Aiken.
Now, it’s time for you to vote for your favorite performances, predict the results and grade the episode.
VOTE VOTE VOTE
Favorite Performance
Choose the FOUR Singers who SHOULD be Eliminated
Choose the FOUR Singers who WILL be Eliminated
Grade the Episode
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