American Idol 2021 Hollywood: Beane Delights with Elton John (Video)

AMERICAN IDOL 406 (Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge) In a two night event, the search for the next superstar continues as American Idol kicks off its iconic Hollywood Week, SUNDAY, MARCH 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless) BEANE
(ABC/Eric McCandless) BEANE

American Idol 2021 Hollywood Week: The magical Beane is like nothing we’ve seen in the modern days of Idol

To recap just a little, the American Idol judges were skeptical of 23-year-old Brennan Hepler aka Beane’s audition where he sang “Wait For The Moment” by VULFPECK (Watch HERE). The singer from Boston got a no from Judge Luke Bryan, but I disagreed with Luke and really liked his audition. This unusual music choice had my attention. Beane had a very Ben Platt-like presence that Season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham noted on Instagram commenting “Beane Platt.” The judges said Beane was like a modern-day Mister Rogers in his audition. By the way if you haven’t checked out Clark’s little commentary show that airs a few days after every American Idol episode, it is great and detailed.

Beane returned to the show for Hollywood Week as unusual as ever (recap). He was one of nine contestants in the rock genre, even though he doesn’t strike me as a rock singer. His performance featured a very tasteful vocal of “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John. Interestingly, Idol paired Beane’s performance with Casey Bishop’s “House of the Rising Sun.” Both songs highlighted Haley Reinhart’s–my favorite Idol of all time– season 10 run (she finished 3rd).  Both Casey and Beane delivered memorable performances and sailed through in the rock line.

Beane made some interesting choices on the Elton John hit. It started out really good, but I thought later on in the song, although he did show his range and power on the higher raspy parts, it was a bit shouty. In my opinion, Beane was over-singing a bit. His presence on stage is one of a kind. Beane is really a delight. Check out a longer rendition of Bennie and the Jets from his Instagram.

I hope Beane tackles some Ben Platt sometime on the show. “Grow As We Go” would be a great choice. I also hope the judges/producers pair the singer with Anilee List for the duet round. Their styles would blend really well. Check out a cover of “Honey” by Kehlani that displays Beane’s skills with runs. It also shows off some harmonies and acapella skill HERE

Beane is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Watch a performance from the Berklee studio HERE

The singer also just released a gorgeous song. I have been streaming it a lot already. The song, “Lost In The Sound,” includes producer Ariza and Julia Gartha on vocals with Beane. If you haven’t checked it out, please do so HERE

Check out Beane’s Tik Tok and Instagram.

American Idol 2021 Hollywood Week: Beane sings Elton John’s Bennie and the Jets

 

About Blake Busch 243 Articles
I am a graduate of Drake University with a BSBA in marketing and minor in data analytics. My favorite shows to follow are American Idol and The Voice. I also love crime thrillers, Top Chef, and Masterchef. My hobbies include cooking, baking, playing basketball, and watching sports.