Standout pop singers, Louis Knight and Francisco Martin became pals during the Hollywood Week Genre Challenge. The singers have similar musical styles and influences. Indeed, the preview clip below shows the judges, during the auditions, already setting the two up for a rivalry. Katy Perry is convinced that Louis wins, while Luke Bryan bets Francisco beats him in a contest. Lionel Richie chuckles. He’s staying neutral, like Switzerland!
When Hollywood Week included a Duets Round to replace the traditional Group Round, Francisco and Louis are natural partners. Francisco shares with Louis that he struggles with self-confidence. And when the two begin rehearsing their song choice, The Script’s “Breakeven,” Louis gets a first hand look at his duet partner’s issues. Francisco beats himself up, because he cannot remember the lyrics. Louis gives his new friend a pep talk. “You can do it!” he says, “You have it bro, you seriously have it!”
On stage in front of the judges, Louis explains the duo’s name “315” is the time they finally went to bed the night before. He explains why the two teamed up. “We heard some rumors going around that we were kind of being compared to each other,” Louis continues, “We were having this friendly rivalry brewing.” Louis believes that their coming together is a “bold” move.
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Tellingly, only a verse and chorus from the performance is included in the preview clip. Afterward, the judges soothe Francisco. Katy congratulates Louis on not letting his friend out to dry. Katy then addresses Francisco, “If you forget the words, that’s ok. We do it all the time,” she says. “Just don’t give up and don’t show defeat…don’t let the audience know.
Luke assures Francisco that the panel has “tremendous hopes and dream” for both singers. He adds, “You need to trust us and the people around you that you ARE this good.” Lionel adds, “You were born enough.”
In the duets round, the judges decide the fate of the two singers right on the spot. One or both could leave the competition. Watch the clip to find out if Louis and/or Francisco make it to the Hollywood Week solo rounds.
American Idol Hollywood Week Duets airs on ABC Sunday March 30 at 8 pm ET/PT.
Watch Louis Knight and Francisco Martin team up for a bromance-y duet below.
https://youtu.be/3TPkff_5ZV8