Tori Kelly Returns to the American Idol Stage for Top 24 Duets
Who would have thought Tori Kelly would return to the American Idol stage? Wait, Tori Kelly is an American Idol alum? Yes, she was on American Idol back in Season 9 and just missed out on the Top 24. Simon Cowell called her voice annoying in her audition. Now, Tori is very successful with both hits in the pop and CCM genres. She was chosen as one of the pros for the Top 24 celebrity duets, and performed on Monday night’s show with two contestants.
Her first duet was with 26-year-old hair model Madison Watkins. They connected through their faith in their mentor session. Madison shared that the industry can be tough as she doesn’t have a lot of people to look up to or relate to, but Tori is one of them. Tori absolutely crushed the vocal of “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing.” Her voice was so smooth, and she hit some big notes. Madison’s voice was a bit smokier. She didn’t quite hit the notes with all the precision and technique of Tori, but she did keep up with Tori’s power for the most part. This performance was entertaining to say the least.
She then returned later in the show to perform her hit “Hollow” with former boy band member Colin Jamieson. Colin said it was cool to learn what Tori got out of her Idol experience. With Colin, she helped him stretch his range. He was a bit pitchy and sloppy in moments, but I think Tori got Colin “out of his head,” which was the aim of her mentoring experience with him. Their harmonies really shined, most of them perfectly in tune. When together, they sounded stunning. Although, he missed some of the notes, I appreciate that he tried to keep up with Tori, as she is a beast vocally. She hits every run and riff with such precision.
It’s always exciting to see alumni return especially ones who could be disgruntled after getting eliminated so soon and then becoming famous. Tori is such a delight as a person and singer. These duets were a lot of fun.
