Author: Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya / Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The American Idol revival on ABC finally made it to Hollywood Week on Monday night. The singers lucky enough to secure golden tickets from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were put to the test at this next stage of the competition.
Singers performed in solo and group rounds, the judges making significant cuts along the way. Only 24 will make it out of Hollywood Week. “If you have an A game, now is the time to bring it,” Richie said.First up were the “line of 10” solo performances. Ten singers each gave quick performances and the judges picked a select few to advance. Not all contestants had their performances aired.
Country singer and small town girl Layla Spring was in the first group of solo singers. She played guitar and sang the heartbreaker “Last Kiss,” which was famously covered by Pearl Jam. Her voice was a little too affected while singing so that it was almost hard to make out the lyrics, but she had a lot of confidence. Alyssa Raghu was in the same group, singing “The Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. And goat farmer Trevor McBane gave a gritty performance, showcasing that raw voice that piqued the judges’ interests in the first place. Caleb Lee Hutchinson closed out the group by playing guitar and sang “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley. McBane, Spring, Hutchinson and Raghu all advanced.
Alpaca lover and farm boy Noah Davis was in the next group, singing “Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J. He knocked it out of the park with a soulful vocal. Twins Milo and Julian Sposato were also in the group, singing separately this time. They stood on their own, both showing off their delicate tones, although Milo had the technically tighter performance. Noah and Milo made it through, and Julian was eliminated, splitting up the twins.
Kennedee Rittenhouse, Joshua Ward and Kristyn Harris were shown in a montage of eliminations.
In the next group, Catie Turner sang an indie version of “Come Together” by The Beatles with lots of runs and ad libs, accompanying herself on the guitar. Zach D’Onofrio, whose singing voice is strikingly different from his speaking voice, sang the ’50s torch song “Cry Me a River.” Turner made it through to the next round, but D’Onofrio was cut.
Maddie Poppie sang a delicate cover of “Dreams” by Brandi Carlile, playing guitar and showcasing her indie-pop sound. Former rodeo worker Cade Foehner gave a sultry alt-rock performance next, playing electric guitar. Both made it through to the group round.
College student Jonny Brenns, who secretly auditioned for the show without telling his parents, had his mom in the audience this time. He played piano and sang “Somebody Else” by The 1975, delivering an emotional performance ending on an impressive run. He advanced to the next round.
In the next line of 10, out artist Jurnee sang “You Don’t Do It…
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