HOW to VOTE
Viewers can cast their votes at idolvote.abc.com, the American Idol official phone app or via Text message (Text the contestant’s number to 21523). Voting begins at the BEGINNING of the broadcast. Fans can submit up to ten (10) votes for each contestant per voting method for a total of 30 votes for each contestant. Voting closes after the last commercial break. More at Voting Faq.
The opening bit features Ryan dreaming of Disneyland as the judges dressed as characters freak him out. “This is your weird brain.” So is Ryan going to wear those cringy pjs all night? Carrie is dressed as Rapunzel. Jelly Roll the “Artist in Residence” who does pretty much nothing for the show is in the audience tonight.
Slater Nalley – You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story
HA HA HA. I wanted Slater to sing this song on Sunday instead of the Lion King number. Turns out HE DID PICK IT. For Monday. Yay. Lin helps the singer concentrate on his storytelling. Slater plans to wear a tux. And he won’t play guitar. Lin calls him “Cousin to Randy Newman.”
The tux is a cool touch. What a great idea. He’s got a jazz band behind him. The song has the appropriate New Orleans jazz feel. SHADES OF TAYLOR HICKS! He’s displaying a playfulness on stage I don’t think we’ve ever seen. His voice is VERY raspy like the competition may be wearing on it. But it works.
Carrie calls it a fun way to kick off the night. “You look totally at ease. It was warm, friendly and sweet.” Luke says, “Slater’s playing the American Idol game!” Luke calls it one his favorite versions of the song on Idol. Lionel says, “Son, you’ve come a long way.” Ryan is still wearing the goofy PJs. He mentions Slater’s surprised look after advancing last night. He looked like he fully expected to go home.
John Foster – The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book
John loved spending time as a kid at Disney World. His family is with him. Fans in the park recognize him! His family is so proud.
The arrangement starts off slow and soulful before kicking it up a notch. The second half sounds more like the original. In any case, he brings a funky country western vibe. It’s perfect for John’s relaxed, charming style. The singer brings CHARM CHARM CHARM to the Idol stage.
So much grinning! The crowd won’t stop yelling. Luke says, “You got em right where you want em. You’ve got a thing.” Lionel says, “I think you’ve tapped it at the source.” He calls him likeable. Carrie says, “You took such a fun song and made it your own. It was a good time.
Thunderstorm Artis – A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
Thunderstorm is here with his family. He used to sing his song choice to his baby son. Lin suggests the song start like a lullaby. He helps him find a place to “get the mic” off the stand. Lin suggests he create two moments in the song.
The first verse is sweet and soft. He ramps it up in the second verse, but it’s subtle. The modulation isn’t dramatic. It’s the kind of song that could be belted, but that’s not Thunderstorm’s style. At the end, he brings on his signature rasp and more unique phrasing. He ends in his falsetto. The arrangement is giving 50s vibes. Like Nat King Cole.
Lionel says, “You’ve gone from crooner, tornado, and now you’re just this suave vibe.” Carrie felt the song fit him perfectly. “You are all heart…always smiling. So sweet and believable. You don’t do too much, you don’t do too little.” Luke says, “That was such a perfect moment.”
Breanna Nix – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) from The Parent Trap
Breanna didn’t think she’d get a yes from the judges at her audition. But here she is at Disneyland having fun with her family. Her mom believed in her before she believed in herself.
A couple of song choices are hit songs used in Disney films, like this Natalie Cole tune from the 70s. She seems a little unsure on stage, especially at first. The wheels are turning. But she’s able to lay on her big raspy vocals in all the right places. At the end she sings a perfect high note. Her range is something else!
Carrie mentions that she was unsure in the first half. YES. Breanna notes how wordy the song is and she was likely overthinking it. Luke agrees with Carrie, but he still loved it. Lionel says, “That was a perfect song.” He reminds her that pressure will be with her if she pursues a career in music. “But you can do it.
The Top 3 will be recording original songs and filming hometown visits.
Jamal Roberts – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough from Remember the Titans
He’s happy that his daughters are with him at Disneyland. They love princesses. They were able to dress up in princess gowns. Aw. They are making wishes at a fountain.
Jamal sings Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell. It’s from a Disney movie, but NOT a Disney song. But guess what? I AIN’T MAD. Jamal was made to sing this classic Motown hit from the 60s. The arrangement is slower than the original, but it allows Jamal to infuse the song with soul and an exuberant gospel feel.
Luke says, “You had me emotional.” He thinks Jamal has come a long way since his audition. Lionel says, “I’ve heard this song forever. But you have the ability to “Jamalerize.” He calls it amazing and begs fans to vote. Carrie wished he’d moved around more. Shut up Carrie.
American Idol season 21 winner Iam Tongi sings Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
Iam Tongi performs with a kids choir. A song for a Disney movie? Sweet gig. It’s a fun jaunty tune. Iam plays ukulele as he sings. The song is from the new Lilo & Stitch. The movie opens on May 23. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is off stage with Jelly Roll. Diplo is also in the house. Iam is honored and excited to work with Disney.
Slater Nalley – Born to be Wild from D3: The Mighty Ducks
When he was a kid, he loved Cars. The trip reminds him of his childhood. Aw. Home movies of Slater. he believes the competition gives him more confidence.
Born to Be Wild is originally by Steppenwolf and the 60s counterculture movie, Easy Rider. Just so you know! Tonight, Slater plays electric guitar and for the first time, he fully rocks out. He’s confident, intense, and flipping his own arc on its head.
Lionel says, “There you go again making a mess of all of this. And that’s how you do it.” Carrie calls it great. “Taking your moment in front of the fans.” Luke says, “Great song choice. Loved it.” As a country adjacent singer, he’s more versatile and musical than John Foster.
Thunderstorm Artis – Find Yourself from Cars
It’s been fun bringing his own kids to Disneyland. His sister is proud of him. She is sure their late father is proud.
Thunderstorm plays guitar, sitting on a stool and delivers a pretty and emotional version of the song. It’s typical Thunderstorm–beautiful phrasing and that rasp in all the right places. The slide guitar is a nice quiet touch.
Carrie says, “You have the ability to connect with people. You are all heart. All that is good in the world when you sing.” Luke says, “You deserve every second of being here.” Lionel says, “You are a vibe master. When you step on stage.”
John Foster – Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie
John’s favorite artist is Willie Nelson and loves his version of it. “I’m hearing more Willie than you,” Lin notes. He suggests some phrasing things to help him make the song his own. The song reminds him of all the dreams he had as a kid.
His delivery is sweet and sincere. Lin steered him the right direction as far as phrasing is concerned. Big ups singing a song so many folks know and love. But his fans will love it. He needs to sing with Kermit now. (I like Maddie Pope’s version more, though).
Luke says, “That was a different look. We’re glad you weren’t copying anybody.” Lionel is in love with the timbre of his voice. Yes. It’s fantastic and stands out. Carrie says she felt she had a diamond in the rough. She mentions again that Luke and Lionel were skeptical. And then she predicts he’ll win. And people, that’s why she dissed Jamal Roberts earlier in the night. He’s John’s biggest competitor.
Breanna Nix – You’ll Be in My Heart from Tarzan
She’s dedicating the song to her husband, who she calls her best friend and her rock. Lin loved her ideas for the end of the song, which involve adlibbing over the verse.
It’s odd, because the lyrics are obviously directed at a young child. As a love song maybe not so much. But does it matter. Whatever motivates Breanna to connect to the audience is fine. And she’s more confident this time around, and that’s what’s important.
Aw. Hubby is crying. Lionel says, “It’s so strong, and then you can take it down to a whisper. I enjoyed that performance.” Carrie loves that she had a moment with her family, but didn’t alienate the audience. Luke says, “Your voice and your presence is so strong.” He notes that she sings “comfortable” because the stage is her safe space. That’s true. Luke mistakenly called Breanna’s husband her “wife.” Hilarity ensures.
Jamal Roberts – Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast
He’s not sure why he picked Beauty and the Beast and is unsure. The song scares him a little. Then why is he singing it? Did he not have a choice? Lin helps him find a way to find meaning in the song. The clip ends with Jamal confessing the song is a huge challenge. Lin is sure he can do it.
He kinds turns the song into a 70s slow R&B jam, and it works. Whatever misgiving he had, Jamal found a way to make the lyrics meaningful. He can sing anything.
Luke says, “Let’s win this thing baby!” Lionel says, “How did you make Beauty and the Beast an R&B song.” Interestingly, Carrie declined to make remarks. Hm.
RESULTS
ANYTHING could happen tonight, including a shock boot. Brace yourselves. Tom dim the lights and here we go. Over 19 million votes came in. After the live nationwide vote John Foster is in the Top 3. The next person advancing to the finale is Jamal Roberts! And the final singer advancing to the Top 3 is…Breanna Nix. Ok. That’s not a surprising result in the least.
