Halle Bailey, "The Little Mermaid's" star, and Sara Bareilles were highlights as the Top 5 battled the Disney music in two rounds. Two of the artists were then sent home ahead of the epic finale next week. Which three artists were successful, and were they right?

Halle Bailey's performance of "The Little Mermaid" was the highlight of Disney Night on "American Idol." The night was also the one that revealed the season's finalists.

It's a bit unique this year, as all five remaining contestants have incredible talent. Each of the five remaining contestants has earned his or her spot, and each of them would be a strong contender for the title. After tonight, there are only three remaining to compete in the three-hour show next week.

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Katy Perry, the fashion-forward judge, who enjoys dressing up, chose Elastigirl, from "The Incredibles", this year. This costume gave her more freedom of movement and flexibility than her last year's outfit. She wasted no time showing off how much better she moved.

Sofia Carson, star of "Descendants", was present to assist the contestants in one round (although she did not get to sing!) The first song was dedicated to the moms in honor of Mother's Day. All ten songs are Disney classics. However, one song is from "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. The contestants have more freedom to choose how they define this.

We found it most impressive that all five had really taken their place as artists. They channeled their nerves into incredible performances. They didn't seem like nervous, scared kids at a singing contest. It was hard to tell who would win and who would win.

What did America get right?

Since I am safe at home, you can expect me to be harsher than my co-workers Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. But I could be nicer too. Maybe.

Just for fun, let's rank them from worst to best to see which ones I like. So I can determine who is the best, and see if my votes are correct.

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FILLER

Sara Bareilles

("When You Wish Upon a Star," Cliff Edwards (from "PInocchio") I'm not gonna lie. The humming was a bit odd. It felt like she set up an introduction, but then she continued. Sara was eventually joined by The Top 5 because, of course, she was. They were just background singers. Sara's sweet, simple and classy delivery is very impressive. It proves that you don't need to be a showoff to be captivating and to own a stage.

Halle Bailey

(Part of Your World, Jodi Benson) Anyone who is still angry about Halle being cast as Ariel after this performance can sit down and stop talking. This performance was incredible. She was able to capture the original's cadence, delivery style, playfulness and earnestness as well as the dreamlike quality and longing. It was a truly masterful vocal performance from an artist on top of their game.

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ROUND 1: Disney Night

We Ani

(Into the Unknown, Idina Menzel, from "Frozen 2") - 24 Harlem, NY We went big and epic as the song demanded. She has shown that she is a powerful performer and was certainly able to blow the roof off the place. However, we also appreciated her subtler moments in contrast with the incredible power and control. We could feel the connection with her beautiful, passionate tone. She is making a strong argument (on top an already strong season), for the finale. How can you live without her?

Zachariah Smith

("I just can't wait to be king," Jason Weaver, [from "The Lion King") - 20, Amory MS) Zachariah had already become a king with his incredible stage show and powerhouse vocal performance. We were surprised by his choice of song, but it was so full of energy and joy that we couldn't help but tap and slide along with him. We were able to dance in the aisles when he reached the breakdown at the end. Zachariah always takes us on a journey, but his most relaxed and enjoyable performance might be this one. This was a real surprise.

I am Tongi

("Lava," Kuana Tores Kahele and Napua Greig (from "Lava") - 18, Kahuku HI)Iam has already such star power that the crowds of people who stopped to hear him became a mini-concert. How can he lose this season? Again, his voice has a rich, sweet timbre that is so enticing. It was a song for a storyteller, and he told it with heart and sincerity. Iam is an artist with a natural talent who can emote better than most professionals who have made it in this industry. He'll surely be one of them soon.

Colin Stough

("Real Gone," Sheryl Crow [from "Cars") - 18, Amory MS) Colin brought his country rocker grit to the front of his performance. In his short time on the show, he has grown as a performer. He delivered from the start on an uptempo country jam. This is the type of performance that will get people moving, and it's exactly what he needs. This performance was very different from his previous performances, and it gave us a good idea of what he can do.

Megan Danielle

(You Can't Stop the Girl," Bebe Rexha, [from "Maleficent Mistress of Evil", 21 Douglasville, GA] Megan was in complete control of the song, from beginning to end. Megan Danielle's signature raspy voice is iconic and thrilling to hear. It tells us that this will be another heartfelt, heartbreaking performance. She has also grown so much. She now believes in her talent and power, and has finally accepted it. This was a powerful, yet restrained moment.

ROUND 2: MOTHER’S DAY Tribute

We Ani

("The Climb," Miley CYrus [from "Hannah Montana: The Movie") - 24, Harlem NY We understand why this song might be meaningful for We, but it wasn't her most impressive performance. We know that she is capable of so much more. She's been able to slay all these big songs for some reason. But we didn't connect with her as much on this song. It's almost as if she didn't know how to feel comfortable with her arrangement.

Zachariah Smith

(Life Is a Highway, Tom Cochrane, from "Cars", 20, Amory MS) Zacharia's voice wasn't as strong, but the stage presence was just as captivating. He's a natural performer, who is transformed when the music begins in an organic, wild, and unexpected way. Every time he takes the stage, it's like watching a crazy transformation from an unassuming child to a bona fide Rock Star. He lost his voice a few time, but when on, he is fantastic.

Megan Danielle

(Carried Me With You, Brandi Carlile, [from "Onward") - 21, Douglasville GA) This was another perfectly crafted vocal. But we didn't feel a thing. Megan rarely leaves us feeling empty during a concert. Not because we have to feel anything every time someone sings. This was strange because we're usually emotional mush in her hands. We were able disconnect and listen to her. Her pitch was perfect and her tone still unmistakably magic. Megan is a real deal.

Colin Stough

("Nobody knows," The Lumineers (from "Pete's Dragon") - 18, Amory MS) Colin told the story in his pocket more than ever before. With each breath, he managed to keep us enraptured by his masterful subtlety. The room was quiet as he performed. It was the most connected he's ever been, in the zone, and making a powerful statement, not only as a contestant but as an artist who has a message to share with us all.

I am Tongi

Cat Stevens, "Father and Son" [from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"] - 18, Kahuku, HI) Iam just delivers. He makes it seem effortless, even though you know that it's not... or is it? It's either that rich, buttery, almost hauntingly-slow vibrato in his voice or all that indescribable, vocal goodness that just flows from him as if he were born with it. Iam is a rare talent in that his performances are filled with raw emotion. Even when he doesn't feel as much, like he did here, his authenticity and depth are so strong that we melt with every note and strum.

PREDICTIONS AND RESULTS

If we were right, there was a more intense battle between the Top 3 than there actually turned out to (if that's what happened). Zachariah and We Ani both performed in a surprising manner on the night.

We should again qualify all comments with the statement that we believe this is the best Top 5 of this franchise's history. In any other year, any one of these five could have been a serious contender for the win. It's unfortunate that they are competing against each other, and Iam Tongi's victory is almost assured. (Even Katy believes this, as she stated tonight.)

This week in particular. We felt that Zachariah had a great performance, and then We had another one that was just a little below it. We feel the same way about Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, and even Iam to a certain extent; it's just their off-night wasn't as bad as our ranking above.

Comparing the two rounds on the basis of our rankings, it is actually a dead-heat between our top three. Colin Stough always had a larger following than Zachariah. He showed off more of his personality and abilities tonight. Zachariah did a great job as "King," but not on "Highway."

We was the only one who seemed off all night. It's like she got stuck in this diva lane. We wanted to hear some of the Tina Turner rocker energy that we knew was there. She could have done what Colin did, and shown us both sides of her talent.

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We were confident that Zachariah and We would be the last to go, whereas, last week, Megan and Colin would have been on the outside, looking in. Was it this week, or last week? Or a combination of both? Would America fire both women? Would America boot both women?

Megan Danielle was the second person to be sent through next week. We were 2 for 2. Was Iam left up there just to make it obvious who would win the final vote, or was there a chance of a big upset - even with the audience's raucous reaction to every word he said?

They just wanted to end the suspense so Zachariah and We Ani could accept the inevitable. Iam tongi was the one who joined Megan and Colin in the final. If we were to predict the Top 3 ranking, we would say that Colin will be just behind Iam and Danielle third.

The three-hour finale show next week will be packed. Keith Urban will be a guest and mentor to the Top 3 in their attempt to learn his entire song catalogue. He's not the only one performing, however, as all of the judges, including Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Lauren Daigle will be there, along with James Blunt and Jazmine, TLC and Lainey, Wilson, Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding. Pitbull and Kevin Cronan from REO Speedwagon will also be present.

"American Idol's" "Journey to the Finale", this season, will be recapped Monday at 8 pm. ET, and returns next Sunday for a three hour endgame. ABC.

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Title: American Idol 5th Judge: Halle Bailey Delivers Stunning Little Mermaid Performance, Finalists Revealed
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/05/14/american-idol-recap-halle-bailey-little-mermaid-performance-top-3-finalists-revealed/
Published Date: Mon, 15 May 2023 07:05:44 +0000

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