‘American Idol’ Finale Brings the New and the Old to the Last Performances
With Gabby Barrett, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe holding on to their chances of earning the title of the next ‘American Idol,’ they gave it their all when hitting the stage for both their induction songs if chosen as the winner and their favorite classics.
Just three contestants left on American Idol, but that didn’t stop the drama and excitement from filling up the first night of the two-part season finale on Sunday (5/20).
With Gabby Barrett, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe holding on to their chances of earning the title of the next ‘American Idol,’ they gave it their all when hitting the stage for both their induction songs if chosen as the winner and their favorite classics to showcase their vocal progression throughout the past few weeks.
Barrett could quite possibly become the next Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert of her generation with her performance of her original anthem, “Rivers Deep.” While she stumbled a couple times in the execution, Barrett ultimately redeemed herself with a steady run and made the moment her own, which is what the show is all about.
The country hopeful revisited her sassy side on “Little Red Wagon,” which, no doubt, gave the judges and the audience a look into her powerful future if crowned with a victory. She even earned a standing ovation from Steve Perry for blasting through Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Overall, Barrett gave the other two competitors a run for their money.
Hutchinson leaned on his country boy charm in all three of his performances. He channeled the beloved honesty of Johnny Cash on “Folsom Prison Blues” and also related to Cash in his coronation song called “Johnny Cash Heart.” It was his decision to cover the 1980s Keith Whitley hit, “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” though that soared right into the viewers’ hearts and possibly their voting decisions.
Last but certainly not least stood Poppe, a fan favorite from the start. Nerves struck a bit of her coronation track, “Going, Going, Gone,” but she really hit it out of the park on “Don’t Let Your Children Ever Grow Up.” Quite possibly, Poppe could have solidified a win when she lived up to a Stevie Nicks dream when she commanded her voice through “Landslide.”
Viewers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite and select a winner, starting last night and continuing into the early part of Monday.
The second part of season finale for American Idol will air on Monday, May 21, at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
