Tristan McIntosh, Jeneve Mitchell Battle for ‘American Idol’ Top 10
American Idol’ss first live show of its final season aired last night on Fox.
As the show began, host Ryan Seacrest explained that the judges still had some power and the opportunity to choose the contestants that they unanimously agreed on to be in the Top 10. Out of the 14, judge Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. agreed on four to forego their performance and be automatically placed in the Top 10.
The four who were safe included Dalton Rapattoni, Olivia Rox, Trent Harmon and La’Porsha Renae, leaving the fate of Jenn Blosil, MacKenzie Bourg, Tristan McIntosh, Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Thomas Stringfellow, Avalon Young, Manny Torres, Gianna Isabella, Lee Jean and Sonika Vaid in the hands of America.
Hoping for her chance to continue on was Tristan McIntosh. The 15-year-old Nashville native took on Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts The Most.” McIntosh had previously performed this song during her first full-band performance in Hollywood Week.
“First of all, let me just say that was a beautiful song choice for your voice, for the way you did it,” Urban said. “I really felt like we saw and heard a side of you that we hadn’t seen yet. Beautiful.”
“Better than ever,” Lopez added before cutting back to Seacrest.
Later in the show, Jeneve Rose Mitchell put her twist on Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” a song she had also previously sung during Hollywood Week.
“What’s interesting to me about your talent is that it’s compelling, it’s interesting, but I think it’s also a bit polarizing,” Connick expressed. “I would get the sense that some people in the first time they hear you say, ‘this is so interesting. This is so different than what I expected,’ and other people not get it. I hear things in your voice that I get and although that wasn’t the best performance out of all of the times I’ve heard you…”
“You’re right,” Urban added. “I think you’re holding on a little bit. You need to let go. When you let go, that’s when you shine.
“Yeah, Keith is right. But your talent is different than everyone else in this competition and that’s why you’re on the stage. It may take some people a minute to catch up to it, but very talented young lady,” Connick concluded.
Voting opened for the first time at the end of the show. Tonight will decide which six will move on to the Top 10 and which four are going home. Then, the Top 10 will perform. The original American Idol Kelly Clarkson will also return to the stage with a special performance during the live show. Don’t miss it on FOX at 8/7c.
Watch Tristan McIntosh sing Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts The Most”
Jeneve Rose Mitchell puts her twist on Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”
