Tristan McIntosh Survives Second ‘American Idol’ Double Elimination

For the second week in a row, American Idol faced a double elimination. Last week, the judges decided that Gianna Isabella and Olivia Rox home, forming the top eight. After tonight, a final six would be revealed.

The top eight took the stage Thursday night (3/10) and paired up to perform a duet with a fellow contestant before taking the stage by themselves.

15-year-old Nashville native Tristan McIntosh paired up with 16-year-old Bluffton, SC native Lee Jean to sing Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”

“I love that song. Here’s the the challenge and I say this to everyone, it’s really hard to find a song that is going to fit both of yours key,” Keith Urban told the teens. “That’s the thing, alright? Because you’re in different registers and everything, but I think you did as good as you could with that. I like the fact that you took some liberties with the melody, but it’s very hard to find a song that’s gonna bring out the best in both of you,” he concluded, much to the agreement of fellow judges Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr.

Later, McIntosh channeled Martina McBride for her solo performance.

“Tristan, you have such a perfectly suited country voice. It’s really so beautiful and that was a perfect song for you as far as I’m concerned,” Lopez said of her “Broken Wing” cover. “There was one little thing at the end that you went for, but I applaud you for going for it because it was really up there. But you did a really, really good job with that song. I think that’s exactly what you need to be doing.”

“You are a country singer and I absolutely love it when you sing country. And I agree with Jenny on that.” Connick explained. “A lot of emotion in that. Good job.”

“It was beautiful. It was the right song for you. I think that that’s the perfect kind of song for you. Your voice is tailor-made for it. I love your grandfather being so supportive of you, like he’s been. It was so touching. My dad got me into country music and he passed away in December, so I got a little emotional watching that,” Urban said. But the perfect song for you and Martina’s got a new album coming out, by the way. She’s amazing! Great job.”

At the conclusion of the show, both Avalon Young and Lee Jean were sent home.

Watch the top six next Thursday, March 17 on FOX at 8/7c.

Tristan McIntosh & Lee Jean perform “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”

McIntosh sings Martina McBride’s “Broken Wing”