‘American Idol’ Season 12, Episode 10 Recap: Top 40 Finalists Are Revealed
It was the last fight to get into the Top 20 for both the men and the ladies during last night’s episode of 'American Idol.'
Unlike Wednesday's episode full of group performances, everyone had to stand on their own and showcase what they’re made of here. Some fell flat, many performed melancholic songs and others shined.
Fresh off the bat, Angela Miller gave a killer and inspiring performance to kick off the episode. The judges were impressed with her powerful ballad --she definitely left a lasting impact.
Zoanette Johnson continued to make her own path in 'American Idol' history as she decided at last minute to change her song choice completely. She created her own, and even freestyled the lyrics. And she performed while rocking out on the drums! Nicki Minaj declared the show as the “Zoanette era” while Mariah Carey called it a “performance to remember.”
The judges quickly sent home Kiara Lanier while Candice Glover, Janelle Arthur, Jet Hermano, Angela and Zoanette continued their road to compete for the next 'Idol'.
The unique Kez Ban performed an original tune but left little room to impress and was sent home on the spot.
After numerous ladies performed gloomy, heartbreaking tunes, Randy Jackson asked for something upbeat and Melinda Ademi delivered just that with Jessie J’s 'Price Tag,' lifting up the entire atmosphere. Keith Urban told Melinda she had a “good light” about her while Nicki MInaj said, “You’ve become a star today.”
Unfortunately, Ashley Smith, Sarina-Joi Crowe, Briana Oakley, Lauren Bettes, Holly Miller and Ariel Sprague were all sent home.
Before the judges decided which ladies would make it to the top 20, they asked Stephanie Schmiel and Rachel Hale to get a shot at redemption. Both dazzled the judges but Rachel was the only one to secure a place in the top 20, sending Stephanie home.
They then ask a few more men to perform one last time to help them narrow down which contestants will be make up the other 20 competing for the 'American Idol' victory.
Adam Sanders and Josh Holidaywere up first. Adam wowed the judges since his first audition but after going solo, he's given nothing but shaky performances and this second chance continued with the bad streak. However, Josh amazed Mariah, Nicki, Randy and Keith with a gospel-esque rendition of 'Georgia On My Mind.'
So Josh stayed, while Adam, Peter Garrett, Marvin Caldaron, Devin Jones, Kenny Harrison, Will White, Tony Foster and David Leathers were sent packing.
Here’s the official list of the Top 20 Season 12 'American Idol' finalists below.
Women
Melinda Ademi 19 Yonkers, NY
Janelle Arthur 23 Oliver Springs, TN
Juliana Chahayed 15 Woodland Hills, CA
Cristabel Clack 29 San Antonio, TX
Aubrey Cleland 19 West Linn, OR
Candice Glover 23 St. Helena Island, SC
Rachel Hale 21 Prescott, AR
Kree Harrison 22 Nashville, TN
Jett Hermano 25 Seattle, WA
Amber Holcomb 18 Houston, TX
Brandy Hotard 26 Port Allen, LA
Isabelle 22 Duluth, GA
Zoanette Johnson 20 Tulsa, OK
Adriana Latonio 17 Anchorage, AK
Angela Miller 18 Beverly, MA
Kamaria Ousley 29 Oakland, CA
Breanna Steer 18 Laplace, LA
Tenna Torres 28 Queens, NY
Shubha Vedula 17 Mt. Pleasant, MI
Jenny Beth Willis 17 Owensboro, KY
Men
Lazaro Arbos 21 Naples, FL
Charlie Askew 17 Little Rock, AR
Nick Boddington 27 Memphis, TN
Curtis Finch Jr. 24 St. Louis, MO
Kevin Harris 28 Montgomery, AL
Josh Holiday 24 Celeste, TX
J’DA 27 Chicago, IL
Paul Jolley 22 Palmersville, TN
Johnny Keyser 24 Pompano Beach, FL
Elijah Liu 18 Rowland Heights, CA
Vincent Powell 29 Austin, TX
Cortez Shaw 21 Dallas, TX
Gurpreet Singh Sarin 22 North Potomac, MD
Jimmy Smith 25 Waynesboro, TN
Bryant Tadeo 23 Hilo, HI
Burnell Taylor 19 New Orleans, LA
Mathenee Treco 26 Aurora, CO
Devin Velez 18 Chicago, IL
Chris Watson 25 Fords, NJ
David Willis 21 Mount Dora, FL
Watch 'American Idol' Season 12, Episode 10 Recap