‘American Idol’ 2015 Top 8 Update: Jax, Joey Cook, Clark Beckham Among Kelly Clarkson’s Favourites In Episode 23 (Videos)

“American Idol” 2015 (Season 14) has announced its Top 8 in its 23rd episode, which aired Wednesday, Apr. 1, on FOX. Jax, Joey Cook and Clark Beckham were among Kelly Clarkson’s favourites in the latest live episode of the reality-based singing competition.

Episode 23 of “American Idol” 2015 was Kelly Clarkson Night. As the guest mentor of the week, Clarkson shared her insights with this year’s hopefuls before they cover her songs live. Clarkson hardly gave tips to Jax and Joey Cook; she only had high praises for these two contestants.

To Nick Fradiani, Clarkson pointed out he should make eye contact with the audience at home. “American Idol” 2015 judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. all had echoing that Fradiani needs to be more comfortable on stage.

To Tyanna Jones, Clarkson said her vocals was already great. Tyanna has, however, need “to show the fighter.” Idol judge Keith Urban later pointed out they are way past the quality of Tyanna’s vocals; he agreed to what Clarkson said about the missing “connection” in Tyanna’s number.

For some of the AI Season 14 Top 8 finalists, however, Clarkson skipped giving tips. She openly told Jax and Joey that their rehearsal with her showed a lot of promise.

“I have no notes for you,” Clarkson told Jax, who sang “Beautiful Disaster.” Clarkson said if anyone would tell Jax her performance wasn’t good, she should respond with: “Kelly Clarkson said you’re wrong.”

“I have sung ‘Miss Independent’ for 13 years, and I’ve done a lot of different versions of it, and I’ve never even thought to do [Cook’s jazzy take],” Clarkson said after Joey Cook’s rehearsal session. The “original” Idol champ even predicted Cook would give one of the best numbers of the night.

To Clark Beckham, Clarkson shared the same tips she gave to Nick and Tyanna. He should open his eyes and connect to the audience; he should tap into his emotions to connect to the song. Toward the end, however, after Beckham went for some powerful notes, Clarkson praised Beckham with a joke: “I think I’m pregnant.”

“He has such a soulful voice. He such a natural, innate love for blues,” Clarkson described Clark Beckham, who sang “The Trouble With Love Is.” Below are some of the videos from the latest episode of “American Idol” 2015. Beckham’s video has the highest number of views, so far.

‘American Idol’ XIV: Joey Cook Sings ‘Miss Independent’ | Kelly Clarkson Night

‘American Idol’ XIV: Jax Sings ‘Beautiful Disaster’ | Kelly Clarkson Night

‘American Idol’ XIV: Clark Beckham Sings ‘The Trouble With Love Is’ | Kelly Clarkson Night

(Source: All videos are from AI’s verified YouTube page.)

Aside from Jax, Joey Cook, Clark Beckham, Nick Fradiani and Tyanna Jones, the AI Season 14 hopefuls who made it to Top 8 are: Qaasim Middleton, Quentin Alexander, and Rayvon Owen. Daniel Seavey finished at the ninth place.

Let us know your thoughts on “American Idol” Season 14. For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at a.paredes@ibtimes.com.au. Any opinion expressed in this article belongs solely to the writer, and its publication is not an endorsement by IBT media.