'American Idol' 2016 recap: Make-or-break duets challenge names the top 14 singers for the final season
The top 14 contestants on “American Idol” final season were selected from a group of 24. Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. dismissed 10 contestants over the past two weeks to end up with the current lineup.
According to Just Jared, the judge’s save will not be available in the final season, which means that judges no longer have the chance to rescue a contestant that failed to make the cut.
Earlier in February 2016, the top 24 worked with previous “American Idol” veterans for their performances. Some of the notable names that came to help include Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Haley Reinhart.
After all the contestants presented, host Ryan Seacrest rapped and did a booty shake after being pressured by the judges. Afterwards, the judges made their picks.
Lee Jean moved on to the next round after a beautiful performance with Daughtry. The duet sang “Home” and ended with a lot of complements from the judges. Manny Torres also advanced after performing a duet with Sparks, singing “No Air.” The judges commended him for his charisma and terrific performance. Olivia Rox sang “Light On” with Cook to the delight of the panel.
Dalton Rapattoni also worked with Daughtry to sing “Higher Ground.” Urban and Lopez loved the number, although Connick was not so impressed. Jenn Blosil also advanced after singing “My Funny Valentine” with Maroulis. Tristan McIntosh, who sang “Best Days of Your Life” with Pickler, and Trent Harmon, who sang “To Love Somebody” with Sparks, also proceeded to the top 14.
The ones who were sent home include Amelia Eisenhauer, who sang “Suds in the Bucket” with Pickler; Kory Wheeler, who sang “Bennie and the Jets” with Reinhart; CJ Johnson, who sang “The World I Know” with Cook; Shelbie Z, who sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Maroulis; and Adam Lasher, who sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Reinhart.
“American Idol” Season 15 will air next on Feb. 24 on FOX in the US and on Channel 11 in Australia.
Check out the duets with Chris Doughtry and Fantasia Barrino below.
Source: YouTube/American Idol