‘American Idol’: Carrie Underwood Mentors as Final 3 Set for the Finale (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
After giving the stage to a strong field of budding musical artists, American Idol has set its finale. The Top 5 first ventured to Vegas where they were mentored by Carrie Underwood, one of the most (if not the most) successful alums in the show’s history.
The multi-time Grammy winner took time out of her REFLECTION residency as each singer took on some of her biggest hits before judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. In Round 2 the quintet was tasked with choosing their “encore” show-closer. In between the fierce competition, Finneas gifted viewers a trippy performance of his new single “Naked.” Rita Ora also stopped by with Diane Warren to provide a first look at the music video for the new girl-power anthem “Finish Line.”
When the stardust settled, America’s vote decided who impressed enough to earn a spot in the finale. Who carried on to the end? Find out how the night shook out below. Spoilers ahead.
HunterGirl
ABC/Eric McCandless
A dream in itself was the country girl meeting Carrie Underwood. Her advice to the fresh face on the scene HunterGirl was to talk herself up. The popular finalist chose “Undo It,” even channeling the Carrie strut and bringing that sassy side out. Lionel liked how she owned the stage. Katy and Luke said it was HunterGirl’s best performance. The Winchester, Tennessee native then went to Little Big Town for “Girl Crush.” Lionel felt the sound was crystal clear. Katy has a girl crush and said her nieces were voting for HunterGirl. Luke told her she was in star mode right now.
Leah Marlene
ABC/Eric McCandless
Leah told Carrie most of the covers she did on a YouTube channel as a kid were her covers. She chose “I’ll Stand by You.” Originally done by The Pretenders, it was a song that the Idol gold standard sang for a charitable Idol Gives Back show back in the day. Carrie could hear the artistry. Katy thought she reinvented the song and was also impressed with the a capella sesh with Carrie during their mentor session. Luke found it beautiful from the presentation to the music. Lionel was impressed by how Leah made it her song. In round 2, she selected Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and tore the house down. Luke was blown away. Lionel said she is in the zone. Katy found Leah breathed new life to a 1980s classic.
Fritz Hager
ABC/Eric McCandless
Fritz was out of quarantine after battling COVID meeting Carrie, who felt he gave a softer viewpoint to “I Wanna Remember.” A 2021 collaboration with Needtobreathe. Carrie told the singer-songwriter to use those nerves, and in the end, showed him how to take the proper selfie. Luke liked the guitar work and his take on the song. Lionel enjoyed the stage presence. Katy called him consistently amazing. The 22-year-old from Tyler, Texas showed another side with his second performance, choosing “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer. Katy thought he was so cool with those dance skills. Luke wants the show to take the clip removed of him turning down Frtiz in the initial audition. Lionel was impressed with the showmanship. A great one-two punch, but not enough to make it to the final round.
Noah Thompson
ABC/Eric McCandless
Noah sat down with Carrie virtually due to COVID. She told him to close his eyes and picture nobody is there as a trick to fight nerves. Carrie connected to Noah’s story of a small-town boy dreaming big. Keeping with that sentiment, the dedicated dad returned to an in-person live audience for “So Small.” Lionel remarked on his authenticity and ability to tell stories. Katy liked how he moved on stage and encouraged him to interact with the audience. Luke then demonstrated what she meant. The Louisa, Kentucky construction worker picked the perfect song to showcase how far he has come in “Working Man” by Larry Fleet. Lionel pleaded if you want this man, vote. Katy said he aced the test. Luke appreciates how he can work a room.
Nicolina
ABC/Eric McCandless
The vocal powerhouse told Carrie she was doing “Blown Away.” Carrie said the Canadian 18-year-old made the song her own by slowing down the cadence. Katy likes how Nicolina is always looking at ways to make the performance memorable. This time one complete with a cape and wind machine. Luke said she delivered once again. Lionel’s advice was to stay in this pocket, finding her stride. The Toronto, Ontario 18-year-old continued to shine on Adele’s “All I Ask.” “And the marquee says Nicolina,” Luke concluded after hearing the show-stealer. Lionel called it an American Idol treasured moment. Katy added she came to play. Surprisingly, it was not enough to make it to the finale.
American Idol finale, May 22, 8/7c, ABC
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If some savvy agent, manager or life coach can convince Leah to steer clear of her loopy side and lean more toward her soft ethereal side, she could dominate music and maybe movies for a long time. She stunning when she is soft and sincere.
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she should win
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O
I think Jay being eliminated last week was awful. Leah, Noah and Jay should have been top 3. But I think and hope we haven't seen the last of Jay.
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I don't think Jay should have been top 10.. and he was not voted in... the judges put him in...
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I think if a voice coach could get Jay to stop with the long pitchy runs and just sing the song as written, his looks and charisma would take him a long way.
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B
Delighted to lose Nicolina and I am indifferent toward Fritz. Fritz is youung and popular on the net, so he'll have a career. Hunter is so over rated with the way she sings without true emotion. Alexa would do better without even being human. So, it's down to Leah and Noah. Leah looks so much like a young Elizabeth Schue that I could see her having a double career in music and films. Noah will not stay with it for the long haul; I can't see him leaving his family for long tours.
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It's Elisabeth Shue, but yes, I see the similarity.
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B
They are ALL very good as the final 5 but the show picks a potential Idol as well as a singer. and of the five Leah and Huntergirl have been flawless singers. Both have an idol aspect to them with Leah more towards pop and Huntergirl leaning toward country music. Nicolina seems less sure on the stage and needs more experience there. Noah seems to have plateaued as a singer and Fritz may have fallen behind with his time away for medical reasons. Noah will have to really give a perfect, powerful performance to win and I haven't seen that in his song choices.
I would not be disappointed by either Leah or Huntergirl winning, and whichever gives a perfect performance will likely win. Too close to call for those two!
Surprise me, ladies! Give me reasons to pick you from the other two!!!
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Anyone else think the judges are biased regarding Huntergirl ? She’s not THAT good
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O
She's not even adequate. She's a bar singer who cranks out the right notes but with zero connection to the lyrics. And she rushes the last word of every line as though she can't wait to be done with it. I wouldn't walk across the street to hear her if the admission was free.
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O
Who CARES?!
What does this POSSIBLY have to do with American Idol?!
Scammer! Pitch your nonsense somewhere else, please!
Anyway, in regards to American Idol, sad about Fritz, like Huntergirl to a point, do NOT like Leah, or Nicolina at all!
NOAH for the win, hands down!
SO much talent, SO adorable, SO much charm, Musicality and relatibility!; and no, I'm DEFINITELY not a 14 year old girl, either! LOL!
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It's obvious the voters are mostly 14 year old girls. Lean and Nicolina were by far the most talented along with Christian Guarino. This show is not about real talent - it's an popularity contest. Case in point - there are a ton of winners who were never heard from again
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agree but Christian got "boring" and choose the wrong songs...
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Nearly everything in life is a popularity contest. Whether it's who gets promoted at work, who gets to be prom queen, admission into a fraternity etc.. Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and Mick Jagger are mediocre singers, but people like them.
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