‘American Idol’ Top 7 Reveal How They’re Approaching Prince Night
Cade Foehner
Song: “Jungle Love” (sung by The Time, written and produced by Prince)
How do you change the arrangement so the song sounds like your own?
Usually, if it’s not a complete change, it’s a 50/50 change up because we have to put our interpretations on things so it doesn’t wind up being karaoke.
How much has Prince influenced your music?
He’s in my top 5 favorite guitarists of all time. He was a huge inspiration to me growing up because he was so involved in the making of his music.
What do you think of the new twist with the live voting cross-country?
I think that’s a great idea but it’s kinda scary because you want your people to be voting in the small window. But I think it’s getting more people involved.
What are you like BTS during the show?
It’s hard to get into a zone but you kinda just have to get into a corner and focus. I’m always looking to get calm before I got out, say a little prayer, get ready to go.
Is there one past AI winner or contestant who inspires you in particular?
Daughtry for me. That’s an obvious one but I still remember watching his season and just being inspired. He’s an idol for me.
What can you tell us about your relationship with Gabby right now?
You get close with people when you spend 16 hours a day with them. I would say I’m really close with her and we’re both interested in each other, to say the least. But we’re both extremely focused on our careers right now. It’s sweet and we’re great, great with the hopes of something in the future. But right now we both want to be the next American Idol.
Who would you love to duet with onstage?
Lenny Kravitz or Stevie Nicks.
Maddie Poppe
Song: “Nothing Compares 2 U”
How do you change the arrangement so the song sounds like your own?
[The show] lets you have total control of the song. I always try and put my own spin on it. I want people to know what it would be like at my concert. Also, I like to stick to my genre because I really establish the type of artist I want to become.
Would you rather sing something original over covers?
I like doing the covers actually because I think it’s important for America to see how you can put your spin on something. They also want to hear something they’re familiar with so they have something to compare it to. But if I had an awesome original, I would love to do it.
What do you think of the new twist with the live voting cross-country?
That is a little scary honestly. I wish that it was overnight so that people have time to see you perform online if they didn’t watch the show live. It seems like it’s more of a popularity contest because someone can vote for you before you perform.
What are you like BTS during the show?
I’m pretty relaxed. We’re doing so much during the week, I get back and I catch up on social media and sleep.
Is there one past AI winner or contestant who inspires you in particular?
I loved Brooke White because she was so different.
Who would you love to duet with onstage?
John Mayer, for sure.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson
Song: “When Doves Cry”
How do you change the arrangement so the song sounds like your own?
I try not change it up too much because I don’t want it to be unrecognizable. I never change the melody but maybe I slow it up or change the instruments a little.
How much as Prince influenced your music?
I grew up listening to everything. My mom played it all the time so I grew up with him.
Would you rather sing something original over covers?
I do write a lot and a have quite a few originals but the cool things about being on the show is getting to do the different genres because they’re a challenge.
What do you think of the new twist with the live voting cross-country?
We all have the same amount of time to get the votes in. I think it encourages people to tune in because they know they’re having a direct impact.
What are you like BTS during the show?
Watching the other folks perform gets me excited to perform. I try not to think about the pressure too much to where I get myself all freaked out and nervous but at the same time I’m getting mentally prepared to do my thing.
Is there one past AI winner or contestant who inspires you in particular?
Carrie Underwood, obviously. Also Scotty McCreery.
Who would you love to duet with onstage?
Eric Church but my childhood hero is Hank Williams Jr.
Jurnee
Song: “Kiss”
How do you change the arrangement so the song sounds like your own?
It really depends. If it’s a staple song that people love, I try not to stray too far. I do change up sometimes the tempo of things and make it a little more R&B.
How much as Prince influenced your music?
Prince was a legend. Of course, it’s scary doing his music because he was such a icon and done perfectly already. It’s nerve-racking and insane but it’s really cool to pay homage.
Would you rather sing something original over covers?
I’ve been writing a lot of original music since I’ve been out here. I’ve been so inspired and I would love to share that with everyone.
What do you think of the new twist with the live voting cross-country?
I think it’s super cool. I think it’s more accurate because you can watch a performance and judge it right away and vote.
What are you like BTS during the show?
I’m just hanging out. I watch a lot of stand-up comedy, eat a lot of snacks. I relax and stay calm.
Is there one past AI winner or contestant who inspires you in particular?
Jessica Sanchez, for sure. She was amazing and young and inspired me to do what I love.
Who would you love to duet with onstage?
Oh God… Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Rihanna. They’re my end-all, be-all celebrity idols.
Michael J. Woodard
Song: “I Would Die 4 U”
How do you change the arrangement so the song sounds like your own?
Well, my song [this week] is upbeat and it’s fast and energetic. I’m really excited. I feel like there’s a certain respect I have for the artists I cover on this show, so I try not to change it so much.
How much as Prince influenced your music?
Me and my family played Prince all the time. My uncle is a huge Prince fan and always had him playing the car.
Would you rather sing something original over covers?
I’m always writing my own stuff but I’m happy with the covers because every time I approach a song I’m thinking about how I would change it up, sing it my way. But yeah, to perform an original would be great. Either way, I’m performing!
What do you think of the new twist with the live voting cross-country?
It’s a new twist but it lets you see how much America really likes you. Thankfully, people are rooting for me and like watching me perform.
What are you like BTS during the show?
Everything you see on TV is how I am!
Is there one past AI winner or contestant who inspires you in particular?
I love Fantasia and Adam Lambert.
Who would you love to duet with onstage?
Brandy or Paul McCartney.
There are only 7 hopefuls left on American Idol, and the competition is about to ramp up Sunday night when the competitors pay tribute to Prince and cover some of his most iconic songs.
Cade Foehner, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Jurnee, Michael J. Woodard, Catie Turner, and Gabby Barrett have been rehearsing like crazy in order to do the Grammy and Academy Award winner justice.
This Idol tribute also marks the first time a singing competition show has honored the groundbreaking artist since his passing in 2016. And besides Prince songs, the spectacular seven will also be performing songs from the year they were born… hello millennial music.
Before they take the stage, the Top 7 spoke to TVInsider.com about their experiences so far on the ABC show. Click through the gallery above to find out what they said!
P.S. Not included in gallery, but Catie Turner will be singing “Manic Monday” (The Bangles song, written by Prince), and Gabby Barrett is performing “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore.”
American Idol, Sunday, Live Coast to Coast, 8/7c, ABC
