American Idol: The Search For A Superstar s12e08 Episode Script

1 Three days ago, the best of the best arrived from every corner of the country.
But the competition of Hollywood week proved to be too much for many - I didn't come here to lose.
- And only the strong have survived.
Looks like you're all going through to the next round.
Tonight, they'll take the stage for the most important performance of their lives.
I don't want to mess this up.
- I'm nervous.
I'm nervous.
- Prepare yourself for some shocking eliminations That flame is now burnt out.
- Can't even sing.
- Just give us one minute of professionalism.
And major meltdowns.
Please get that camera out my face, man.
And some of the most phenomenal performances you've ever seen.
This is solo day That's all I want, is a chance to be something.
- And this - When I call your name, step - forward.
- Is American idol.
- I don't know what happened.
- You all were equally bad, actually.
It's the most important day and for the guys left standing from group day, the most critical task is upon them.
This is their final shot.
Today's the day, man.
The boys got to bring it all.
Last chance.
Either you have it, or you don't.
- Use the mic, use the mic.
- Okay, okay, sorry.
I'm just trying to hear something really, really special.
Over the past 12 hours, they've had to choose a song from the list, and work with a vocal coach on an arrangement.
Keep going.
Do your thing.
Way too high.
- Way too high? - Yeah.
The kiss of death in this competition is to doubt yourself.
To push them further, they'll be accompanied by the idol band.
And for the first time in the competition, they'll have the chance to play their own instrument as well.
Everything is on the line because today, half of the remaining 43 will be cut.
Back row, it's the end of the line.
Everything that we wanted to accomplish is definitely at stake right now.
Backstage, Paul jolley is struggling to hold it together.
I'm so nervous.
I'm so nervous.
It's just been a long week, and it's hard to keep my mind clear and focus on lyrics and all this other stuff that it's just a lot going on.
Despite some strong auditions throughout the competition, Paul's confidence appears to be.
Everything just feels like it's falling apart in my head.
Do you think that it's because it's sort of ? Everything just feels like it's gonna fall apart.
I don't want to go back home.
I've worked so hard.
- Hey, hey! - Hey.
So, I'm Paul jolley.
Um, as you can tell I'm a little nervous.
Sorry.
I'm so nervous.
Take your breath.
- It's just a lot going on.
- Shake it out, shake it out.
Takeshake it out and take your breath.
- Walk around.
- I want this so bad.
I've worked so hard.
You know? It's just I'll hold it together, I promise.
dry lightning cracks across the sky those storm clouds gather in her eyes shatter every window till it's all blown away.
Blown away every brick, every board every slamming door blown away blown away-ay-ay blown away - Big, big voice.
- Yeah.
He's a good singer.
Hi, jolley.
- Hi.
- You walked out so defeated, and that really irritated me.
It's such a turn off.
Just give us one minute of professionalism and, you know, focus so that you don't break in the middle of your song.
- It's just a lot - Right, but but it's going on other than all of this.
- But it's one minute.
- I promise you, it's not just this week.
It's-it's jolley.
It's one minute for you to come onstage and take that off of your face.
Thank you.
- Be jolly.
- I will be jolly.
- Yeah, be jolly.
- I promise you.
- Thank you.
- "Be jolly.
" Do you think, in that minute, that you delivered the performance that can put you through? - I hope so.
I hope so.
- Did you feel good about it? - 'Cause I know I can bring it.
- Did you feel good after you - finished it? - No.
But Paul will have to sweat it out backstage, because today the judges will be making cuts after every eight singers.
I'm on the edge, the edge the edge, the edge and next to fight for survival is lazaro arbos.
The edge I'm on the edge of glory and I'm hanging on a moment with you I'm on the edge with you Thank you so much.
- Like Paul, lazaro is left to wait and wonder As more fierce competition - hits the stage.
- Hey.
- This will be you at the end.
- Oh, boy.
- Hello, hello.
- Hey.
- Hello.
- My name is Curtis Finch Jr.
I'm 24 years old.
I'm from St.
Louis, Missouri.
And my goal is to reach and touch the hearts of people.
As an early front-runner in the competition, Curtis has a lot to live up to with this final performance.
I know I can't take one more step towards you 'cause all that's waiting is regret I wish that I missed the first time that we kissed 'cause you broke your promises - wow.
So now you're back you don't get to get me back - hey! - Oh! Who do you think you are? running 'round leaving scars collecting your jar of hearts tearing love apart who do you think you are? - Oh, my goodness.
Absolutely beautiful, as always.
- Thank you.
I'm a fan of yours.
I think you know that by now.
- Thank you.
- I'm blessed to hear you sing today, so thank you.
Bless you.
- Now, it's deliberation time.
- That kid can sing.
- He's a yes.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
- No.
So for the first time ever, contestants are getting immediate results.
Hey, guys? No waiting, no rooms, but plenty of emotions.
Now the judges are ready with their decision.
A lot of this voting wasn't unanimous, but it's based on your collective performances.
Lazaro, step forward.
- Curtis.
- And Paul jolley.
Can you step up, jolley? You're through to the next round.
Back row, it's the end of the line.
Thank you.
- I'm still speechless.
- We doin' good.
We on a roll.
Coming up Some of the most star-studded performances in a dozen seasons.
Absolutely beautiful, as always.
But as things reach a fever pitch - Nicki holds nothing back.
- So disappointing.
I don't know why you would choose that song.
Sometimes things become the pity party.
Early favorites will be silenced just after this.
I feel sick.
We're ready when you are, Randy.
Here they come.
There's a lot at stake today.
The only pressure is really just on myself.
Oh, I'm nervous.
I'm nervous.
It's the crucial solo round for the guys in Hollywood.
With the pressure mounting as they wait to perform, a flood of thoughts are running through their heads.
I am a little emotional right now.
I'm trying to contain myself so I don't, you know, sound a mess on stage.
This is the chance of a lifetime.
You don't want to mess this up.
But in the midst of this storm of anxiety, Devin velez feels calm and collected.
I'm not that nervous.
I don't think I'm gonna get nervous.
I haven't been nervous yet in competition.
Um, you had your 'Cause you're too damn good, - that's why.
- No, no.
That's why.
'Cause you're too damn good.
No, it's 'cause you need to stay focused.
Whoo-hoo! - Hi, guys.
- Hi.
- Hello.
.
- My name's Devin velez.
I'm 18 years old, from Chicago, Illinois.
I didn't expect any of this.
It's been amazing.
The highlight for Hollywood week so far has been the a cappella solo round.
I sang somos novios, by Andrea - bocelli.
- Yeah! When Randy Jackson stood up for me, it was wow, like I-I did something right.
[Louis Armstrong's what a I see trees of green red roses too oh - all right now.
- I see them bloom - uhh! - For me and for you - come on, now.
- And I think to myself and I think to myself what a wonderful world You got it.
Yeah, yeah! - Yeah.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah! - Thank you.
- You are born to sing.
It's what you do, right? Amen! We'll see what everybody else says.
- Thank you guys so much.
- Thank you very much, Devin.
Thank you, Devin.
- That's great.
- That was perfect.
- Finally.
- So Devin impressed the judges with his version of a classic, and a few more standouts accomplish the same feat, like gurpreet Singh sarin from the.
New York auditions.
Georgia, no, no, no Georgia no peace I find oh, just an old sweet song keeps that Georgia on my mind yeah oh, Georgia Yeah And Cortez Shaw, from Oklahoma city.
- Sunny.
- Yeah! Thank you for the love you brought my way oh, you gave to me your all and all now I'm feeling ten feet tall sunny one so true oh, I love you I love you - yeah.
Yeah.
Well, on stage the guys are killing it.
But backstage, matheus fernandes is feeling the pressure.
This is the first time that I'm singing with a live band, by the way, by myself.
So, that's pretty badass, but at the same time I'm, like, super nervous.
And you haven't done that, in your career? I used to only sing, like, in the car or, like, in my bedroom or something.
This'll be a little - different.
- Yes.
My name is matheus.
I'm 22 years old Not 10.
Um - First and foremost, thank you so much for letting me be in this position right now.
That I'd mention to people that.
I want to be here one day they'd, you know, they'd laugh - at me, so - Mm.
The song that I'm singing is stronger, by Kelly clarkson.
You know the bed feels warmer sitting here alone you know I dream in color yes and do the things I want think you had the best of me think you had the last laugh bet you think that everything good is gone what doesn't kill you makes you stronger stand a little taller doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone whoa oh - whoo! Whew! That's my first time playing with a live band like that.
I could tell.
- Appreciate you guys.
- Is it me? - Yeah.
- Kudos to the band.
Matheus, darling.
So you have a come a long way.
Yes, ma'am.
And I "apprecigate" I'm sorry.
No, we know that you apprec we really see you as a genuinely good person.
Everybody around you can tell.
It was a little bit not really connected there.
Yeah, I wanted to actually tell you this yesterday when you performed, but I wasn't given a chance to.
And then when you came out today, I felt like every time you performed you were sort of making reference to your height.
Sometimes things can go from being inspiring to becoming you wanting a pity party.
And once you're great, we don't even notice your height.
You don't have to milk that, ever again, ever.
Be you, be great, and just rest in, you know, your talent after today.
Love you guys.
Appreciate it.
Thanks.
It's annoying.
Let's go.
All right, let's go.
Let's get it.
I've never had so many question marks in my life.
All right.
Hello, guys.
When I call your name, step forward.
Devin.
Gurpreet, step forward.
Cortez, step forward.
Adam, step forward.
Listen, guys, this is really tough.
It's really separating the cream of the crop here, and just know a lot of you today was a no, but it's based on your collective performances.
Front row Congratulations, you're through to the next round.
Back row, it's the end of the line.
With the final verdict delivered Thank you, guys.
Good luck.
We say good-bye to matheus fernandes.
When I go home, I'm gonna try to learn To sing With a band.
I'm sorry.
I don't think I'm gonna give up on it.
I can't give up on it.
It's it's just it's me.
It's still sinking in that I made it this far with these amazing singers, so I'm I feel blessed.
- Welcome back to solo day.
- Okay, everybody, here we go.
With everything on the line for the guys, it's been a long ordeal for many to handle.
Judges are being, you know, kind of harsh on some of the contestants.
I am feeling some pressure.
I'm feeling nerves.
And no one has more at stake than Nicholas Mathis, who sailed through groups as a member of "the couch potatoes.
" Thank you! - Whoo! - But Nicholas knew that standing ovation wouldn't last forever.
He's now shifted focus on what brought him here in the first place.
My mission, my goal, is to be able to provide a better life for my daughter and my son.
You still have that good luck charm on you? That's my little girl.
That's my girl.
- She'll carry you through.
- Come on, Nicholas.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Never had much faith in love or miracles miracles.
Come on, big Nick! Never put my heart on the line see your sex Just under.
Takes me to paradise your sex takes me to paradise 'cause whoa whoa whoa whoa yeah yeah yeah 'cause you make me feel like I've been locked out of heaven for too lo-o-ong for too lo-o-o-ong, yeah - Big Nick.
What's going on? Um, II've got so many emotions going on in my head.
It's like, I'm chasing this dream.
You know, I got two kids.
There's a lot that pulls at you in this calling, and somehow we have to compartmentalize that.
And when we wake up at 3:00 A.
M.
in the morning on a tour bus and we wonder, "what are we doing out here?" And we just cry, the only answer can ever be, "because this is what I was born to do this is my calling.
" And I just felt like when you said "chasing the dream," I gotta say, man, I just felt like you were chasing the song.
All's I need is one more chance, please.
It's not my decision.
We've got four people up here, big Nick.
I know, there's four other decisions.
Yeah.
Let's see how it plays out.
- Let's see what happens.
- Thank you.
- Thanks, man.
- Thanks, man.
Thanks, big Nick.
You okay? - I don't wanna talk about it.
- All right, take a breather.
- Take a breather.
- I don't want to go home.
- I still like him.
- I still like him, though.
But, yeah, I mean he's Nick can only hope his standout group performance will carry him through.
But two guys with less than stellar showings yesterday were Jimmy Smith and papa peachez.
The judges questioned Jimmy's star power.
We are looking for a superstar.
So we have to think, "hmm, is he always gonna bring it?" Is he gonna lose it sometimes?" While papa's team was riddled with drama.
My group was a hot mess.
A lot of people who try out for American idol are more or less puppets, and I've got my own thing going on.
there's something there's something about this place oh, yeah oh, there's something about baby, you and I you and I you, you and I Nebraska, I'd rather die without you and I.
Papa peachez, remember what I you are too complacent now, in the competition.
You have to step up.
I'm pretty sure that flame is now completely burnt out.
I-I'm so disappointed.
I don't know why you would choose that song.
I ugh, I can't believe you allowed this competition to just suck that amazing quality out of you.
I'm so sorry, Nicki.
It's still there.
I promise, it's still there.
No, it's not there.
But I still love you, and I want you to get that back.
I just hope that you realize how special you are.
Thank you so much.
Ugh.
So disappointed.
Were you surprised by by her reaction? I feel like you were.
Um, I was a little surprised.
- What the was that? - But now is Jimmy's final chance to redeem himself.
Well I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you but time makes you bolder children get older and I'm getting older too yes I'm getting older too Jimmy.
You've been one of my favorites since I first heard your audition.
I mean, you definitely wowed me.
That's my opinion.
We have a group here that has to give their opinions, and oftentimes are quite opinionated.
So, let us deliberate.
Just hoping everything goes well.
I feel pretty good about it today, but I've seen some great people go.
And it's time for the judges to decide who will live to see another day on the idol stage.
- Go left, go left, go left.
- Everything is on the line today.
At stake is everything.
This is a chance to take it to a whole nother level.
- I don't want to go home.
- Okay.
Hi, boys.
This was the one time to fight for your life.
And if you didn't fight for your life, then You'll probably be pretty upset at yourself.
And you should be.
Before the break, Nicholas Mathis, papa peachez, and Jimmy Smith left it all on the stage.
They now face the toughest judgment of all.
This was the one time to fight for your life.
And if you didn't fight for your life, then You'll probably be pretty upset at yourself.
And you should be.
Nicholas, can you step forward, please? And my dear papa peachez.
You will not continue on in the competition, but God bless you.
You've done such an amazing job.
We love your spirits.
And to the rest of you that have made it, fight for your life.
So Jimmy Smith will be continuing on in the competition, along with Johnny keyser from Chicago and Vincent powerom San Antonio.
But it's the end of the line for papa peachez This just isn't the competition for me.
I just don't like singing other people's songs.
And a visiblycrushed Nicholas Mathis.
Please get the camera out my face, I Aw, big Nick just- - oh, gosh.
- He was just going nutso just then.
They don't know what the I've been going through, man! They don't know what the I've been going through! - Nick - Man! - Come back.
- Don't know what I've been going through! I sing better than half the people in there! Get me a song to sing! So two idol journeys are cut short.
A feeling that Nick boddington is all too familiar with, as his run ended in Vegas last season.
Nick.
End of the line for you, bro.
Sorry.
Now risking it all, he's made a last-minute decision that could cost him everything.
I'm wondering if I want to play the keys myself.
It's risky, but I feel like I should take risks.
I lit a fire with the love you left behind and it burned wild and crept up the mountainside.
Oh, beautiful voice.
- Mm-hmm.
- I followed your ashes into outer space I can't look out the window I can't look at this place I can't look at the stars they make me wonder where you are stars up on heaven's boulevard and if I know you at all I know you've gone too far so I can't look at the stars - Oh, thank you.
- Nick.
- Yes.
- Your range is beautiful, and there's some great intervals in that song, half-step intervals in the chorus that you either get or you don't, and you nailed them.
I thought it was a really good performance.
Thank you very much.
- We'll see if the - Thank you.
- Other guys share my opinion.
- Thanks a lot, guys.
- Sure.
So it appears Nick's big risk paid off, but he'll have to wait backstage a while before finding out the judges' final verdict.
Meanwhile, nearby, Charlie askew is working out some last-minute jitters.
Got the blood flowing? Mm-hmm.
Got the adrenaline going, the - blood flowing.
- Yeah? Yeah.
That's what Bono used to do.
- Is that what Bono used to do? - Mm-hmm, exactly.
Hey.
Chucky.
- How are y'all today? - Hey.
I chose this particular song because Well, you know, there was a girl.
There always is.
And, you know, we we dated for almost two years, up until a few months ago.
I still love her.
I just hope that I don't end up being somebody she used to know.
You know? And that's the song I'm - doing.
- Such a smart intro.
Now and then I think of when we were together like when you said you felt so happy you could die but you didn't have to cut me off make out like it never happened and that we were nothing - wow.
And I don't even need your love but you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough no, you didn't have to stoop so low have your friends collect your records and then change your number I guess that I don't need that, though now you're just somebody that I used to know - that I used to know.
- Now you're just somebody that I used to know.
Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah, Charlie! Thank you! Charlie, I am obsessed with you.
Tsh, baby, I could say the same thing.
"- Whoa.
I yo.
He says, "I could, but I haven't.
" But he won't, because he's still thinking about his girlfriend.
Let me tell you something, Charlie.
Today, you became an artist in my eyes.
You have this quirky thing that is so odd that it's right.
- I glorify weirdness.
- Wow! That is an artist! You are so, so special.
I like the outfit too, - though, dog.
- Special.
I like your sneakers.
I like that the sneakers make no sense.
Don't change.
Please stay like that.
Wear wear your big your oversized suits.
Wear your sneakers.
Be you, babe.
I love you.
I love you.
- I love you too.
- All right, go off now, Charlie.
Thank you, Charlie.
- Bye, Chuck.
- Nicki likes you.
- Yeah.
- I'm gonna eat him.
I just, I I can't take it.
No, I just it seems Charlie has at least one vote in his favor.
As the guys head out to hear their verdict.
Welcome back.
For several reasons, there were there was a little bit of dissention among the ranks here.
This was a tough one, but I will, um, I will start.
Nick boddington Please step forward.
Jada, sashay forward, please.
Mathenee, please step forward.
And Charlie, migrate forward, please.
You guys in the front You're going forward.
Congratulations, everybody.
Amazing job.
So Charlie and Nick are through, and they're not alone.
Josh "jada" from Chicago and mathenee treco from Oklahoma city will be joining them.
Coming up, more inspiring solos from your favorite contenders.
- You are born to sing.
- And later, a surprise twist the guys don't see coming.
A lot of you today were terrible! Ahh! It's 4:00 P.
M.
on solo day, and it seems some of the guys are picking one song in particular to win the judges over.
I'm singing jar of hearts by Christina perri.
I know I can take one more step towards you 'cause all that's waiting is your grace and don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore you lost the love I loved the most I learned to live have a life and now you want me.
And who do you think you are running round leaving scars collecting your jar of hearts tearing love apart who do you think you are who do you think you are Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful, as always.
- I love your voice, I really do.
- Congratulations.
You're staying with us.
With two more standouts advancing, there's plenty to celebrate.
The talent in Hollywood has set the bar high.
And ready to keep the momentum going is Micah Johnson, who is hoping to continue his inspiring idol journey.
Making it to guys solo day is a really big accomplishment for me.
Probably my highest point during Hollywood week would be my first audition.
Outside of your amazing story, you have an amazing voice.
She was like, "screw your story, 'cause you sing, really", really good.
" So that just really made me happy.
You should be so proud of yourself.
You lit up the entire room.
- Thank you.
- Yeah, yeah! This really means a lot to make it this far.
I just feel like this is where I have to give it my all and show the judges what I got.
I'm gonna be singing I told you so by Randy Travis.
Wow.
Suppose I called you up tonight and told you that I love you and suppose I said I wanna come back home and suppose I cried and said I think I finally learned my lesson and I'm tired of spending all my time alone I told you so oh, I told you so now I found somebody new and you'll never break my heart in two again - Darling.
- Yes, ma'am.
Interesting song choice.
Beautiful song.
Um, I like it when I can hear you do more with your voice.
I expected maybe you would have a different kind of take on the song, but, you know, we all really love you and, uh ahh.
Welcome back to the show.
Before the break, Micah Johnson was left wondering if his solo performance measured up.
He's about to find out.
Ahh.
We all know how talented you are, but for this round It's not gonna work.
Unfortunately, dog, it's a no for today.
All righty.
Thank you.
- That was hard.
- Yeah.
No, he's a sweetheart.
- Perhaps Micah's elimination came down to a lack of consistency.
Of course I'm sad, but, I mean I'm still living.
I still got a job, and, you know, there's always next year.
You know, it's tough to get cut, but I been through a lot worse, so I'm appreciative to have gotten that far.
Along with Micah, we say good-bye to a few more familiar faces, including our resident Baker, Gabe brown.
I gave it everything I could.
I'm just not what you guys are looking for this year, and that's cool.
Sanni m'mairura from San Antonio and Nate tao from Oklahoma city.
It's not the end of the world, but it sucks.
And while the guys who made it past this final test celebrate, their victory is short-lived as they're called back to see the judges one more time.
All of us that have been passed through to this round are now backstage, about to go back on stage.
Don't know why, uh Hopefully not being judged again.
Ready, guys? Yep, here they come.
I don't know what to expect.
Um, I'm still hoping for the best.
All I have is bad thoughts of what it might be.
Wow.
That's a wild bunch.
So, boys, congratulations on today.
You guys made it through.
You know, a lot of you got a lot of work to still do to really stay in this.
So, next week, we're gonna see the girls.
Then, next Thursday 20 of you will stay.
Eight of you will still have to leave.
Next Thursday, we'll let you know.
So, as we just heard from the judges, eight more guys still have to go.
Find out who gets cut next week.
While the fate of the final - 20 guys hangs in the balance - Hollywood week, here we come! The girls get their chance to slug it out in the biggest fight of their career.
- The boys are going down! - Hollywood week starts anew.
My problem isn't the lyrics.
You're letting your group down.
- Most of them - I'm so sorry to disappoint everybody.
Will buckle under the pressure.
I asked you to turn it off - once.
- As sweeping cuts It's the end of the road for you guys.
- Eliminate the faint at heart.
- There's a plan for everything, and this just wasn't it.
But the strong will survive You're through to the next round! - As the ladies' talents - Oh, yeah! Yeah! - Shine through.
- You're just a star to me.
Delivering the most spectacular performances - That rocked.
- A smash hit wonder.
You girls are the best of the best.
- We've seen all year.
- You guys have given the boys