American Idol: The Search For A Superstar s12e10 Episode Script
Hollywood Week, Part 4
1 Kelly clarkson.
Fantasia barrino.
Carrie Underwood! Jordin sparks! [Upbeat pop music.]
Wow! Wow! - That rocked.
- Smash-hit wonder.
You girls are the best of the best.
You guys have given the boys such a run for their money.
[Upbeat techno music.]
The final day of Hollywood week is upon us.
Today's the big day.
Gotta make it happen.
And the 47 ladies who remain are mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.
This is it.
But they must pull it together for one last shot in front of the judges.
Final day of cuts-it's difficult.
I mean, we're at the point where we're cutting people who are really, really good.
I don't know how we're gonna narrow it down.
It's gonna be almost impossible.
Girls, if this is gonna be your year, today must be the day.
Because today is the most critical performance of them all, where more than half of them won't survive the brutal cuts that await.
Back row, your journey ends today.
- [Crying.]
To raise the stakes even higher, the ladies can choose a song off the list or an original.
It's a huge risk that Angela Miller is about to take on.
Today I'm just so determined.
I wrote this song about two months ago.
I definitely feel like this song really fits what I'm doing today like, just a new beginning.
It's just a fresh start.
It's American idol.
This song is is about being set free from baggage and from the weight that you carry from hard times.
So I really hope you like it.
It's called you set me free.
- [Chuckles.]
- [Playing piano.]
You find me here alone.
Really? I hear a voice that's so unknown - good lord.
- It strikes courage up my backbone strength in my heart life set apart I see that's what you are you come you come with open arms.
Wow, wow.
You say I love you for who you are - wow.
- When I was haunted and alone with this baggage on my back dragging me down you set me free [Vocalizing.]
- Wow.
- You set me free yeah, yeah you set me free really? Might have a show.
- Oh, my God.
- We might have a show.
Wow.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Wow.
- Thank you, guys.
- Wow.
Wow.
- Thank you.
- Wow.
- Oh, my goodness.
- Who knew? - Wow! - Wow.
- I-I if that was recorded right there, I would play that in my car.
That is just a beautiful song.
Absolutely.
- Oh, my goodness, Angie.
- And the voice, the vocal - behind it - Thank you.
I know I'm not alone.
I know so many people at home right now are like, "where do I get that song?" The song, the sentiment, the passion that you're singing with Before today-I'm just being completely honest I don't think you were in our top in our brains, you know? And it's amazing how you just doing what you do just completely changed that today.
Man, it was amazing.
Amazing.
- So good, man.
- Thank you, guys.
Thank you so much.
Congrats.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
Thanks, Angie.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Wow.
- Good gravy.
- Crazy.
- Well, you can't ask for anything better than that, huh? Yeah, for real.
- Standing "o"? - For real.
Oh, my gosh.
So Angela has set the bar incredibly high as she waits for her result That's a top-40 song right now.
Putting unimaginable pressure on the rest of her line included are Candice glover and janelle Arthur.
Both are primed for major comebacks.
The last thing that I wanna do right now is let those judges down.
I hope that I can impress 'em again today.
I'm really excited to just get up there and show them everything I have.
This year feels right.
It feels like this is the year.
But with stakes this high, can they pull it off? First up is Candice.
This girl is on fire this girl is on fire - wow! She's a lonely girl and it's a lonely world but she gonna let it burn, baby burn, baby this girl is on fire yeah this girl is on fire she's walking on fire this girl is on fire wow.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Thank you.
- Candice, oh - Wow.
- You took it and did your own thing with it in such a powerful way that that sounded like a massive, big record right then.
The way you did it was just incredible.
Well done, Candice.
Thank you so much.
[Cheers and applause.]
- I really like her.
- Next, it's janelle's turn to prove her worth in the competition.
Suppose I called you up tonight and told you that I love you and suppose I said I wanna come back home janelle has been chasing this dream for the past three seasons.
I thought the vocals were amazing.
It's like a young leann.
- Yeah, a little bit leann.
- I love.
You've been my favorite.
You're just a star to me.
Now she hopes it's finally her time.
- Well, I told you so.
- Yes! Yes! Oh, I told you so oh, I told you someday you'd come crawling back and asking me to take you in now I found somebody new and you will never break my heart in two again [cheers and applause.]
Janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle.
Janelle Arthur I love that you always keep it subtle.
I think that you are a superstar, a country superstar.
Thank you.
- Thanks.
- With three incredible performances so far, it's time for the next contender to step up to the mic.
The most shocking performance of the season is just moments away.
But over the next hour, pay witness to smash performances from the most talented bunch of ladies we've ever seen.
That voice - That's the way to do it.
- That's the voice.
Prepare to be blown away by the talent and the raw emotion.
- What's going on today? - Your top 40 will be revealed tonight.
[Upbeat techno music.]
The first people, uh, just performed, and they were all really good.
I definitely wouldn't wanna be the judges right now.
This is gonna be hard.
- Great voices.
- I know.
What are we gonna do about this? This could be an interesting bunch.
But what the judges don't know is that things are about to get even more interesting.
Zoanette, it is now your turn tuo hit the stage.
Any final thoughts before you get out there with your drum set? Lord, lord, lord, help me.
I'm about to t.
T.
G.
It.
Trained to go it.
I'm abouabout to wing it all the way.
But I'm about to me.
But even divas sometimes doubt themselves.
I had my song ready to go, but then I listened to it.
I was like, "ugh.
" I'm not feeling it.
I'm not feeling it.
" So I kept on hearing the beat in my head.
I was like, "okay, okay, okay.
" I went onstage.
I went to the piano and said, "you gotta do this.
" [Humming.]
I told everybody their part.
"You gotta do this.
" [Humming.]
And I went on the drums, and we just winged it.
Come on, y'all need to feel this! Do it once by yourself, and then we'll try to get it, okay? [Playing drums.]
Where it slows down.
One, two, turn it out.
Shh.
I made it up onstage.
[Cheers and applause.]
Oh, yeah.
Take it off! Take it off! [Laughter.]
My name is zoanette Johnson.
I am 20 years old.
And the song I'm singing it's very, very interesting, because I just felt it yesterday, and I just made it up onstage.
So I hope you guys love it.
[Laughs.]
- I hope you guys love it.
- You made this song up? - Yes.
- What's it called, baby? Baba da-ba-ba that's what it called.
- The "t" is silent.
- Wow.
I like that.
[Upbeat rock music.]
I met this man his name was Randy he was a talent judge on American idol and I met my pooh snap her name was Nicki Nicki, Nicki, Nicki and then there was Mariah - whoo! - And then there was Keith [vocalizing.]
Down! Slow it down.
Come on, y'all.
Slow it down.
Slow it down, slow it down.
They're still going.
Still going.
Still going.
- Where my stick? - Is it still going? - Where my stick at? - Oh, no, it's over there! I need this to be right, y'all, come on.
Ba-ba da-ba-da-ba come on.
[Laughter.]
[Vocalizing.]
[Cheers and applause.]
- That rocked! - It was a classic.
Seriously, I think people are gonna be looking at this performance for years to come.
Yeah.
I am bowing down at your feet today.
- Ooh! - I am honored to be a part of idol this year just to say that I was a part of the zoanette era.
[Applause.]
Now the judges will deliberate on zoanette, Candice, janelle, and Angela.
I didn't even- I didn't have anything.
I had, like, a question.
Today I felt like it was "eh" on that.
- Yes.
- Massive yes.
So here we go.
Candice Janelle Arthur Jett, please step forward.
Angela Miller Zoanette Please step forward.
Ladies in the front line We're gonna be continuing on.
And ladies in the back I love you all.
You've done a great job.
Feel good about yourselves.
Congratulations.
So the first judgments have been made.
And zoanette, Candice, janelle, jett, and Angela are all through.
But we say good-bye to Chicago's Kiara lanier.
Yeah, baby! [All cheering.]
One, twothree, go.
All: pooh snap pooh snap pooh snap a-pooh snap [Upbeat techno music.]
- Welcome back.
It's now 11:30 A.
M.
, and it seems as though the first line of the day may have just been the warm-up act, as shubha vedula continues the streak for the ladies with her rendition of a mariah/whitney classic.
Who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe? Somehow you will you will when you believe shubha! Oh! - You're a brave girl.
- Wow.
- Took me back.
- And rightly so too.
That was a nice moment for me personally.
So thank you for doing the song.
But shubha wasn't the only star in the making.
And juliana chahayed from Los Angeles was there to prove it.
Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you love it.
I love it.
You sang one of my favorite songs.
So thank you.
I didn't want it to end.
Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
- So the last string of ladies have left some big shoes to fill.
And hoping she doesn't get the boot is kezban, whose quirky style won the judges over back in Chicago.
For the solo round, it's time to show the judges something new.
So, after a quick trip to the mall with zoanette There's better stores, man.
- This is sexy right here.
- Um Kezban prepares to perform an original song for the panel.
It's a little nerve-racking, just because I will be watching my child take its first steps today children that, instead of walking the earth with shoes, they walk with words and measures.
- Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
- [Wolf-whistles.]
This song, uh, is very dear to my heart.
And, uh, it it is an original um, in fact, my very favorite original, ever.
[Playing guitar.]
The time is here it feels good hold my head up get out of it I'm flying on a cloud [laughs.]
[Applause.]
Well, kezban, we appreciate your artistry, and, um, we salute the artistry.
But, um, we'll discuss it and get back to you.
Not a pleasing tone.
- I couldn't really get - Okay, um Your journey ends today.
Thank you so much.
[Light applause.]
Thank you so much.
Thank you, kezban.
[Sad music.]
I'm a square peg in a round hole around here.
But my mom loves this show, anand I wanted to make her prou.
And I thought it'd be fun, and it was.
I'm very sad to leave this family so soon.
You know, give me a job.
Let me hold the camera.
Let me be a runner.
Like, "hey, kezban, run upstairs and get a bottle of water for" Ryan.
" "Okay.
" You wanna give us a hand here today? These things are pretty easy to pick up.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
- I mean, they're tough after a while, but they're easy to pick up quick on.
If you wanna give me a job, I'll work for ya.
Kezban's an enterprising young lady.
- I'll put in a shift.
- You could back and tell I'll be a runner.
I'll be a confidence booster.
- This is good.
- Right now you're booming.
How's it sound? Does it sound okay? - Testing.
- Is the boom in the shot? - Yep.
- Boom up, boom up.
- Boom up? - See, you got the hang of this already.
We'll be right back with more auditions from Hollywood.
Kezban has a new gig.
You heard him, right? Okay, we're boomin'.
Thank you.
[Upbeat techno music.]
Welcome back to Hollywood, where an unforgettable day of ladies' solos is nearing its end.
The girls are just blowing us away.
- Here we go last group.
- And Ashlee feliciano now waits in the wings, preparing to take the stage.
With her family supporting her since her audition in.
New York City You're going to Hollywood! She now hopes she can overcome the rigors of the competition.
I'm not feeling well at the moment.
The stakes are really, really high at this point.
All you can do is try your best and hope that's enough.
I could die every day waiting for you darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I loved you for a thousand more [vocalizing.]
[Applause.]
- Wow.
Okay, this is you.
That was a very surprise ending.
You threw in some high falsettos.
I was like, "yo!" Also, it was definitely not a bold song choice.
Song choice was very interesting to me.
And all you guys over there that are gonna sing too, man, what's going on today? It's all serious up in here.
Music is fun.
Come on.
We'll let you know.
We'll deliberate and g back to you, okay? Okay, thank you.
- Thank you.
- Unfortunately for Randy, as the auditions pushed on, the ladies didn't quite heed his word of advice.
This neverending hill can only go up.
I chose this piece because I left someone undone once, and it's a terrible feeling.
I've had a really rough year.
I went through a bad breakup.
I'm not gonna go all Dr.
Phil on you, I promise.
- [Chuckles.]
- How's it going over here watching 'em? Are you having fun? - Oh, we're having a blast.
- You're grooving.
You're jamming.
I hear you.
Maybe Melinda ademi is the perfect girl to lighten - the mood.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Seems like everybody's got a price I wonder how they sleep at night when the sale comes first and the truth comes second just stop for a mine and smile why is everybody so serious? Acting so damn serious? got your shades on your eyes and your heels so high that you can't even have a good time everybody look to the left everybody look to the right can you feel that? Yeah, we're playing with love tonight it's not about the money, money, money we don't need your money money, money we just wanna make the world dance forget about the price tag ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching ain't about the yeah, b-bling, b-bling wanna make the world dance forget about the price tag yeah [cheers and applause.]
Pretty good? - So good.
- Thank you! Thank you for an up-tempo.
Wow.
- Yee-ha! - Whoo! Light up the day.
Yeah, come on.
Every now and then, you get somebody that knows who they are, picks the right song, comes out.
It's effortless.
It's clear.
It's energetic.
You have such a good light about you.
And I've seen it consistently with all of your performances.
I loved it.
Of course it's just me, but I think you've got a good shot.
Thank you, everyone.
[Crying.]
I'm so happy.
You don't know how happy I am.
Oh, that's great.
Good job, sweetheart.
Thank you, Ryan.
- Well done.
- [Sniffles.]
[Laughs.]
- This is happiness.
[Giggles.]
I'm happy.
So Melinda walks away leaving a lasting impression on the judges, which is something 22-year-old kree Harrison has been trying to do throughout the competition I think you got a nice voice.
I don't know about the whole star factor.
I'm gonna say no.
But especially during the group round.
Kree, it didn't even seem like you were up performing.
There wasn't a spark in your eyes.
Today I'm singing stars by grace Potter.
As soon as I heard it, it made me think of my mom.
I was very close to my parents.
And, um, they're both deceased now.
[Soft music.]
I was 12 years old when I lost my dad in a plane crash.
I was 19 when I lost my mom.
This was the worst-case scenario for me and my family, because we already had one tragedy.
My mom was my motivation.
And she definitely pushed me in all of the right ways.
I think that they'd be proud.
I hope.
I lit a fire with the love you left behind and it burned wild and crept up the mountainside - come on, now.
- I followed your ashes into outer space I can't look out the window I can't see this place I can't look at the stars they make me wonder where you are - yeah! - Stars ooh up on heaven's boulevard and if I know you at all I know you've gone too far.
Good lord, I'm telling you, man.
- So I can't look at the stars.
Nice! [Cheers and applause.]
Thank you, girls.
Such amazing support over there.
Can I just say quickly- I've fought for you a few times, and I know why 'cause your voice is one of my favorites in the entire - competition.
- Absolutely.
You have something amazing in your voice that - beautiful tone.
- Literally, my arms get covered in chills when you hit certain notes, kree.
So that's just my thoughts.
Thanks.
There's something that feels genuine about you as a performer.
And for me, that's a big deal.
[Applause.]
So thank you, and we're gonna talk amongst ourselves, and we shall see I wanna say, kree, I feel like today you became a star in front of me.
[Cheers and applause.]
I'm really blown away by the authenticity behind that.
And not to interject, but it was my go, but what I was that's why I was saying genuine.
It was about what was in here and about just the purity of your voice.
- Thank y'all so much.
- Thank you.
Congratulations.
Great performance.
[Cheers and applause.]
This goal the entire time was to win everyone over.
And I think today I did.
- No, that voice - That's the way to do it.
- That's the voice.
- Now kree, Ashlee, and Melinda must wait in agony while the judges decide who remains in the competition and whose journey ends tonight.
Well, then I say, "yes, put her through.
" - No for me.
- I had a small yes.
- No for me.
- I had a question mark.
[Inhales deeply.]
Okay.
- Whoo.
- Yo, I gotta tell you, these deliberations are getting tougher and tougher and tougher.
When I call your name, um, take a step forward.
Lauren Kree Melinda.
Front row Going through to the next round.
Back row, it's the end of the line.
Thank you guys so much.
So we say goodbye to Ashlee feliciano, Briana oakley from our long beach auditions, and a brokenhearted sarina-joi Crowe from Charlotte.
Good luck, you guys.
You all did amazing.
[Sad music.]
- [Crying.]
- Oh, I can't take it.
- [Sobbing.]
- My family's very excited to see me again.
They know that there's big things still to come.
[Crying.]
It's gonna take me a while.
I failed again.
No, no.
But it's not the end for everyone.
Kree and Melinda have earned another shot at the top 20.
For them, the dream continues Or does it? Randy, have you made this very difficult decision? More cuts for the girls and the guys It's the end of the road for you guys.
- After this.
[Upbeat techno music.]
It's late in the evening.
The ladies have done all they can - [Sniffles.]
- Leaving it all out on the stage.
Like the boys last week, the remaining 24 girls are called back in the theater for some unexpected news.
This is very unusual.
All right, judges, we have 24 hopefuls here on the stage right now.
We've gotta get it down to 20.
I know you've been talking about this.
Randy, have you made this very difficult decision? Almost, Ryan, not quite just yet.
When I call your name, will you step forward? Lauren mink, step forward.
Holly Marie Miller, step forward.
Ariel sprague, step forward.
You girls in the front It's the end of the road for you guys.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, girls.
Good luck on your journey, - wherever it takes you.
- Yes.
There are now 21 girls left onstage, but only 20 will be chosen.
And Randy has one more surprise in store.
We'd love to have a couple people sing, so we can hear them again, so we can make our final - decision.
- Okay.
Um, Stephanie schimmel, will you step forward? We'd like to hear you sing again.
Sing whatever you like with the band.
Okay, Stephanie, one more shot.
Good luck.
Stephanie caused quite a stir with our judges in Chicago Like a Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani blend.
It was crazy - yeah, wild.
- Easily convincing Keith of her potential, but not Nicki.
Nothing jumped at me.
- What? - In Hollywood, she proved herself in the early rounds of the competition.
You're going on.
[Crowd cheering.]
But the judges thought her performance today was lacking in star power.
I don't know if-compared to what we've been hearing all day, if that puts you in the top 20.
Settle down it'll all be clear now it's Stephanie's final chance to sing for her life.
Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear yeah just know you're not alone I'm gonna make this place your home - yeah.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
- Thank you, thank you.
- All right.
Now she will have to wait to find out if she's done enough to make it through.
The next person that the judges would like to hear is Rachel hale.
- Come on, Rachel.
- Well, since you didn't like my last choice, you sure you don't want me to sing something a cappella? - [Chuckles.]
Earlier today, Rachel also flubbed her solo performance.
[Vocalizing.]
- It wasn't a good one today - Okay.
- At all.
- But her bubbly personality has always stuck with the judges.
She has to be the happiest contestant - Yes! - I think I've ever met.
I'm gonna do music no matter what, but I would love to be a part of American idol.
Now she must deliver the performance of her life.
Tell me where hearts go when they go wrong suddenly someone is no one I've come undone undone undone - thank you.
- Thank you.
All right.
[Cheers and applause.]
Stephanie and Rachel must now wait to see who will take the final spot in the girls' top 20.
I don't see the star power.
She's got a good voice, but She's lovable.
It's been a hard, hard fight to get to this point.
It's been a long fight to get to this point.
Stephanie, would you step forward? It's the end of the road for you, baby.
You're not gonna make it.
[Applause.]
For you girls that are left on the stage Let me and my three co-judges here be the first To congratulate you.
You are our top 20, season 12 of idol.
[All cheering.]
Good luck.
Congratulations, girls.
Good luck.
Congratulations.
You girls are the best of the best.
All of these ladies will continue on their quest to fulfill their dream See you later.
Good luck.
And can breathe a sigh of relief as the pressure moves to the boys.
Coming up, the judges make the final cuts of Hollywood week When I call you, take three steps forward.
As the guys' top 20 is revealed.
For you, the journey ends here.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- Before the break - You are our top 20, season 12 of idol.
The judges announced the top-20 girls who will continue in the competition.
Now it's the guys' turn to figure out who will make it And who will go home.
I just don't wanna see anyone's dreams crushed.
The guys have been in the holding room all night, so they have no idea how this final elimination is gonna go down.
- Guys, come on in.
- The moment they have waited for all week is finally here.
On to the stage, please, guys.
Last week their fate was left hanging in the balance.
20 of you will stay.
8 of you will still have to leave.
But that fate is about to be revealed.
Now, judges, we have 28 guys up here on the stage.
And they've been waiting for days to find out which 20 of them get to move forward and, unfortunately, which 8 have to go home today.
So, Nicki, let me ask you.
- Yes? - Have the judges made their final decision on the top-20 guys? Unfortunately, Ryan, we have not.
- Okay.
- So, gentlemen, if I call your name, then simply step to the middle of the stage and do a song that you've done with the band.
Uh, we'd like to hear Adam Sanders.
Okay.
Let's go, Adam! [Cheers and applause.]
I'm gonna sing taking chances can I please have it lowered a full step? Mm-hmm.
[Soft music.]
- baby, baby, baby, baby.
- Adam was a big hit with the judges when he auditioned in San Antonio.
[Cheers and applause.]
Wow! Wow! You shocked all of us, dog.
He had a strong start in.
Hollywood.
Adam, those notes that you hit, and that only you can hit, make you stand out.
But his solo performance was a big disappointment.
Today was terrible, but you made it by the skin of your teeth, dude.
He's got this one last shot to get it right.
I'm hoping that the judges see my heart, my soul, my everything, you know, and how much this really means to me.
but what do you say to taking chances? what do you say to jumping off the edge? never knowing if there's solid ground below or a hand to hold or hell to pay what do you say? What do you say? [Cheers and applause.]
Thank you, Adam.
The judges would like to hear next Josh holiday.
[Cheers and applause.]
All right.
Um, Georgia on my mind - Oh, no.
- Um, with the 12, 8 ending.
The judges were inspired with Josh's first audition in.
Chicago.
What kind of artist do you wanna be? I wanna be a gospelmusic artist.
Josh, I like your vibe, - brother.
- Thank you.
Talk about Georgia sweet Georgia no peace I find just an old sweet song oh keeps Georgia on my mind just an old sweet song on my mind [laughs.]
[Cheers and applause.]
I got a rip.
[Laughs.]
We won't forget that one, holiday.
- You won't forget this, baby.
- You tore it up, man.
But the slice in Josh's pants certainly foreshadow what's coming next The final cuts of Hollywood week.
Now it's time for the judges to make some tough decisions.
This was not easy, by any stretch of the imagination.
When I call you, just please take three steps forward.
Peter Garrett Marvin Calderon Devon Jones Kenny Harrison Will white Tony foster David leathers Jr And Adam Sanders.
For you eight The journey ends here.
[Applause.]
Thank you, guys.
Thank you, boys.
So their best just wasn't good enough, which is a hard reality to face.
And so we say good-bye to some of our top competitors.
Man, it's hard being cut at the same spot two years in a row.
It makes you question, like, you know, "are you good enough?" Or, "are you gonna do this again?" This has definitely been an experience I will never forget.
It's life-changing Life-changing.
There's people out there that only dream of what we went through.
It's a blessing.
And I'm so thankful.
And I just can't wait to see what's next.
Back inside the theater, the judges have some great news for those who remain.
You are American idol's top-20 boys! [Cheers and applause.]
Congratulations.
As the guys soak in the moment, the top-20 girls join them onstage to celebrate.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Upbeat rock music.]
Congratulations! Your top-20 guys and your - top-20 girls! - Whoo! Well, I don't know how many of you know this, but we're taking all of you to Las Vegas for the next round of the competition.
Between now and then, rest - Yeah, gonna need it.
- Practice, dream.
Congratulations.
Your top-20 guys and your - top-20 girls, America.
- Yes.
[Cheers and applause.]
Next week Our semifinalists take the stage in front of our judges and and a live studio audience.
One chance, one song, no mercy.
Will your favorite survive the round week all?
Fantasia barrino.
Carrie Underwood! Jordin sparks! [Upbeat pop music.]
Wow! Wow! - That rocked.
- Smash-hit wonder.
You girls are the best of the best.
You guys have given the boys such a run for their money.
[Upbeat techno music.]
The final day of Hollywood week is upon us.
Today's the big day.
Gotta make it happen.
And the 47 ladies who remain are mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.
This is it.
But they must pull it together for one last shot in front of the judges.
Final day of cuts-it's difficult.
I mean, we're at the point where we're cutting people who are really, really good.
I don't know how we're gonna narrow it down.
It's gonna be almost impossible.
Girls, if this is gonna be your year, today must be the day.
Because today is the most critical performance of them all, where more than half of them won't survive the brutal cuts that await.
Back row, your journey ends today.
- [Crying.]
To raise the stakes even higher, the ladies can choose a song off the list or an original.
It's a huge risk that Angela Miller is about to take on.
Today I'm just so determined.
I wrote this song about two months ago.
I definitely feel like this song really fits what I'm doing today like, just a new beginning.
It's just a fresh start.
It's American idol.
This song is is about being set free from baggage and from the weight that you carry from hard times.
So I really hope you like it.
It's called you set me free.
- [Chuckles.]
- [Playing piano.]
You find me here alone.
Really? I hear a voice that's so unknown - good lord.
- It strikes courage up my backbone strength in my heart life set apart I see that's what you are you come you come with open arms.
Wow, wow.
You say I love you for who you are - wow.
- When I was haunted and alone with this baggage on my back dragging me down you set me free [Vocalizing.]
- Wow.
- You set me free yeah, yeah you set me free really? Might have a show.
- Oh, my God.
- We might have a show.
Wow.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Wow.
- Thank you, guys.
- Wow.
Wow.
- Thank you.
- Wow.
- Oh, my goodness.
- Who knew? - Wow! - Wow.
- I-I if that was recorded right there, I would play that in my car.
That is just a beautiful song.
Absolutely.
- Oh, my goodness, Angie.
- And the voice, the vocal - behind it - Thank you.
I know I'm not alone.
I know so many people at home right now are like, "where do I get that song?" The song, the sentiment, the passion that you're singing with Before today-I'm just being completely honest I don't think you were in our top in our brains, you know? And it's amazing how you just doing what you do just completely changed that today.
Man, it was amazing.
Amazing.
- So good, man.
- Thank you, guys.
Thank you so much.
Congrats.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
Thanks, Angie.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Wow.
- Good gravy.
- Crazy.
- Well, you can't ask for anything better than that, huh? Yeah, for real.
- Standing "o"? - For real.
Oh, my gosh.
So Angela has set the bar incredibly high as she waits for her result That's a top-40 song right now.
Putting unimaginable pressure on the rest of her line included are Candice glover and janelle Arthur.
Both are primed for major comebacks.
The last thing that I wanna do right now is let those judges down.
I hope that I can impress 'em again today.
I'm really excited to just get up there and show them everything I have.
This year feels right.
It feels like this is the year.
But with stakes this high, can they pull it off? First up is Candice.
This girl is on fire this girl is on fire - wow! She's a lonely girl and it's a lonely world but she gonna let it burn, baby burn, baby this girl is on fire yeah this girl is on fire she's walking on fire this girl is on fire wow.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Thank you.
- Candice, oh - Wow.
- You took it and did your own thing with it in such a powerful way that that sounded like a massive, big record right then.
The way you did it was just incredible.
Well done, Candice.
Thank you so much.
[Cheers and applause.]
- I really like her.
- Next, it's janelle's turn to prove her worth in the competition.
Suppose I called you up tonight and told you that I love you and suppose I said I wanna come back home janelle has been chasing this dream for the past three seasons.
I thought the vocals were amazing.
It's like a young leann.
- Yeah, a little bit leann.
- I love.
You've been my favorite.
You're just a star to me.
Now she hopes it's finally her time.
- Well, I told you so.
- Yes! Yes! Oh, I told you so oh, I told you someday you'd come crawling back and asking me to take you in now I found somebody new and you will never break my heart in two again [cheers and applause.]
Janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle, janelle.
Janelle Arthur I love that you always keep it subtle.
I think that you are a superstar, a country superstar.
Thank you.
- Thanks.
- With three incredible performances so far, it's time for the next contender to step up to the mic.
The most shocking performance of the season is just moments away.
But over the next hour, pay witness to smash performances from the most talented bunch of ladies we've ever seen.
That voice - That's the way to do it.
- That's the voice.
Prepare to be blown away by the talent and the raw emotion.
- What's going on today? - Your top 40 will be revealed tonight.
[Upbeat techno music.]
The first people, uh, just performed, and they were all really good.
I definitely wouldn't wanna be the judges right now.
This is gonna be hard.
- Great voices.
- I know.
What are we gonna do about this? This could be an interesting bunch.
But what the judges don't know is that things are about to get even more interesting.
Zoanette, it is now your turn tuo hit the stage.
Any final thoughts before you get out there with your drum set? Lord, lord, lord, help me.
I'm about to t.
T.
G.
It.
Trained to go it.
I'm abouabout to wing it all the way.
But I'm about to me.
But even divas sometimes doubt themselves.
I had my song ready to go, but then I listened to it.
I was like, "ugh.
" I'm not feeling it.
I'm not feeling it.
" So I kept on hearing the beat in my head.
I was like, "okay, okay, okay.
" I went onstage.
I went to the piano and said, "you gotta do this.
" [Humming.]
I told everybody their part.
"You gotta do this.
" [Humming.]
And I went on the drums, and we just winged it.
Come on, y'all need to feel this! Do it once by yourself, and then we'll try to get it, okay? [Playing drums.]
Where it slows down.
One, two, turn it out.
Shh.
I made it up onstage.
[Cheers and applause.]
Oh, yeah.
Take it off! Take it off! [Laughter.]
My name is zoanette Johnson.
I am 20 years old.
And the song I'm singing it's very, very interesting, because I just felt it yesterday, and I just made it up onstage.
So I hope you guys love it.
[Laughs.]
- I hope you guys love it.
- You made this song up? - Yes.
- What's it called, baby? Baba da-ba-ba that's what it called.
- The "t" is silent.
- Wow.
I like that.
[Upbeat rock music.]
I met this man his name was Randy he was a talent judge on American idol and I met my pooh snap her name was Nicki Nicki, Nicki, Nicki and then there was Mariah - whoo! - And then there was Keith [vocalizing.]
Down! Slow it down.
Come on, y'all.
Slow it down.
Slow it down, slow it down.
They're still going.
Still going.
Still going.
- Where my stick? - Is it still going? - Where my stick at? - Oh, no, it's over there! I need this to be right, y'all, come on.
Ba-ba da-ba-da-ba come on.
[Laughter.]
[Vocalizing.]
[Cheers and applause.]
- That rocked! - It was a classic.
Seriously, I think people are gonna be looking at this performance for years to come.
Yeah.
I am bowing down at your feet today.
- Ooh! - I am honored to be a part of idol this year just to say that I was a part of the zoanette era.
[Applause.]
Now the judges will deliberate on zoanette, Candice, janelle, and Angela.
I didn't even- I didn't have anything.
I had, like, a question.
Today I felt like it was "eh" on that.
- Yes.
- Massive yes.
So here we go.
Candice Janelle Arthur Jett, please step forward.
Angela Miller Zoanette Please step forward.
Ladies in the front line We're gonna be continuing on.
And ladies in the back I love you all.
You've done a great job.
Feel good about yourselves.
Congratulations.
So the first judgments have been made.
And zoanette, Candice, janelle, jett, and Angela are all through.
But we say good-bye to Chicago's Kiara lanier.
Yeah, baby! [All cheering.]
One, twothree, go.
All: pooh snap pooh snap pooh snap a-pooh snap [Upbeat techno music.]
- Welcome back.
It's now 11:30 A.
M.
, and it seems as though the first line of the day may have just been the warm-up act, as shubha vedula continues the streak for the ladies with her rendition of a mariah/whitney classic.
Who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe? Somehow you will you will when you believe shubha! Oh! - You're a brave girl.
- Wow.
- Took me back.
- And rightly so too.
That was a nice moment for me personally.
So thank you for doing the song.
But shubha wasn't the only star in the making.
And juliana chahayed from Los Angeles was there to prove it.
Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you love it.
I love it.
You sang one of my favorite songs.
So thank you.
I didn't want it to end.
Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
- So the last string of ladies have left some big shoes to fill.
And hoping she doesn't get the boot is kezban, whose quirky style won the judges over back in Chicago.
For the solo round, it's time to show the judges something new.
So, after a quick trip to the mall with zoanette There's better stores, man.
- This is sexy right here.
- Um Kezban prepares to perform an original song for the panel.
It's a little nerve-racking, just because I will be watching my child take its first steps today children that, instead of walking the earth with shoes, they walk with words and measures.
- Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
- [Wolf-whistles.]
This song, uh, is very dear to my heart.
And, uh, it it is an original um, in fact, my very favorite original, ever.
[Playing guitar.]
The time is here it feels good hold my head up get out of it I'm flying on a cloud [laughs.]
[Applause.]
Well, kezban, we appreciate your artistry, and, um, we salute the artistry.
But, um, we'll discuss it and get back to you.
Not a pleasing tone.
- I couldn't really get - Okay, um Your journey ends today.
Thank you so much.
[Light applause.]
Thank you so much.
Thank you, kezban.
[Sad music.]
I'm a square peg in a round hole around here.
But my mom loves this show, anand I wanted to make her prou.
And I thought it'd be fun, and it was.
I'm very sad to leave this family so soon.
You know, give me a job.
Let me hold the camera.
Let me be a runner.
Like, "hey, kezban, run upstairs and get a bottle of water for" Ryan.
" "Okay.
" You wanna give us a hand here today? These things are pretty easy to pick up.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
- I mean, they're tough after a while, but they're easy to pick up quick on.
If you wanna give me a job, I'll work for ya.
Kezban's an enterprising young lady.
- I'll put in a shift.
- You could back and tell I'll be a runner.
I'll be a confidence booster.
- This is good.
- Right now you're booming.
How's it sound? Does it sound okay? - Testing.
- Is the boom in the shot? - Yep.
- Boom up, boom up.
- Boom up? - See, you got the hang of this already.
We'll be right back with more auditions from Hollywood.
Kezban has a new gig.
You heard him, right? Okay, we're boomin'.
Thank you.
[Upbeat techno music.]
Welcome back to Hollywood, where an unforgettable day of ladies' solos is nearing its end.
The girls are just blowing us away.
- Here we go last group.
- And Ashlee feliciano now waits in the wings, preparing to take the stage.
With her family supporting her since her audition in.
New York City You're going to Hollywood! She now hopes she can overcome the rigors of the competition.
I'm not feeling well at the moment.
The stakes are really, really high at this point.
All you can do is try your best and hope that's enough.
I could die every day waiting for you darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I loved you for a thousand more [vocalizing.]
[Applause.]
- Wow.
Okay, this is you.
That was a very surprise ending.
You threw in some high falsettos.
I was like, "yo!" Also, it was definitely not a bold song choice.
Song choice was very interesting to me.
And all you guys over there that are gonna sing too, man, what's going on today? It's all serious up in here.
Music is fun.
Come on.
We'll let you know.
We'll deliberate and g back to you, okay? Okay, thank you.
- Thank you.
- Unfortunately for Randy, as the auditions pushed on, the ladies didn't quite heed his word of advice.
This neverending hill can only go up.
I chose this piece because I left someone undone once, and it's a terrible feeling.
I've had a really rough year.
I went through a bad breakup.
I'm not gonna go all Dr.
Phil on you, I promise.
- [Chuckles.]
- How's it going over here watching 'em? Are you having fun? - Oh, we're having a blast.
- You're grooving.
You're jamming.
I hear you.
Maybe Melinda ademi is the perfect girl to lighten - the mood.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Seems like everybody's got a price I wonder how they sleep at night when the sale comes first and the truth comes second just stop for a mine and smile why is everybody so serious? Acting so damn serious? got your shades on your eyes and your heels so high that you can't even have a good time everybody look to the left everybody look to the right can you feel that? Yeah, we're playing with love tonight it's not about the money, money, money we don't need your money money, money we just wanna make the world dance forget about the price tag ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching ain't about the yeah, b-bling, b-bling wanna make the world dance forget about the price tag yeah [cheers and applause.]
Pretty good? - So good.
- Thank you! Thank you for an up-tempo.
Wow.
- Yee-ha! - Whoo! Light up the day.
Yeah, come on.
Every now and then, you get somebody that knows who they are, picks the right song, comes out.
It's effortless.
It's clear.
It's energetic.
You have such a good light about you.
And I've seen it consistently with all of your performances.
I loved it.
Of course it's just me, but I think you've got a good shot.
Thank you, everyone.
[Crying.]
I'm so happy.
You don't know how happy I am.
Oh, that's great.
Good job, sweetheart.
Thank you, Ryan.
- Well done.
- [Sniffles.]
[Laughs.]
- This is happiness.
[Giggles.]
I'm happy.
So Melinda walks away leaving a lasting impression on the judges, which is something 22-year-old kree Harrison has been trying to do throughout the competition I think you got a nice voice.
I don't know about the whole star factor.
I'm gonna say no.
But especially during the group round.
Kree, it didn't even seem like you were up performing.
There wasn't a spark in your eyes.
Today I'm singing stars by grace Potter.
As soon as I heard it, it made me think of my mom.
I was very close to my parents.
And, um, they're both deceased now.
[Soft music.]
I was 12 years old when I lost my dad in a plane crash.
I was 19 when I lost my mom.
This was the worst-case scenario for me and my family, because we already had one tragedy.
My mom was my motivation.
And she definitely pushed me in all of the right ways.
I think that they'd be proud.
I hope.
I lit a fire with the love you left behind and it burned wild and crept up the mountainside - come on, now.
- I followed your ashes into outer space I can't look out the window I can't see this place I can't look at the stars they make me wonder where you are - yeah! - Stars ooh up on heaven's boulevard and if I know you at all I know you've gone too far.
Good lord, I'm telling you, man.
- So I can't look at the stars.
Nice! [Cheers and applause.]
Thank you, girls.
Such amazing support over there.
Can I just say quickly- I've fought for you a few times, and I know why 'cause your voice is one of my favorites in the entire - competition.
- Absolutely.
You have something amazing in your voice that - beautiful tone.
- Literally, my arms get covered in chills when you hit certain notes, kree.
So that's just my thoughts.
Thanks.
There's something that feels genuine about you as a performer.
And for me, that's a big deal.
[Applause.]
So thank you, and we're gonna talk amongst ourselves, and we shall see I wanna say, kree, I feel like today you became a star in front of me.
[Cheers and applause.]
I'm really blown away by the authenticity behind that.
And not to interject, but it was my go, but what I was that's why I was saying genuine.
It was about what was in here and about just the purity of your voice.
- Thank y'all so much.
- Thank you.
Congratulations.
Great performance.
[Cheers and applause.]
This goal the entire time was to win everyone over.
And I think today I did.
- No, that voice - That's the way to do it.
- That's the voice.
- Now kree, Ashlee, and Melinda must wait in agony while the judges decide who remains in the competition and whose journey ends tonight.
Well, then I say, "yes, put her through.
" - No for me.
- I had a small yes.
- No for me.
- I had a question mark.
[Inhales deeply.]
Okay.
- Whoo.
- Yo, I gotta tell you, these deliberations are getting tougher and tougher and tougher.
When I call your name, um, take a step forward.
Lauren Kree Melinda.
Front row Going through to the next round.
Back row, it's the end of the line.
Thank you guys so much.
So we say goodbye to Ashlee feliciano, Briana oakley from our long beach auditions, and a brokenhearted sarina-joi Crowe from Charlotte.
Good luck, you guys.
You all did amazing.
[Sad music.]
- [Crying.]
- Oh, I can't take it.
- [Sobbing.]
- My family's very excited to see me again.
They know that there's big things still to come.
[Crying.]
It's gonna take me a while.
I failed again.
No, no.
But it's not the end for everyone.
Kree and Melinda have earned another shot at the top 20.
For them, the dream continues Or does it? Randy, have you made this very difficult decision? More cuts for the girls and the guys It's the end of the road for you guys.
- After this.
[Upbeat techno music.]
It's late in the evening.
The ladies have done all they can - [Sniffles.]
- Leaving it all out on the stage.
Like the boys last week, the remaining 24 girls are called back in the theater for some unexpected news.
This is very unusual.
All right, judges, we have 24 hopefuls here on the stage right now.
We've gotta get it down to 20.
I know you've been talking about this.
Randy, have you made this very difficult decision? Almost, Ryan, not quite just yet.
When I call your name, will you step forward? Lauren mink, step forward.
Holly Marie Miller, step forward.
Ariel sprague, step forward.
You girls in the front It's the end of the road for you guys.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, girls.
Good luck on your journey, - wherever it takes you.
- Yes.
There are now 21 girls left onstage, but only 20 will be chosen.
And Randy has one more surprise in store.
We'd love to have a couple people sing, so we can hear them again, so we can make our final - decision.
- Okay.
Um, Stephanie schimmel, will you step forward? We'd like to hear you sing again.
Sing whatever you like with the band.
Okay, Stephanie, one more shot.
Good luck.
Stephanie caused quite a stir with our judges in Chicago Like a Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani blend.
It was crazy - yeah, wild.
- Easily convincing Keith of her potential, but not Nicki.
Nothing jumped at me.
- What? - In Hollywood, she proved herself in the early rounds of the competition.
You're going on.
[Crowd cheering.]
But the judges thought her performance today was lacking in star power.
I don't know if-compared to what we've been hearing all day, if that puts you in the top 20.
Settle down it'll all be clear now it's Stephanie's final chance to sing for her life.
Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear yeah just know you're not alone I'm gonna make this place your home - yeah.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
- Thank you, thank you.
- All right.
Now she will have to wait to find out if she's done enough to make it through.
The next person that the judges would like to hear is Rachel hale.
- Come on, Rachel.
- Well, since you didn't like my last choice, you sure you don't want me to sing something a cappella? - [Chuckles.]
Earlier today, Rachel also flubbed her solo performance.
[Vocalizing.]
- It wasn't a good one today - Okay.
- At all.
- But her bubbly personality has always stuck with the judges.
She has to be the happiest contestant - Yes! - I think I've ever met.
I'm gonna do music no matter what, but I would love to be a part of American idol.
Now she must deliver the performance of her life.
Tell me where hearts go when they go wrong suddenly someone is no one I've come undone undone undone - thank you.
- Thank you.
All right.
[Cheers and applause.]
Stephanie and Rachel must now wait to see who will take the final spot in the girls' top 20.
I don't see the star power.
She's got a good voice, but She's lovable.
It's been a hard, hard fight to get to this point.
It's been a long fight to get to this point.
Stephanie, would you step forward? It's the end of the road for you, baby.
You're not gonna make it.
[Applause.]
For you girls that are left on the stage Let me and my three co-judges here be the first To congratulate you.
You are our top 20, season 12 of idol.
[All cheering.]
Good luck.
Congratulations, girls.
Good luck.
Congratulations.
You girls are the best of the best.
All of these ladies will continue on their quest to fulfill their dream See you later.
Good luck.
And can breathe a sigh of relief as the pressure moves to the boys.
Coming up, the judges make the final cuts of Hollywood week When I call you, take three steps forward.
As the guys' top 20 is revealed.
For you, the journey ends here.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- Before the break - You are our top 20, season 12 of idol.
The judges announced the top-20 girls who will continue in the competition.
Now it's the guys' turn to figure out who will make it And who will go home.
I just don't wanna see anyone's dreams crushed.
The guys have been in the holding room all night, so they have no idea how this final elimination is gonna go down.
- Guys, come on in.
- The moment they have waited for all week is finally here.
On to the stage, please, guys.
Last week their fate was left hanging in the balance.
20 of you will stay.
8 of you will still have to leave.
But that fate is about to be revealed.
Now, judges, we have 28 guys up here on the stage.
And they've been waiting for days to find out which 20 of them get to move forward and, unfortunately, which 8 have to go home today.
So, Nicki, let me ask you.
- Yes? - Have the judges made their final decision on the top-20 guys? Unfortunately, Ryan, we have not.
- Okay.
- So, gentlemen, if I call your name, then simply step to the middle of the stage and do a song that you've done with the band.
Uh, we'd like to hear Adam Sanders.
Okay.
Let's go, Adam! [Cheers and applause.]
I'm gonna sing taking chances can I please have it lowered a full step? Mm-hmm.
[Soft music.]
- baby, baby, baby, baby.
- Adam was a big hit with the judges when he auditioned in San Antonio.
[Cheers and applause.]
Wow! Wow! You shocked all of us, dog.
He had a strong start in.
Hollywood.
Adam, those notes that you hit, and that only you can hit, make you stand out.
But his solo performance was a big disappointment.
Today was terrible, but you made it by the skin of your teeth, dude.
He's got this one last shot to get it right.
I'm hoping that the judges see my heart, my soul, my everything, you know, and how much this really means to me.
but what do you say to taking chances? what do you say to jumping off the edge? never knowing if there's solid ground below or a hand to hold or hell to pay what do you say? What do you say? [Cheers and applause.]
Thank you, Adam.
The judges would like to hear next Josh holiday.
[Cheers and applause.]
All right.
Um, Georgia on my mind - Oh, no.
- Um, with the 12, 8 ending.
The judges were inspired with Josh's first audition in.
Chicago.
What kind of artist do you wanna be? I wanna be a gospelmusic artist.
Josh, I like your vibe, - brother.
- Thank you.
Talk about Georgia sweet Georgia no peace I find just an old sweet song oh keeps Georgia on my mind just an old sweet song on my mind [laughs.]
[Cheers and applause.]
I got a rip.
[Laughs.]
We won't forget that one, holiday.
- You won't forget this, baby.
- You tore it up, man.
But the slice in Josh's pants certainly foreshadow what's coming next The final cuts of Hollywood week.
Now it's time for the judges to make some tough decisions.
This was not easy, by any stretch of the imagination.
When I call you, just please take three steps forward.
Peter Garrett Marvin Calderon Devon Jones Kenny Harrison Will white Tony foster David leathers Jr And Adam Sanders.
For you eight The journey ends here.
[Applause.]
Thank you, guys.
Thank you, boys.
So their best just wasn't good enough, which is a hard reality to face.
And so we say good-bye to some of our top competitors.
Man, it's hard being cut at the same spot two years in a row.
It makes you question, like, you know, "are you good enough?" Or, "are you gonna do this again?" This has definitely been an experience I will never forget.
It's life-changing Life-changing.
There's people out there that only dream of what we went through.
It's a blessing.
And I'm so thankful.
And I just can't wait to see what's next.
Back inside the theater, the judges have some great news for those who remain.
You are American idol's top-20 boys! [Cheers and applause.]
Congratulations.
As the guys soak in the moment, the top-20 girls join them onstage to celebrate.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Upbeat rock music.]
Congratulations! Your top-20 guys and your - top-20 girls! - Whoo! Well, I don't know how many of you know this, but we're taking all of you to Las Vegas for the next round of the competition.
Between now and then, rest - Yeah, gonna need it.
- Practice, dream.
Congratulations.
Your top-20 guys and your - top-20 girls, America.
- Yes.
[Cheers and applause.]
Next week Our semifinalists take the stage in front of our judges and and a live studio audience.
One chance, one song, no mercy.
Will your favorite survive the round week all?