TV Recap: “American Idol” Season 19, Episode 8 – “Showstopper/Final Judgement Part 1”

From 64 to 24 is the purpose of our final two episodes of American Idol Hollywood Week. Over the course of the next two nights, the remaining contestants will compete in a “showstopper” round (which is the most pageant named thing I’ve ever heard) and, from there, the gruesome cutting of 40 performers will occur. That’s a big ‘ole yikes. I’m nervous, I’m excited, and I’m ready to VOTE. Let’s see which 24 singers will soon take over my Apple Music playlists with their inevitable 1980s power ballad covers.

Already, we have the inclusion of Lionel Richie from the webcam horror hub. He will give final say for certain performers, as he has had to self-isolate after a possible COVID-19 exposure. LOL @ the world.

Alyssa Wray – Starting off by singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple is as inspired as much as it is a risk. This show frequently hates musical theatre influences creeping into performances. The belting is, without a doubt, otherworldly. However, she is so concerned about belting that there is no real emotion or finesse visible. The judges are hesitant and worry she can’t blend. Even with all of the hesitancy, she is our first entry into the Top 24. The judges seem to have a lot of trepidations about her abilities, so if she’s making it through with that performance, I’m worried about who will be taking the other slots.

Jason Warrior – We have a big ‘ole montage package to tell us how this is his last shot and he is laying it all out on the stage and blah blah blah. Let me remind you that this is Jason’s third singing reality show, after The Four and The Voice. He comes out and chooses to sing an Imagine Dragons song, which I do not know why he’d be compelled to do that. His entire being and performance comes across as performative, but maybe that’s me not being able to fully hear him sing. I can’t seem to look past his persona. Even with a technically flat opening to his performance, he makes it to the Top 24.

Alex Miller – After a push to take on a modern pop song, he goes with that 2021 Billboard-Topping pop artist…Merle Haggard. He said he worked to add a modern twist to his performance, but you couldn’t see it even if ya squinted real hard. I think his crux on the 1960s country sound has hindered his ability to showcase his greatest potential, especially through this type of medium. Both judges gave him some wonderful parting words to work on finding Alex’s true sound, but his Idol journey has come to an end for now.

Andrea Valles – After an incredibly forgettable performance of “Blinding Lights” and an incredibly forgettable run through the competition, makes it through to the Top 24. I’m mad. What’s new?

Chayce Beckham – We witness, I’m almost positive, his third life story montage. Do we need a third? Like, I got it Idol. The timbre of his voice is still so engaging, especially during his mid-tempo Chris Stapleton cover (which, as the judges say, could’ve been a little more upbeat and melodic). How far will he go on Idol? I really don’t know. However, compared to the previous contestant, he’s infinitely more memorable and enjoyable. His uniqueness is such a shining quality, and thank the heavens, he makes it through to the Top 24.

Caleb Kennedy – Mr. Mullet decided at the last moment to make his final performance an original song. After having a big ‘ole Travis Tritt yee-haw moment ready to go, he decided to take a risk and sing his own. The song he performed is destined to become a number one on country radio (not necessarily a compliment). However, he is set up to become the country voice of the season and I’m indifferent about it. He’s off to the Top 24, hopefully riding in on a John Deere.

Wyatt Pike – My favorite wannabe Brooklyn resident who sells pickled jalapenos. He is another contestant where I am not sure if any of this is…genuine. All of his performances feel like he was dared to only listen to Mumford & Sons and it influenced his entire life. I mean, he wears a two dollar bill on his hat. He makes it to the Top 24, probably via unicycle.

Cassandra Coleman  – She has verbalized her confidence struggles throughout the competition, but mentions that having someone else on stage during the duet rounds helped her feel grounded. Maybe that’s a sign that performing as a duo could be a huge coup for her music career? Her entire performance of “Running with the Wolves” is Florence & the Machine cosplay, however it is the first time I’ve seen her truest self this entire competition. Her voice has nary a fault and we are finally able to see her. It’s majestic and I am all in. She makes it to the Top 24 and I’m actually excited for the first time tonight.

Anthony Guzman, our infamous viking sang Maroon 5 and finally fulfilled his truest potential: Elevator Musician. It was fine. Everything he’s done is fine. Amanda Mena also covered a Celine Dion song and the high notes were not great. Bad song choices all around, my friends. Both don’t make it through and that’s the right decision.

Beane – My beloved, baby Beane. The gorgeous purity in his voice washes over me like a wonderful evening at the seaside. For his final performance before the reckoning, he takes on a Marvin Gaye track with extra highlighter, a Joe Rhode earring, and a smoothness that makes me immediately want to propose. The entire performance was effortless and his comfort on stage is unparalleled this season. After true personal fear all week about his status in the competition, I’m thrilled to say he makes it through to the Top 24. I’m so happy I bought the celebratory fireworks!

Hannah Everhart  – I love Hannah, I can not tell a lie. Her personality is infectious. Unfortunately, her voice is not where it needs to be. She needs a year of training to return and slay the game. The judges feel the same, that they aren’t sure if she’s all the way there. She makes it to the Top 24 and, while I’m excited, I don’t see her going as far as she could after a year of doing the Katy-suggested work.

Graham DeFranco – While performing a Kings of Leon song, I realize he’s a better Wyatt Pike than Wyatt Pike. It’s a similar sound, but Graham presents a more refined vocal, with a gorgeous tone. The judges didn’t love his song choice, but luckily he moves on! Huzzah!

Murphy – He is adamantly stating that he’s damaging his fragile eyesight by going under stage lights?! Poor sweet baby! I don’t want him to hurt his eyes! I’ve loved the energy, vocal intrigue, and humbleness he has brought to this competition. Even more so, I love that his best performance yet was his final one for the judges, an original that was quite breathtaking. It was clear from the jump that the judges were never on his side and, unfortunately, he’s out of the competition.

Alanis Sophia – Tackling her namesake, she covers “Uninvited,” arguably her hardest song to sing. Once she gets out of the breathy opening measures, she is able to showcase her range and belting abilities a bit more. There were struggles at the top and bottom of her register, but I do give her credit for such a killer choice in song. Like, “Uninvited” as an Idol performance? I must appreciate that! Katy finds that she’s overswinging…

Casey Bishop – After a stunning audition, she faltered a lot during Hollywood Week. Her final performance, however, was a bucket of belting. The clearness in her tone is nuts, especially for a 15 year old…

However, like Alanis, we are left hanging until tomorrow’s episode to find out if either of the two girls make it through. Will it be a double save? I guess we’ll see!