‘American Idol’ Season 16, Episode 11: ‘Top 24 Solo Performances’ Part 2 Recap

Last week, we were able to witness the first part of the “American Idol” Top 24 Solo Performances. Today, we will continue with the rest of the hopefuls. Bobby Bones also returns as coach and mentor for our Idol hopefuls, helping them achieve what they need to level up in the competition. Just as expected, the remaining Idol hopefuls did their best and risked everything to be part of the Top 14. Here’s a rundown of the Solo Performances of the remaining 12 contestants.

Amelia Hammer Harris

Amelia has been very consistent with her “American Idol” performances each week, but it seemed that she messed up with her Solo Performance tonight. The song “Believer” by Imagine Dragons is definitely not for her.

Amelia started strong, but she ran out of breath towards the middle until the end of the song. Luckily, the judges loved her performance despite the mistakes she made. The only problem is that Amelia may not be able to continue to the next level of the competition.

Garrett Jacobs

Garrett sang Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.” Garrett did well, but his high notes were not that good. It looks like Garrett’s performance is not enough to pass in the Top 14 as well.

Garrett has a good voice, but he still has a lot of room for improvement in his vocals and stage presence. Garett should have proven that he deserves to be in the Top 24 since the judges picked him rather than Laine Hardy, who is also a great singer and performer.

Maddie Poppe

The judges might have realized that Maddie was more than ready to win the “American Idol” after her performance of an old song called “Brand New Key” by Melanie. Maddie made it look like the song was very easy to handle even if it is not, and she once again proved how effortless her singing could be.

Maddie’s voice was simple yet powerful. She showed that one could be a great singer without screaming or yelling.

Ada Vox

Ada Vox literally owned the stage with her Solo Performance. Ada sang “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. The judges were amazed and surprised from the beginning until the end. Ada worked on the control and power of his voice, and everything went well.

Ada is a threat to the other contestants. He is a star, and he will definitely continue to shine even if he doesn’t get the grand “American Idol” spot.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Caleb is a good country singer, and he could be the next Scotty McCreery of America. However, Caleb needs to think about how he could be different to Scotty and the other country singers out there. In short, Caleb needs to have his own identity.

Caleb tackled “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett. Lionel said that Caleb is simple and solid, while Katy noted that his voice holds wisdom in it and is very timeless.

Effie Passero

Effie performed “Barracuda” by Heart. It was obvious that her “American Idol” Solo Performance isn’t the best, but it was also evident that Effie’s voice is powerful and has great potential. Effie chose the wrong song, and this could hurt her in the end.

Alyssa Raghu

Alyssa just turned sixteen, but her voice doesn’t sound like her age. Alyssa can sing beyond what is expected of her, but it seemed that something was missing during her “American Idol” Solo Performance.

Alyssa sang “Stay” by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko. Although she sounded great, Alyssa lacked originality. Like the other performances, the song choice is not suitable for her because she could have done more.

Marcio Donaldson

Marcio is one of the most inspirational contestants in “American Idol” ever. And Marcio continues to inspire everyone as he sings Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable” for his Solo Performance.

The judges could not help but to give Marcio a standing ovation. Katy said that she was impressed and proud of him. Luke added that Marcio delivered a world-class performance.

Mara Justine

Mara is one of those singers whom everyone would want to listen to. Mara sang Whitney Houston’s “Run To You” where she displayed so much versatility in her voice.

What’s good about Mara is that she knows how to connect with the audience and the judges as well. She also feels every single lyric of the song in all of her “American Idol” performances.

Shannon O’Hara

Shannon picked a big song by Adele. She performed “All I Ask” and was able to show it with confidence. The song, however, was so tricky that Shannon failed to deliver an original sound. Shannon has good tones and vocals, but she still needs a lot of improvement for her to be in the next round.

Jurnee

Jurnee is a superstar! However, the judges believe that she picked the wrong song, as what the other did in the solo performances. She sang “Flashlight” by Jessie J, and the song limited her abilities a little bit.

Despite that, however, the judges appreciated Jurnee’s performance.

Ron Bultongez

Ron did a strange and slow version of “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn. It was also noticeable that Ron is going through something during his “American Idol” Solo Performance. Ron looked very nervous throughout the song, and he sounded flat too. It seems that Ron is trying so hard to be different.

“American Idol” continues Monday, April 16th, with the “Top 24 Celebrity Duets Part 2” at 8/7c on ABC.