Obviously, with huge live studio performances out of the question, were working with what weve got.
The intimate setting will certainly favor some artists more than others and song choice has never been so important.
So, buckle up friends, we’ve got 20 performances to plow through over the next two hours.
ABC
Who will rise to the occasion?
Kimmy Gabriela, Lakeland, Fla. // Leave Me Lonely by Ariana Grande feat.
In short, she needs to work on performance value.
ABC
She does just that in her Top 20 performance.
First of all, Kimmys never sounded so good.
As Luke Bryan points out, the way she moves from her falsetto into her full voice is effortless.
Also, hi, that low note at the end?
Yes, kindly and thank you.
Shes finally evolving as an artist.
ABC
Jovin Webb, Baton Rouge, La.
Jovins voice is so full of emotion and he easily connects with his audience and his lyrics.
Not that it isnt good now: Lionel Richies right, Jovin is instantly recognizable as an artist.
He does his thing (I mean, that scream?
Yes, sir!).
I mean, no duh.
Olivias vocals are great.
The song is just zapped of a lot of its energy because of the circumstances.
Will this be enough for Olivia to edge out the other 3,000 teen girl singers left?
Louis Knight, Narberth, Penn.
// If the World Was Ending by JP Saxe feat.
As the judges are quick to note, this is the perfect song choice for Louis.
Its heartthrob 101, guys.
That falsetto doesnt hurt either.
Shes been compared to Ariana Grande throughout this competition, so this song obviously fits her well vocally-speaking.
As Luke says, Makayla makes the entire thing look effortless.
Taking on a Whitney Houston song is a risk because youre always going up against the original version.
Even in her sea of lamps in her garage, Aliana is able to really connect with the audience.
The end, especially, really shows off what Aliana can do with her voice.
Katy loves the dynamics and thought it was the perfect song choice.
Lionel takes it a step further and tells her that she made that song her own.
Faith Becnel, Destrehan, La.
He strips the song down so its just him and his piano and that really works in his favor.
Luke wishes Nick dug in a little bit more, but Katy is really wowed by the performance.
For her, its one of Nicks best performances to-date.
Its not a showstopper, but Nicks vocals sound great and he really connects emotionally in a believable way.
Hes been hit-or-miss throughout the season, and this feels like a hit.
Also: Shes still rocking the insane pony, which is something I can always get on board with.
Jessie J songs arent easy to do, but Lauren makes this look effortless.
The judges are excited to see just how much shes grown as a performer since Hawaii.
Lionel thought her attitude was on point and Katy loves that she is continuing to grow as a star.
So, Id say, they really liked it, guys.
Shes been a standout since we first met her, especially amongst the Teen Girl Gaggle.
Lets see if she gets the chance in the Top 10.
IT IS SO GOOD.
It starts off sultry and quiet on the guitar and then amps up to show off his power.
Every choice he makes here is the right one.
This is easily a standout performance amongst the 20 were getting tonight.
She didnt need it.
Katy sums the whole thing up nicely when she tells Sophia that the performance was, simply, pleasing.
Sophia always feels authentic, and this was no different.
Katy wishes it was just a little bit dirtier.
Its a fun one for sure.
Second of all, Dillons vocals sound great and professional, per usual.
It would be surprising if he didnt make it into the Top 10 next week.
Its all what you make of it, Katy says.
Hes so believable as an artist, Lionel says, and thats what will take him far.
Isnt this such a party?
The judges are up on their feet and dancing along.
Its going to be a tough choice.
Are people into Julias heartfelt singer-songwriter vibe?
We need some old school country like this.
Lionel also felt the emotion coming through there and Katy loved the dynamics throughout.
Per usual, she sounds great.
Luke also points to tremendous technical growth.
Itll be interesting to see what songs Just Sam chooses should she continue on.
Luke could see him taking his career on so many different paths, thats how talented he is.
His is one of Katys top two performances of the evening.
Only half of these singers are making it through.
Who are you voting for?
Who are the shoe-ins?
It’s time to talk Top 10.
