'American Idol' Sudden Death: Amber Holcomb Emerges As A Front Runner

Courtesy of Fox

5 girls have been cut as contestants were challenged to a sudden death round where they had to sing for survival in front of the judges and a live studio audience in Las Vegas!

Ryan Seacrest along with American Idol judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson explained the new rules — 10 will sing and 5 will go home in every episode for the next couple of weeks. See who shined and who got cut on the Feb. 20 episode.

Live From Last Vegas

The contestants were allowed to sing a song of their choice.

Jenny Beth Willis went full-on country and received mixed to negative reviews from the judges. Unfortunately, the ending of her performance was the shining moment and it was too little, too late.

Tenna Torres got rave reviews from all the judges and especially Randy and Nicki. Mariah called it a “beautiful, pure” performance.

Adriana Latonio from Alaska got up close and personal with the judges and totally rocked it! Keith, Randy and the audience gave her a standing ovation! Randy called her a “pro!”

Brandy Hotard is super sassy and cute! Unfortunately, her performance was just ok. Keith said she wasn’t “emotionally connected” to the song.

Shubha Vedula lightened the mood by playing the piano to a Lady Gaga song! Although she seemed to have fun while performing and we appreciated the upbeat song, the judges were not totally sold. Nicki called the performance “very confusing.”

More Contestants Fight For Survival

Kamaria Ousley is ready to come to the forefront after being a background singer for Diddy. Randy was way harsh — he said she was super pitchy and her worst performance so far.

Kree Harrison was by far the best of the night (so far) and got a standing ovation from Keith and Nicki. Her singing was believable and authentic. Randy called her a “natural born singer.”

Angela Miller followed up her amazing solo performance during Hollywood week. Although I didn’t think she was great tonight, her fabulous voice will surely put her through and keep her near the top.

Isabelle (who is already going by one name) sang “God Bless The Child” to the delight of the judges.

Amber Holcomb showed incredible soul despite her young age. She got a standing ovation from Keith, Randy and Mariah! Keith said she knocked the “timeless song out of the park!” Nicki said her vocal was “A+++”

Our Favorite Contestants

We love Kree and Angela — top 12 material, for sure!

In the end, Adriana, Teena, Kree, Angela, and Amber were sent through to the next round. The judges were unanimous.

What do YOU think HollywoodLifers? Do YOU think the right girls went through?

WATCH: Randy Jackson Is Staying On American Idol! ENTV

– Dory Larrabee

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This panel really sucks.randy and kieth are good but two girls suck.J-Lo please come back.the show needs you.
steven too.

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Nicki needs to go. Loved this show till she came on as a judge….she is terrible! Can not watch it anymore. Can not wait till the Voice!

Amber’s closing rendition of “My Funny Valentine” was a verbatim ripoff of Chaka Kahn’s arrangement from “Waiting to Exhale.” She bamboozled the Judges but any well-versed karaoke singer recognized the track. Another soulful but non-original church belter.

Angela is the one original talent this season.

I reversed their similar names in an earlier post. Uh oh. Wonder if this is Going to be a problem with voters

Amber’s praised rendition of “My Funny Valentine” was a verbatim ripoff of Chaka Kahn’s arrangement from “Waiting to Exhale.” She bamboozled the Judges but any well-versed karaoke singer recognized the track. Another non-original church belter.

Amber is the one!

Angela is okay. Amber is perfection! Easily knocks down many top knotch professional singers. Kree is charming and sings beautifully. But try to close your eyes and listen to all three. Amber’s singing is just beautiful and sophisticated, deeper if you will.