‘American Idol’ Recap: Hollywood Week Continues
We pick up where we left off.
Alexis was taken backstage to get treatment for a panic attack. Finally, she emerged strong enough to perform and Sal’s Gals– consisting of Sal Ventinetti, Alexis, Kelly and Jax— pulled it together. Well, for the most part. Alexis and Jax went through, while the rest of the group was sent home. However, Sal did manage to ask Jennifer Lopez to dinner one more time.
Onto another weak link, Emily Brooke threatened to bring down her entire group. “If I throw up, I have a bag,” said Emily. Thanks for sharing, Emily. Well she, Riley Bria, Keri Roche all made it through so hey, maybe a little nausea is the secret ingredient.
The next group may have had a bit of a home court advantage, as they all go to college together. However, they took a risk singing Idol‘s own Kelly Clarkson‘s “Since You’ve Been Gone.” Cody Fry, Rayvon Owen and Piper Jones are no Kelly (no one is) but they delivered enough to the extent that they all made it through.
Next up, Team Yup didn’t fare so well. Calling each singer unique, Harry said “that’s the only compliment I got.” Um, ouch. Needless to say, none made it through.
The following group, Vital Signs, which included Adanna Duru, Cindy Maslov, Denise Natoli and Camille Peruto, won half the battle just by picking Michael Jackson‘s “I Want You Back.” All four except Cindy made it through. Unremarkable. Boring. Moving on.
Ladies Keep Your Clothes On
LKYCO (Ladies Keep Your Clothes On– no comment) were next. Trevor Douglas, Qaasim Middleton, Daniel Seavey and Savion Wright may have been presumptuous in that name, but not inaccurate. JLo was vibing very hard to the boys, so much so that they all made it through to the next round.
Over a third through the episode and, honestly, pretty uneventful. In fact, we actually next get a montage of contestants sleeping. Literally.
Hollywood Gomez put his entire group at risk by being pretty unable to not fall asleep while practicing. And yet, following his group’s astoundingly terrible version of Bruno Mars‘ “Grenade,” he was the only one to actually make it through. Um, if I were any one of those four who got sent home, I would’ve given myself permission to give Hollywood a swift kick in the tush. But that’s just me.
Next up, Lovey James, Jess Lamb, Karla and Kory Wheeler sang a doo-whop stylized “All About That Bass” and, honestly, it was one of the smartest choices of the evening, simply because it was unique and didn’t put me to sleep. It paid off–for half the group. Lovey and Kory made it through.
Rocky Peter Breaks Our Hearts
Next, Rocky’s Crew, consisting of Tanya Mackenna and Rocky Peter had extremely high stakes, particularly for Rocky, who’s homeless. “I have nothing to go home to,” he said. Heartbreakingly, Rocky didn’t make it through. “I was thinking a lot about my mom,” he said afterwards, through tears. Ugh. This is the part of Idol that just breaks your heart. Here’s top hoping there’s something else even better out there for Rocky.
Meanwhile, team Soul Connection might be eliminating themselves. Heather Lee was close to quitting the competition if she couldn’t join another group. However, she and the three other girls in her group, Hetherle Spries, Erika David and Sarina-Joi Crowe were forced to overcome their (very catty) differences to sing, yet again, “Grenade.” Well, maybe Heather should’ve tried to be more of a team player, because her entire group made it through except for her. I don’t want to make any implications, but well, karma.
I Didn’t Come To Make Friends
On a much more friendly note, Mark Andrew, Vanessa Andrea, Katherine Winston and Alex Shier sang “I Get by with a little Help from My Friends.” Unfortunately, friendship doesn’t always conquer all and all all three made it through except Vanessa.
Finally, after an episode which has left me feeling as drained and exhausted as the contestants themselves, we arrive at the last group. However, their easygoing sound and vibe makes me almost sad the episde is coming to an end (almost. Almost). Joey Cook completely forgot a lyric but her ability to improvise wowed the judges. As did Heather Berthiaume and Naomi Tatsuoka‘s jazzy sounds. Obviously they all made it through.
And just like that we’ve survived another night of Hollywood Week.
What did you think of tonight’s episode? Were you sad to see Rocky sent home?
— Casey Mink
Follow @Casey_Mink