This Top 10 'American Idol' contestant sang about Massachusetts on air
There might not be anyone representing New England in the Top 10 contestants of 'American Idol' this season, but the region came up in Sunday's 'Ladies Night'-themed episode.
As the remaining 10 'Idol' hopefuls competed in a special round saluting women in music, Slater Nalley performed Reba McEntire's song 'Whoever's in New England.' The title track of McEntire's 1986 album recalls the story of a woman who's concerned that her husband is having an affair with woman in Massachusetts, and references Boston during the chorus.
'It's probably the hardest song I've sang so far on the show, just vocally and breath-wise,' Nalley said while preparing for his performance.
Country singer Miranda Lambert, who served as a guest mentor and performer for this round of the competition, helped guide Nalley's rehearsal.
'Hearing a tough young guy sing a song that vulnerable, it just feels really genuine,' Lambert said.
Nalley performed the song without a band, and instead sang while playing the acoustic guitar. Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie appreciated Nalley's song choice and stripped-down performance.
'I would have never pegged you to attempt that song,' Bryan said. 'As an artist, when you can keep the fans guessing and the people guessing, and surprise 'em with stuff they weren't expecting, you can have a long career.'
'American Idol' fans will vote during Sunday night's episode to determine which contestants will advance to the Top 8.
Watch: Miranda Lambert performs one of her first hits on 'American Idol'
'American Idol' reveals Top 8 contestants during 'Ladies Night' episode
'American Idol' contender Kolbi Jordan hoped to 'shock people' with this song choice
This 'American Idol' contestant left the judges—and Fantasia—speechless
Watch: Fantasia returns to 'American Idol' as a guest performer and mentor
Read the original article on MassLive.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Pop band's member, 64, falls ‘seriously ill' ahead of upcoming arena tour
Deacon Blue's keyboardist James 'Jim' Prime has fallen 'seriously ill' ahead of the Scottish pop-rock's band fall arena tour. 'We wanted to share some news with you about our brother, Jim,' the band wrote on Instagram Wednesday, June 11. 'Unfortunately, he is seriously ill and undergoing care in the hospital,' Deacon Blue wrote. 'We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.' In the wake of his condition, Prime gave his bandmates his 'full blessing' to play shows without him until he recovers. 'Together with Jim's family, we want to thank all of the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.' It is unclear why the 64-year-old musician was hospitalized and how severe his illness is. Deacon Blue formed in Glasgow in 1985. The band's lineup consists of Prime, singers Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, drummer Dougie Vipond, guitarist Gregor Philp and bassist Lewis Gordon. The band has sold an estimated seven million records, earned 12 U.K. top 40 singles and released 11 studio albums. The band's 'The Great Western Road Trip' tour is in celebration of Deacon Blue's album of the same name, which was released in March. The album marked four decades since the band formed and followed up their 2021 album, 'Riding On The Tide of Love.' The tour, which is set to begin in September, will include 15 shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Platinum-selling rapper gets 30 years in prison for killing cousin in 2021 Legendary songwriter, co-founder of iconic '60s band dies at 82 Music superstar hilariously reacts to bra thrown at him during Mass. show Popular folk rock band's frontman abruptly walks off stage mid-song Australian singer, rapper The Kid LAROI to headline The Big E Arena this fall Read the original article on MassLive.
USA Today
20 hours ago
- USA Today
'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts speaks out about judge Carrie Underwood
'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts speaks out about judge Carrie Underwood Show Caption Hide Caption Jamal Roberts on being 'American Idol' winner, going home to daughters Jamal Roberts won "American Idol" Season 23, but he's about to get even busier after recently welcoming a baby girl. "American Idol" winner Jamal Roberts is addressing the discourse surrounding his relationship with judge Carrie Underwood. Roberts made the remarks when journalist Nate Vinson asked him about the "very strong narrative online" around Underwood's first season as a judge. "People who watch the show that felt like she really wasn't supportive of you like other judges or other people," Vinson said. Roberts, 27, responded by saying that "Carrie is a country singer and she likes country music. I mean, I don't think she likes every genre for real. She had her picks, and she had her (choice) of who she really liked, and she stuck with it. "We applaud her for sticking to her roots and sticking to who she liked, but I feel like the better person won," Roberts continued in the red carpet clip from a BET 45th anniversary dinner. 'American Idol' finale reveals 2025 winner: Is it Jamal, John or Breanna? USA TODAY reached out to reps for "American Idol," Roberts and Underwood for comment. Last month, the Mississippi gym teacher prevailed on the singing competition show over a pair of country singers, John Foster and Breanna Nix. The conversation surrounding Roberts and Underwood, the show's Season 4 winner in her own right, took place all season long. At the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner, 'American Idol' winner Jamal Roberts responded to fans calling out judge Carrie Underwood for her lack of support for Roberts across the season. 'I don't think she likes every genre for real,' he shares. #BETAwards — reporting for duty. (@TheGreatIsNate) June 11, 2025 In his "Idol" audition, Underwood told Roberts that he needed to "loosen up" and find some "swagger." Despite the backlash she experienced for her perceived treatment of Roberts by some, the "Before He Cheats" hitmaker wished Roberts well after his May 18 win. "Congratulations to the newest winner of @americanidol !!! I'm so proud of @officialjamalroberts and all he has accomplished this season and I can't wait to see what mountains he climbs next! He's going to do great things!" Underwood wrote in an Instagram caption. Underwood also told USA TODAY she had some nerves around the winner announcement, reminiscent of her own moment she'd experienced two decades ago. "My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing," Underwood said. "There are a lot of moments that take me back to my time on the show." Contributing: KiMi Robinson
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Cynthia Erivo Puts Adam Lambert on the Spot & Holds Oprah's Finger in 2025 Tonys Opening Number
Sometimes all you need is a song — but a little support from Oprah Winfrey and Adam Lambert doesn't hurt, either. Cynthia Erivo opened the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday night (June 8) with a show-stopping number featuring epic cameos from both the talk show legend and American Idol alum. Just before taking the stage in a glittering red gown, the Wicked star — who made her hosting debut at this year's ceremony — ran into Winfrey, who gave her some sage advice. 'The only thing you need to do is just be yourself,' the mogul said before offering up her pointer finger to Erivo, who then hilariously grasped it as a tribute to her viral 2024 'holding space' meme with Ariana Grande. More from Billboard 'Maybe Happy Ending,' 'Sunset Blvd.' Win Key 2025 Tony Awards: Full Winners List Kylie Minogue Joins Prestigious '21 Club' at London's O2 Arena Kevin Parker Previews New Tame Impala Music During Barcelona DJ Set Erivo then embarked on a vocally stunning musical performance of an original song to start the show, during which she shouted out many of the night's honorees and repeated the phrase, 'Sometimes all you need is a song.' Toward the end of the number, she stepped out into the audience at New York City's Radio Music Hall and prompted some of the ceremony's all-star guests to sing the same line. Kristin Chenoweth and Aaron Tveit both gave pitch-perfect on-the-spot deliveries as Erivo held out her microphone to them, but the most memorable was definitely Lambert, who blew the crowd away with spontaneous, dexterous riffs. The Pinocchio actress ended the number back on stage with a full gospel choir backing her up, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Then it was off to the races, with Erivo helming the program as Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger, Cole Escola, Sarah Snook and more all took home statuettes for their performances in various Broadway shows. Maybe Happy Ending won best musical, while the Scherzinger-led Sunset Blvd. won best revival of a musical and Purpose won best play. Erivo's hosting debut comes just one week after she appeared on the cover of Billboard, and two days after she dropped her long-awaited studio album, I Forgive You. In August, she'll play the titular role in a three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, appearing alongside Lambert, who will portray Judas. Watch Erivo's opening number at the 2025 Tony Awards below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
