'American Idol': Josh Groban praises his 'extraordinary' fan's 'Wicked' cover

USA Today

15-04-2025

'American Idol': Josh Groban praises his 'extraordinary' fan's 'Wicked' cover
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Carrie Underwood admits it's 'difficult' to be open about her faith
During 'American Idol', judge Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional after contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O'Neill performed Brandon Lake's worship song 'Gratitude'.
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The "American Idol" Top 24 have shown off their chops, and it's time for viewers to have their voices heard, too.
Monday night's episode rode the wave from Sunday night and brought out the second half of the Top 24 performers. Now, for the first time this season, it's up to "Idol" fans to determine who makes it through after next week; votes can be cast at americanIdol.com/vote.
Highlights from night two of the Top 24 performances included spot-on feedback from Broadway star and multi-platinum singer Josh Groban, who was a guest mentor alongside artist-in-residence Jelly Roll; a high-energy cover by Desmond Roberts that would give Stevie Wonder a run for his money; and a Kelly Clarkson-esque rendition of an Avril Lavigne song by Drew Ryn.
Last night: Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll admit song covers are better than their versions
Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan again took a step back from critical feedback in favor of uplifting each singer and encouraging viewers to vote.
Here are some of the best moments from Episode 9.
Amanda Barise flirts with Josh Groban, puts a new spin on 'Defying Gravity'
For the Top 24, seasoned performer Amanda Barise, who fancied herself as the underdog in this competition, chose a song she felt "embodies my time on the show." She and the band came up with a unique, upbeat and slightly tropical-themed arrangement for "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked."
During rehearsals, she mentioned more than once that Groban was her first crush, and in turn, he revealed her singing videos had come up on his Instagram feed. He came away from the rehearsal saying, "Amanda is a vocal technician. There's very little she can't do."
Amanda, showcasing her newfound confidence, was barefoot on stage as she seemingly hit every note known to mankind in delivering her rendition of Elphaba's famous solo. The song's dramatic climax was something that must be heard to be believed.
Though the judges all shared their compliments, Groban's was by far the most effusive: "Everything you do is extraordinary. I'll be your fan and I'll be watching from the sidelines and I'll be cheering you on every step of the way."
Luke Bryan jumps on his seat in excitement over piano man Josh King
Josh King has only gotten better since finding himself some main character energy in the first round of Hollywood Week.
The airport piano performer officially earned the "most improved" award by donning a white blazer and matching pants and breaking out some impressive footwork while performing "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John. As he walked around toting the whole mic stand, he got the judges dancing up on their feet.
There was no trace left of the guy who had his butt firmly on a piano seat during his "Over the Rainbow" audition.
If you recall, Bryan's criticism at the time was that "you can't dance to the way you're playing," and Underwood wasn't willing to advance him through the competition (he got by with yeses from Richie and Bryan). Weeks later, Josh is kneeling on the ground, whipping out a harmonica and charismatically engaging with the crowd.
Bryan, who had bragging rights for seeing Josh's promise from the beginning, was left jumping on his seat as Underwood alluded to it being a "perfect performance." She added, "If you had told me on your first audition that you'd be here right now just crushing it, I probably wouldn't have believed you."
Richie was in shock over Josh's dexterity. "You are a showman on top of being a great singer," he said.
Carrie Underwood gets emotional: Country singer on the difficulty of being vocal about faith
Mattie Pruitt takes on 'iconic' Katy Perry song
As it turns out, this isn't 15-year-old Mattie Pruitt's first "Idol" journey. It's revealed that her mom, Sara, was pregnant with Mattie when she auditioned for the show more than a decade ago.
After producers used some "Disney magic" to surprise Mattie with an appearance from Sara during rehearsals, the two did a sweet cover of "At Last!" It was immediately clear where Mattie got her singing chops from.
The Tennessee high school student appropriately donned a cotton candy-colored tiered gown as she took on "Wide Awake," which Underwood called "an iconic monster of a song." It was too bad Katy Perry was no longer around to hear it.
Mattie's now-signature came through as she sang "wish I knew then what I know now," and her pitch-perfect delivery had Richie exclaiming "oh my god!" midway through the soaring performance. Later, Richie told Mattie, "I'm telling you, if this is how you start your career? Oh my god, the future is yours."
Bryan, though complimentary, accurately pointed out Mattie could do more with her stage presence: "Get in that rockstar mode. Get in what you see Carrie Underwood do when she gets on stage."
'American Idol' 2025 Top 20 reveal
The four contestants who were eliminated via the season's first audience vote will be revealed Sunday, April 20, during the three-hour Easter special.
CeCe Winans, Season 22's Roman Collins, The Brown Four, along with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Underwood, will take the stage. So will the Top 20 contestants.