American Idol 2023 goes from the Top 8 to the Top 5 in about 60 minutes. On last Monday’s episode, we saw the sad elimination of Tyson Venegas and Marybeth Byrd. Technically, Oliver Steele was also eliminated, but Katy Perry (with the help of Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie) decided to save him. This took the original Top 7 to the Top 8. This is the second time this season that the producers have decided to allow more contestants to advance than originally announced.
Therefore, we can’t be sure that tonight’s Top 5 won’t turn into the Top 6, or next week’s Top 3 won’t turn into the Top 4. For now, let’s just expect to know the Top 5 by the end of the hour. This will be a fun episode with Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette filling in for Katy and Lionel as they attend King Charles III‘s coronation.
During the Top 8 episode, Ryan Seacrest announced that the contestants would be pairing up to sing duets of Ed Sheeran’s songs. Alanis Morissette herself announced that the contestants will be singing her songs as well. Both Sheeran and Morissette will be mentors and judges. Sheeran will also perform his song “Eyes Closed.”
It’s going to be an exciting night, so let’s dig right into the recap.
The show starts with Lionel and Katy broadcasting from England as they’re attending the coronation of King Charles III. He makes an appearance with his wife Camilla.
Performances
Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette have plenty of great songs, so I’m excited to hear the Idols sing them.
The Solos
Warren Peay sings “All I Really Want” by Alanis Morissette. You can vote for Warren by texting 2 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Alanis said that his performance and appreciated him taking her advice. Ed said that he really shined without his guitar and that he knows that fear of going without it, but he did great so not to stress about it. Luke said that he has really grown from the beginning of his journey.
Zachariah Smith performs Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic.” He wants to hold back a little to build up to giving the performance everything. You can vote for Zachariah by texting 11 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. She said he just let his body flow. Ed said he was captivated and thought he killed it. Luke complimented him on adding more dynamics to this performance. He said it was a really great performance.
Haven Madison performs “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette. You can vote for Haven by texting 3 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Alanis tells her to keep going with her music, and she loved seeing her transformation from the start of practicing the song to performing it live on stage. Ed said he was impressed with her vocals in this song. Luke said it was nice to see her transformation over the course of the show.
Colin Stough performs “Hand in My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette. He gives it a country spin. He asks her how to make things more nasty. She advises him to let things be imperfect. You can vote for Colin by texting 6 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Alanis said it was beautiful work. Ed said he liked how Colin gave it a different spin at the start, but then rocked out at the end. Luke said he is a really endearing performer. He also said it was really cool how he put his own artistic stamp on his performance.
Alanis Morissette performs her song “Thank U.”
Megan Danielle sings “Head Over Feet” by Alanis Morissette. You can vote for Megan by texting 10 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Ed called her tone so unique. He said she feels like a classic singer from another era. He said it was really good. Luke said that she made the performance really inviting. He said her voice naturally invites people into her performances.
Ed Sheeran performs an acoustic version of his song “Eyes Closed.”
Iam Tongi sings “Guardian” by Alanis Morisette. Alanis said that he has this velvet voice. She said he performs from empathy. Ed said that he really connected with the song. He called it really beautiful. Luke said that he always lights the room up. You can vote for Iam by texting 12 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app.
We Ani performs “Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette. Alanis advises her to give the song a little roughness to make it seem more authentic. You can vote for We Ani by texting 8 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Alanis said her performance was chilling to behold. Ed said he loved the change of the arrangement. He said it was super good and powerful. Luke said it was the best version that he’s heard on American Idol.
Oliver Steele is the final to perform tonight for his spot in the Top 5. He sings “You Oughta Know.” You can vote for Oliver by texting 5 to 21523 or by voting at AmericanIdol.com/Vote or on the American Idol app. Alanis said she was really proud of him. Ed said he conveyed the emotions really well. He said it was a very entertaining performance. Luke said he loved that he fought for his spot and it was great.
The Duets
Oliver and Iam sing “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. Ed said that their voices really complement each other. He said he got emotional listening to them. Alanis said she was really moved by the performance. Luke said it was a great arrangement and that they did a great job. He called the harmonies beautiful.
Warren and We Ani perform “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Ed said he’s loving the renditions. He said it was really cool. Alanis said they indicated their massive range wonderfully. Luke said it’s fun watching them blossom as individuals and coming together.
Haven and Zachariah sing “Thinking Out Loud.” Ed said it was so powerful and he really enjoyed it. Alanis Morissette said that she loved it and said they made it feel like it was always a duet made for them. Luke said that it was good vibes all around and that he can’t stop smiling.
Megan and Colin perform “Dive.” Ed said whoever put them together did a good job. He said that it was such a privilege to see them perform his songs so well by the American Idol 2023 contestants.
Eliminations
Who will make the Top 5?
The first person to make it to the Top 5 is…Zachariah. The next person safe and moving on to Disney week is Megan. Iam has also made it into the Top 5. We Ani is also in the Top 5. This means that there is only one spot left. The last spot goes to…Colin.
This means that Warren, Haven, and Oliver have been eliminated from American Idol.
Make sure to join us next week to see the Top 5 become the Top 3 as we inch closer and closer to the finale. Make sure to add us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with everything American Idol.