American Idol 2023 Recap: The Top 5 sing Disney songs, the Top 3 will be revealed
American Idol 2023 Recap: Top 5 sing Disney songs, the Top 3 Revealed! – Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry are back in their judges chairs this week alongside Luke Bryan. The pair took a week off to perform for King Charles’ coronation concert last week. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
This week, the Top 5 sing songs from the Disney catalog. Sofia Carson mentors the singers at the Disneyland resort. Also, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles will open the show with a special rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Meanwhile, Halle Bailey, who stars in the upcoming live action film, will perform “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid.
The show airs live Coast to Coast at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Voting takes place DURING the show. A Top 3 headed to the finale will be revealed by Ryan Seacrest at the end of the episode.
American Idol 2023: Full Season 21 Schedule
American Idol 2023 Top 5 Poll Results, Power Ranking, Predictions
American Idol 2023 Spoilers: Top 5 Disney Night Song List
Ryan Seacrest is wearing a ridiculous outfit. It’s a bit! He wishes everyone a happy Mother’s Day.
Sara Bareilles kicks things off with a sweet rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” she performs the song live in the studio. The Top 5 join her for a big finish. WAVING CELL PHONES LIGHT IT UP. Then, Ryan introduces the judges. Katy costumes up for every Disney night. This time she’s a Marvel character, Mrs. Incredible.
Wé Ani – Into the Unknown from Frozen II
It’s her first trip to Disneyland. Wé chose the song because it’s about “reclaiming her power.” Sofia says she must honor the song while making it her own. Wé can handle the big songs. She’s got the pipes to stop the show. But she also manages to make the song fresh. She’s spectacular.
What a way to start the show says Lionel. He calls her a star. “You did a fantastic job.” Katy says, “That was incredible. It was like you were karate chopping…you were a superhero of vocals.” Luke says, “I don’t think you’ve hit a bad note all year. You’re a superstar.” Ryan asks her about going back to Harlem if she makes the Top 3. Hometown visits are happening!
Zachariah Smith – Just Can’t Wait to be King from Lion King
Zachariah’s entire family is with him at Disneyland. Sofia calls him “walking sunshine.” His daughter is starstruck meeting Sofia. He sings for his entire family, including mom. The song pick is kind of….boring, though it livens up by the finish. He’s dancing around the stage. MOVES. It doesn’t help. Disney night is always hit and miss. But American Idol’s gotta do the cross promotion thing.
Katy says, “You actually may become King. You were such the underdog. That was incredible.” Luke says, “Just your comfort level…it all works…entertainment at a high high level.” Lionel says, “That arrangement alone…that was tough. You were right in the driver’s seat. You are on fire my friend.” Zachariah hopes to go home to visit his autistic brother whom he helped raise.
Colin Stough – Real Gone from Cars
Colin’s mom came out to Disneyland. She’s the one who signed him up for the show. Luke is watching Colin’s performance while wearing the biggest grin. The young singer displays his southern bred rock n’ roll style. He has the potential to be a great performer. Right now, he’s just good. Having said that–good song pick for him to show off his raspy voice.
Luke says, “That’s the most let loose have fun…great song choice.” adding, “That was my favorite performance you’ve done.” Lionel says, “The comfort zone was perfect. Your confidence was sitting right there.” Lionel begs folks to vote. “You came out looking like an electric guitar,” says Katy, “You took that risk. Keep doing it.”
Megan Danielle – You Can’t Stop the Girl from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Megan and her mom are at Disneyland for the first time. She writes her mom a smooshy note. It was hard growing up, because her dad left them both. Megan looks beautiful in a long black dress. The song is another boring Disney number. But she works her vocals to the limit while managing to stay authentic. authentic.
Lionel says, “That was a stellar performance. Your voice has gone to another level.” Katy says, “This is the most you’ve ever stretched your vocals. You were giving us vox. Your confidence was on another level.” Luke says, “You are a vocalist.” He notes that she only got into the Top 26 by winning a sing-off, and look how far she’s come.
The Bachelorette Hannah Brown and her current fiance are in the audience. She chats with Ryan for a bit. Ryan also announces that the Top 5 winners singles will drop on Friday.
Iam Tongi – Lava from Lava
Sofia looks about to cry while she listens. A crowd JUST HAPPENED TO GATHER (sure) as Sofia and Iam work together on a balcony. He accompanies himself on a ukulele as he croons a song that’s close to his heart. At this point, Iam is a runaway train hurtling towards the confetti parade. Iam is so relatable, which is why people love him.
Katy says, “You know exactly who you are. That is a superstar.” Luke calls him authentic. “You don’t have to work hard to go be fake. People just gravitate. You make a room light up.” Lionel says, “I consider you a master storyteller. Your dreams have come true.”
Wé Ani – The Climb from Hannah Montana
Wé and mom are enjoying Disneyland. Mom gave up her singing career to raise kids. Wé flips “The Climb” into a lush, orchestral arrangement. She slows the song down to allow for a dynamic build to a big gospelly crescendo. It’s another showstopper from Wé. She’s the queen of making classic overdone songs sound fresh.
Luke says, “You delivered perfectly. It’s a great song choice. Elegant delivery.” Lionel says, “I’m in love with you. What really makes the difference…you make any song you sing…you feel it.” Lionel begs America to vote. Katy says, “Look how high you are. Those dynamics you played with…you are a master of your craft.”
Halle Bailey – Part of Your World – From the Little Mermaid
A bunch of dumb people lost their minds when Disney cast Halle as the Mermaid in Little Mermaid. Screeching about “woke” Hollywood and such. So fragile. Why so mad? She’s a perfect Disney princess.
Zachariah Smith – Life is a Highway from Cars
Mom explains that Zachariah lost his childhood after his dad died. He helped raise his autistic brother. His letter to her is especially poignant. This week, Zachariah chose to perform two upbeat numbers. He works the stage, channeling his inner rockstar. But his work here feels like a retread. His best performances are behind him.
Lionel says, “Is that Michael Zachariah? You are the entertainer’s entertainer.” Katy says, “It was just brilliant.” Luke says, “You guys are putting on concerts. You’ve got the look. Great job.”
Ryan promotes IDOL ACROSS AMERICA. It’s time to audition for the next season of Idol. Of course, American Idol is renewed for season 22.
Colin Stough – Nobody Knows from Pete’s Dragon
Colin reveals that he was a big fan of Austin and Ally. He picked the song for its honesty. Sofia helps him shape the performance dynamics. The arrangement is spare, which is good. It’s an emotional song that needs Colin’s voice out front and center. He’s bringing real feeling to his rendition. I had a feeling he’d have a moment with the song pick if he did it right.
Katy says, “You drew us so in. You controlled it so well. You are showing us so many different things.” Luke says, “It is really hard to step out here with a guitar and hold the room. You really do an amazing job.” Lionel says, “You walk out on stage and you step into your light.”
Megan Danielle – Carried Me With You from Onward
Megan and her mama meet Minnie Mouse. Megan is a huge fan of Sofia. Brandi Carlile originally sang “Carried me With You.” A perfect song pick. “You deserve to be here,” Sofia tells her, helping her find her confidence. Unlike her first number, this song is right in Megan’s wheelhouse. It’s a little jauntier than it needs to be. She could have had a big ballady moment with a slower arrangement.
Luke says, “So effortless, so natural, you’ve got the magic tone, magic delivery. I love your voice. It tells your story.” Lionel says, “You have a cry that’s so believable.” Katy says, “There is a light that you’ve switched. It’s a beautiful angelic place every time you sing.”
Iam Tongi – Father and Son from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
This Cat Stevens (Yusef Islam these days) classic fits perfectly into Iam’s backstory. His dad, who gave Iam his love for music, passed away a few months before he auditioned. He shows his mom around Disneyland. People chant for him wherever they go. His first performance was nice. Just nice. But this cover is special. So simple, yet emotional. Iam can convey emotion without big notes or flashy dynamics. Kudos that he kept it together for the performance.
Lionel says, “This is magical for you. All the stars align. It’s really happening.” Katy says, “It’s written in the stars. When I see your name I see ‘I am the next American Idol’.” Hoo boy. Crowning him already. Luke says, “Mama, thank you for signing this boy up.”
RESULTS TOP 3 REVEALED
TOM DIM THE LIGHTS AND HERE WE GO. After the live nationwide votes, the first person in the Top 3 and competing in the finale is Colin Stough. The next person is Megan Danielle. And now all the suspense is gone, because of course the third member of the Top 3 is Iam Tongi. Wé Ani and Zachariah Smith are eliminated. My prediction was correct. Wé outsang Megan tonight, but at this point in the competition, fans are voting for their favorites no matter what.
American Idol 2023 Top 3
Colin Stough
Megan Danielle
Iam Tongi
ELIMINATED
Wé Ani
Zachariah Smith
