American Idol 2023 Recap: The Top 8 perform, The Top 5 revealed – Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran Guest Judge
American Idol 2023 Recap: Top 8 perform Top 5 Revealed! – While Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry are in the United Kingdom performing for King Charles’ Coronation Concert, Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran sits alongside Luke Bryan on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
Additionally, The Top 8 perform songs from Alanis’ catalog while she mentors the singers. The Top 8 will also be paired up for duets of Ed Sheeran songs. Both Alanis and Ed will perform.
The show airs live Coast to Coast at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Voting takes place DURING the show. A Top 5 will be revealed by Ryan Seacrest at the end of the episode.
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How to Vote on American Idol 2023: Everything You Need to Know
Alanis sits in Lionel’s seat, Luke is in the middle where Katy usually sits, and Ed is in Luke’s usual seat.
Oh, Luke and Katy are Zooming in from Windsor Castle. They don’t seem drunk at 1 am in the morning. HOLY CRAP it’s Prince Charles and Queen Camilla joining them. What singing show can boast Royalty making a guest appearance?
Warren Peay – All I Really Want – by Alanis Morissette
Warren shared how he struggled to put his guitar down. He wants to focus on the storytelling. It’s obvious he’s still learning what to do with his hands, but he doesn’t look ridiculous. On the contrary, this is a good rendition of a song outside of his wheelhouse. All through the competition, Warren has had an identifiable style. And he applies it thusly, no matter what he sings.
Alanis appreciates that he took her notes. “This is a version that I never imagined!” Ed says, “You really shined without the guitar. There was a lot of confidence.” Luke compliments his ability to work the stage. “It’s fun watching you grow.”
Zachariah Smith – Ironic – by Alanis Morissette
Alanis calls his voice “angelic” and thinks he moves beautifully. But they work on opening him up even more. He pivots here, perforforming a softer song. But the big chorus allows him to show off his rock-tinged voice. I had him pegged to leave this week. Now I ‘m not so sure. So far, the performances are out of the box and pretty great. Zachariah isn’t jumping around like a lunatic.
Alanis saw him “being in flow…a liquidity I loved.” Ed says, “I was captivated.” Luke appreciated him adding dynamics this week. This is exactly it. He wasn’t dialed up to 11 the entire time.
Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele – Photograph by Ed Sheeran
The two chose to sing together during Hollywood week. Now they are back together for an Ed Sheeran cover. Oliver is working social media hard for votes, hoping to make to next week. The pair’s familiarity makes for a cohesive performance. It’s very pretty.
Ed looks happy! “Your voices compliment each other…there is a crazy power singing ability…gentleness and soulfulness.” Alanis calls their connection “respectful.” She loved their vulnerability. “Great job great arrangement,” says Luke. The two talk about their close friendship. They share in common being close to musical fathers. Iam called Oliver’s dad when he was in the hospital a few weeks ago. The camera cuts to dad sitting in the audience. “My money is on you!” Oliver says to Iam.
Haven Madison – You Learn – by Alanis Morissette
Alanis advises Haven to always be herself and not worry about what people think. She works with the singer on using her falsetto. Haven’s voice is too soft when she’s not belting. She needs more work on dynamics and utilizing the lower parts of her voice. Having said that, this is a good song pick for her because it allows her to belt on the chorus. So far these song picks are perfect.
Alanis calls it “gorgeous” and adds, “you have that inside out music in your body.” Ed really appreciated the chorus. “Captivating.” Luke notes her freedom and comfort on stage. He mentions that Haven never used her falsetto.
Warren Peay and Wé Ani – Perfect by Ed Sheeran
This is an interesting pairing. They are both soulful singers, even though she’s R&B and he’s country. They don’t sing with the ease that Iam and Oliver did, but they harmonize beautifully, and have some chemistry (They look at each other!) Ed has the biggest grin on his face and says “I’m just loving these renditions. Thank you so much for doing it.” Alanis says, “You really indicated your massive range, emotionally too.” Luke appreciates their growth. “So fun watching you both blossom.”
Katy and Lionel return for another video segment. So they are watching live? Or not? They are! They joke about Alanis and Ed supplanting them. They wave like Royals. “The English know how to party…right Ed?” says Katy.
Colin Stough – Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette
Colin is a little nervous in Alanis’ presence. She helps him make the performance more “nasty.” He accompanies himself on acoustic guitar. His version is more southern rock than country. Man. It’s another great rendition. Although, Colin sounds a little hoarse? But that might be part of Alanis’ advice to not sound perfect. Each week, he owns the stage more and more.
Alanis says, “I did not see that coming! Beautiful work.” Ed says, “I love how it rocks out in the end. You are doing it in a way that makes it your own.” Luke says “He’s just so damn cute, I don’t know what to do! You’ve come so far.”
Alanis Morissette – Thank U
Now, the guest judge and mentor Alanis Morissette takes the stage to sing her song “Thank U,” one of her fan-favorite hits. After her performance, Alanis shares how she is paying it forward when she mentors. It’s THE 28th anniversary of her debut album, Jagged Little Pill. She mentions that she will head out on tour this year, both in the US and Asia.
Sofia Carson is mentoring the contestants next week at Disneyland. Plus, Halle Bailey performs
Zachariah Smith and Haven Madison – Thinking out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Their voices have different textures, but somehow they manage to sound good together. Duets on singing shows are usually hit and miss. but so far tonight they’ve been really solid and enjoyable. Ed says, “Really soulful, really powerful. You both are so talented.” Alanis said they made it seem like the song was born to be a duet. Luke says, “I have smile cramps! You guys start…turning into stars. Good vibes all the way around.”
Megan Danielle – Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette
Megan is dedicating the song to her boyfriend. Alanis suggests Megan make it vulnerable and conversational. For the first time tonight, I’m disappointed with a song choice. It’s a boring mid-tempo number with dumb lyrics. “Head over feet,” really? Megan’s raspy voice sounds good. But she’s better when she’s invested emotionally or spiritually in what she’s singing.
Alanis says, “Really soulful.” Ed says, “I felt like I was watching a classic singer from the 60s.” Luke told Ed beforehand how great Megan is. He says, “You made it real inviting. You nailed that. Your voice makes that happen.”
Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed
Ed Sheeran has a new album out, a docu-series airing on Disney+ and he just won a copyright infringement case. A plaintiff accused him of stealing elements of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On.” He performs with only an acoustic guitar tonight. He kicked off his US tour last night.
Iam Tongi – Guardian by Alanis Morissette
Iam is dedicating the song to his mother. Alanis wants him to split the song into three parts. She’s helping him work on dynamics. The song is very pretty, but I wish the band wasn’t so loud behind him. It would have been more effective performed sparingly. He ends, “I love you mom!” His big family is in the audience (Fun fact: Iam is LDS).
Alanis appreciates the level of empathy in his voice. “It’s a huge gift,” she says. Ed says, “I felt like you were connected with the song.” Luke notes that a mistake he made was barely noticeable. I didn’t notice it either. But I don’t know the song. Iam is wearing a lei his aunt brought him.
Wé Ani – Uninvited by Alanis Morissette
Wé is singing about a boy that she will not name. Alanis helps her use her vibrato, but imperfectly. I am already loving this song pick for her. A powerful song that she sings powerfully. Wé tells a story in a couple of minutes, starting off calmly. Even smiling. But ending with a tortured scream.
Alanis says, “It was chilling to behold you.” Ed thought it showcased every bit of her voice. “It’s very powerful. Super good.” Luke says, “It’s such a haunting song. That’s the best I’ve ever heard it.”
Megan Danielle and Colin Stough – Dive by Ed Sheeran
This is an excellent pairing. Colin has been coming on strong the past few weeks. Stronger than Warren. He might sneak into the Top 3 ahead of him. They both bring an achy sincerity to the performance against a pedal steel guitar. Colin says it was hard to be serious, because they’re buds. Ed says, “Whoever put you together was a genius. You compliment each other so well.” Alanis loves their “plaintive cry…really connected and familial.” Luke says “I’m just smiling at our babies up on stage. It was fun watching you (Colin) do the run…a sweet moment.”
The pair revealed that the producers put the duet partners together, but they got to choose their songs.
Katy and Lionel check in for a third time. They are watching the show. Katy is a lifelong fan of Alanis “It’s the reason why I exist as an artist.” Lionel can’t predict who will move on to the Top 5.
Oliver Steele – You Oughta Know
The judges saved him last week. He’s aware that fans find him “sleepy and boring.” Alanis goes over with Oliver how to phrase and shape the dynamics of the song. Oliver says he has a fire lit under him this week. He finally pulled out his electric guitar and is leaving it all out on stage, which is thing that hasn’t happened the last few week. HE REALLY WANTS TO SING AT DISNEYLAND Y’ALL. I made fun of him for begging for votes on social media. “Good luck with that,” I snarked. But he’s given himself a chance here.
Oliver’s dad is in the audience. Alanis loves that a man was willing to take on unpopular emotions not considered masculine. Luke says, “I know this is a big moment for you. Way to get in there and battle.” He pulls off his beanie. His head is shaved in solidarity with his father, who is bald. In case you don’t remember: Oliver’s dad had a debilitating stroke last year and has been very ill.
Results
Ryan has the results based on viewer votes. TOM DIM THE LIGHTS AND HERE WE GO. After 21 million votes. First person in the Top 5 is Zachariah. The next person safe tonight is Megan Danielle. Iam Tongi is also safe. After the Nationwide vote, Wé Ani is also safe. Who is the last person safe? The final person is…Colin Stough!
Holy crap! Warren is eliminated. But by the end of this episode, it became clear that Colin had surpassed him. Warren peaked early, while Colin is kept growing the last few weeks. Also, Zachariah chose great songs this week, showing yet another side of his musical personality. He’s the contestant playing it smart, while Warren coasted on performing a singular style week after week that’s popular with Idol fans. But with no variation or improvement arc, fans become bored. Oliver gave it his all this week, but it was too little too late. Haven made it as far as she could, considering the competition. Wé and Megan are FORMIDABLE vocal talents.
American Idol 2023 Top 5
Zachariah Smith
Megan Danielle
Iam Tongi
We Ani
Colin Stough
Eliminated
Haven Madison
Warren Peay
Oliver Steele
