The Top 7 finalists perform two songs this week, battling it out for America’s vote to make it into the Top 5, as the search for America’s next superstar continues on ABC Television Network, SUNDAY, MAY 6 (8:00–10:01 p.m. EDT, 5:00-7:01 p.m. PDT), streaming and on demand.
In this episode, American Idol will break more boundaries as the show pays tribute to music luminary Prince. The Top 7 will take on the legendary Prince catalogue, paying homage to the late icon in a historic first-time tribute episode by a singing competition series.
The tribute continues American Idol’s long standing relationship with the Prince family, following Prince’s live performance on the show in 2006. Iconic musician Sheila E., who toured with Prince earlier in her career, will perform with American Idol music director, Kris Pooley, and the house band for this special tribute.
Additionally, the singer and percussionist has appeared on American Idol twice–during the Idol Gives Back special in 2008 and the Season 10 finale in 2011.
According to Wikipedia, Prince and Sheila E joined forces during the Purple Rain recording sessions. She provided vocals on the B-side to “Let’s Go Crazy”, “Erotic City” in 1984. Though taken under Prince’s wing, she proved to be a successful artist in her own right.
Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated artist Nick Jonas will lend his expertise to the Top 7 finalists as mentor for this week’s performances. In addition to singing a song from Prince’s catalogue, each contestant will also sing a song from the year of their birth.
