Oakland County teens carry on into the top 10 of “American Idol”
After borrowing a little glitz from Hollywood for “movie night” on “American Idol,” Oakland County singers Jena Irene and Malaya Watson earned enough votes from viewers to remain in the competition.
Farmington Hill’s Jena Irene and Malaya Watson of Southfield felt double the pressure this week on their path to becoming the next “American Idol.” Not only did they face possible elimination from the competition, but if sent home they would not earn a coveted spot on the next “American Idol” tour, which promises an enormous opportunity for building their fan base and opening career doors. Only the top 10 contestants will be invited to take a seat on the “Idol” bus to tour America, and Irene and Watson will be aboard.
The final 11 American Idol contestants took the stage Wednesday night, performing songs from the movies. After a number of solid but lackluster performances, Farmington Hills’ Irene struck “Idol” gold with the song “Decode,” from one of host Ryan Seacrest’s favorite films, “Twilight.” Glamorous, dressed in black and white, Irene sat at the piano, where the judges like her. Her powerful and dynamic performance drew Idol Judges Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez to their feet for a standing ovation, while Harry Connick Jr. smiled and provided uncharacteristic positive comments, saying she brought a strong performance.
Urban was impressed with her ferocity, saying he didn’t know if we (the audience) was “going off a cliff” or what is going to happen.
“It’s exhilarating. I love the way you perform,” he said.
Lopez proclaimed, “it was the night’s best performance,” adding she doesn’t know what Irene was doing in last week’s Bottom Three.
“America, please get on board with this! This girl is the real thing!” she said.
Watson of Southfield closed the show with a strong vocal performance of “I Am Changing” from “Dreamgirls.” Watson said the song had a big impact on her personally, and her rendition brought Urban and Lopez to their feet again with applause.
“Good Girl, Malaya,” Lopez said. “That was killer. You have an amazing voice.”
Urban told Watson that the song played to her strengths, and Connick said he was impressed with her power.
“ You just showed everybody there is a big belter this season,” said Connick Jr.
Next week marks the official top 10 finalists in the competition that started with 211 hopefuls from across the county. The “Idol” folks hint that there may be more twists as each singer with big dreams pursues a path to become the next “American Idol.”
North Farmington High School planned a viewing party Wednesday night to support Irene. The overnight snowstorm closed the school and the event was canceled. A school spokeswoman said the school may have a viewing party next week.
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