TV

The Top 8 contestants perform duets before five are sent to safety, three others sing for judges' save and two of them are eliminated.

• Mar 11, 2016

AceShowbiz - "American Idol" wastes no time to whittle down the number of its contestants. The show cut two more singers in the Thursday, March 10 episode that started with duet performances of the Top 8.

La'Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon kicked it off with a performance of "See You Again" by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa. The judges called it "a great way to open the show." Keith Urban said the song played to both their strengths and Harry Connick Jr. liked that their voices blended well.

Avalon Young and Sonika Vaid followed it up with a rendition of "Rise Up" by Andra Day. Jennifer Lopez said their voices were "so angelic," but would like to see the inspirational song reflected in their body language more. Harry thought the song played more to Avalon's advantage, but noted that Sonika had a "breathtaking" voice.

Dalton Rapattoni and MacKenzie Bourg teamed up for a cover of "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys. Dalton and MacKenzie clearly have different styles and as they tried to find a balance, Dalton faded into the back and MacKenzie stood out alone. Still, the judges thought it wasn't a good song for neither of them.

Tristan McIntosh and Lee Jean sang Aerosmith's hit "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing". J.Lo said Tristan's voice "really shined," while Lee was "just kind of hanging in there and trying to give us the emotional side of it." Harry had a problem with the arrangement, adding that it "was very boring and very bland."

Ryan Seacrest then began to announce who made it into the Top 6 and they immediately performed solo. First to be announced safe was La'Porsha Renee. She sang "Come Together" by The Beatles. "You give us full diva every time you get up there," J.Lo gushed as Keith said that "any song is a perfect song" for La'Porsha.

MacKenzie Bourg was also sent to safety. He sang "You Are So Beautiful", this time without a guitar. He nailed it as Harry said, "You couldn't have picked a better song." Keith and J.Lo said that MacKenzie made the song "sound brand new."

Trent Harmon was up next, singing "Stand By Me". He started it off with an a capella version before singing it in the traditional arrangement. Keith noted how much Trent had grown on the show and Harry liked the melody, but thought that it could've been better if he sank into the rhythm a little bit more.

Tristan MaCintosh also made it through to the Top 6. She sang "A Broken Wing" and there were some pitchy moments. J.Lo noted that pitchy moment, but said she did a good job overall. Keith said he felt a little emotional watching her performance because the song reminded him of his dad.

Dalton Rapattoni was the last contestant who was saved by America's votes. He sang "Eleanor Rigby" with an orchestra accompanying him. Harry said Dalton succeeded in introducing the lesser known song to the audience, Keith liked the theatrical part and J.Lo thought he nailed the big note.

Avalon Young, LeeJean and Sonika Vaid were the three singers whose fate was on the bubble. Avalon tried to win the judges' hearts with her performance of Michael Jackson's "Pretty Young Thing". Keith said if Avalon made it into the Top 6, she would need to make an emotional connection with viewers at home. J.Lo suggested that she steps out of her comfort zone, while Keith wanted to hear Avalon sing a ballad.

Lee Jean sang "Let It Be" for his safety. J.Lo praised his style, personality and voice, but didn't think that it would be enough to save him. Keith said Lee got plenty of time to work on his issues.

Sonika Vaid sang "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. Harry said Sonika took a big risk by choosing a well known song, but it paid off. Keith advised her to "continue to release and let go" if she returns next week.

The judges then made the decision and chose to keep Sonika. This meant Avalon and Lee were sent packing.