American Idol is quickly narrowing down the singing competition in search of its next star. After several nerve-wracking eliminations, host Ryan Seacrest officially named the ABC show’s top 14 contestants on Monday night’s episode. Though many expected Leah Marlene to move on to the next round, some fans weren’t impressed — but it had nothing to do with what she did.
Viewers may remember first seeing the musician at American Idol’s Nashville auditions when she appeared in front of the judges full of energy. After impressing Katy Perry with her “tremendous voice,” the 20-year-old singer performed one of her original songs titled “Wisher to the Well.” With that, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan threw their support behind her.
“You carry her strangeness so well and that is a wonderful part of being an artist is that you’re bringing us the character,” Lionel said on the show. “You are so comfortable with yourself. It is refreshing … I’m so glad you came to us [on] American Idol. I just love it, love it, love it.”
Unfortunately, folks don’t think she got the chance to fully show off her talent when she gave an encore of “Wisher to the Well.”
During American Idol’s first live episode of season 5 (overall 20th season), Leah sang her folksy tune in front of a bigger audience and she was accompanied by a band. But viewers admitted that the song didn’t land as powerfully the second time around because of the backup music.
“The band rushed her through this song. Disappointed that she didn’t get to showcase it properly. She’s so talented and it’s an absolute bop. My top song on Spotify [at the moment],” one person wrote in the YouTube comments section. “She risked to play her very own with the band. They’re toooo fasttt :(( which I think stressed her how to jive and made the nerves recognizable. Still rooting for her!!,” another added.
That said, others believed this was done for a good reason. “She may have had to speed up the song a little bit, just to make sure she stays with the time slot given to her,” a different fan said.
Still, lots of American Idol fans thought Leah stood out from the competition and the quickened version didn’t take away from her overall performance. “She’s just enjoying her time on stage ❤️ I really like her style and her range is impressive. A true artist indeed,” a follower commented. “She’s amazing!!! One of the most exciting contestants we’ve had in a while!” someone else quipped.
In the end, the Illinois native secured a spot with the help of fan votes, and she didn’t hold back her excitement on Instagram afterward. “My head is spinning trying to process this all right now. All I know for certain is how intensely grateful I am. Thank you. ❤️,” Leah wrote.
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