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Post by Admin on May 4, 2020 19:23:22 GMT
American Idol Grace Leer said she'd take Luke Bryan's critique of her first almost-live, at-home performance to heart if she were to advance past the next round of cuts on the TV singing competition, and she did. During Sunday night's (May 3) Top 11 episode, Leer turned in a soaring performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Leer, who is quarantining with her family in Danville, Calif., and sang from a lush garden, selected "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because she sang it in elementary school; the Idol band added in pedal steel as a nod to her country leanings. Judge Katy Perry described Leer's performance as "big" and "bold all throughout."
Arthur Gunn makes a John Denver classic his own during his #IdolAtHome performance! Watch as he takes Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie to those “Country Roads”.
"You have that sweet spot that really makes you sound like that country voice we know and love, but you just showed America that you have a big, big, big voice," Bryan added. "Really excited about what you can do and where you'll end up."
This week, it was judge Lionel Richie who offered Leer some constructive criticism: "Remember the audience that you're singing to," he told her. "If country is your aim ... stay right there. Just hone in on where we're trying to go."
Leer grew up listening to '90s and '00s country music, though her musical tastes are vast these days. However, she recently told media on a conference call, she's committed to representing the country genre during her time on Idol.
"It means a lot to represent country music, especially female country music, along with Nashville," 28-year-old Leer shared. "Nashville is very much a home to me, so it's an honor to represent Nashville and country music."
In addition to Leer, Louis Knight, Julia Gargano, Jovin Webb, Jonny West, Sofia James, Arthur Gunn, Just Sam, Dillon James and Francisco Martin were all voted into the American Idol Season 18 Top 10 by viewers. The three judges voted to save Makayla Phillips, creating a Top 11.
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Post by Admin on May 9, 2020 8:42:10 GMT
The America’s Got Talent judges reunited in a recently uploaded clip as online auditions continue. Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Terry Crews, and new judge, Sofia Vergara took to Zoom as they continue to judge this year’s acts from their homes. Find out which acts we can expect to see on the big stage later this year! The show must go on, especially when its America’s Got Talent. This year’s judges continue to tape the show from their own homes, prepping for the next stage of the competition later this year. And, as the premiere date for the show gets closer and closer, AGT has released another sneak peek clip of what we can expect once it returns on May 26.
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Post by Admin on May 18, 2020 18:28:00 GMT
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest sparked concern among fans on Sunday night.
Toward the end of Idol's season 18 finale (the 3rd season on ABC), Ryan began to have a noticeably tougher time reading off his prompts. What's more, viewers noticed that his right eye suddenly appeared to be slightly swollen as he wrapped up the competition show.
Ryan's behavior instantly prompted fans to ask if he was feeling all right. "Did anyone notice Ryan Seacrest eye was almost closed near the end of Idol? His seemed off and he slurred his words a bit," one fan asked on Twitter. "Okay what is going on with Ryan Seacrest? Something seems so off," another wondered. "Ryan, are you ok? Everyone is worried," a different fan tweeted.
Thankfully, a rep for Ryan told People that concerned viewers have nothing to worry about.
"Ryan did not have any kind of stroke last night," the rep clarified. "Like many people right now, Ryan is adjusting to the new normal and finding work-home balance, with the added stress of having to put on live shows from home."
The statement continued: "Between Live with Kelly and Ryan, American Idol, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and the Disney Family Singalong specials, he has been juggling three to four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he’s in need of rest."
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Post by Admin on May 19, 2020 0:47:01 GMT
Daly City's Francisco Martin is one of seven contestants remaining with a chance to win "American Idol" this Sunday right here on ABC7. Danville's Grace Leer did not advance to the season finale, but most would agree the former Cal Women's Soccer star's future in music is very bright.
"This journey has been an absolute dream. I am so incredibly grateful for American Idol giving me the opportunity. Honestly, this feel like a launching pad for me," said Grace.
Grace will appear on the season finale of "American Idol" during the group song portion of the show and is thankful for her time on "American Idol" and reaching the Top 11.
"What's next for me is getting back to Nashville. I'm hoping to get back when it's safe and getting back to my music. I have some singles and music in the works that's already finished."
She says "American Idol" has been a life-changing experience that's given her an incredible platform to share her music.
"It's taught me a lot and it's changed my life. I think, in most ways, that my voice has been heard and I've been seen now," she said. "I'm 28 and I've been doing this since I was a little girl and this is the first time I'm being noticed. I think as an artist and a singer that's what you want."
When asked where she would like to perform at some point in the future, she highlighted her dream of performing the national anthem at a San Francisco 49ers game at Levi's Stadium.
"You want people to appreciate what you are doing and the art you are doing and American Idol did that for me. I've gained so many fans and such a strong following that is going to continue to follow me," said Leer.
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Post by Admin on May 19, 2020 18:56:56 GMT
On Sunday, the 21-year-old New York City native and former subway singer — who was crowned the season 3 champion of American Idol — opened up about her experience and what she plans to with her new platform.
"It’s definitely a whirlwind for me," Diaz, 21, told reporters via phone conference after the finale. "First things first, I'm going home to my grandma and I'm going to hug her. That’s the first thing I am going to do. I hope to be able to put out music. I am going to try to do what American Idol was trying to do in the beginning and that is bring family and friends together during this time when we need each other most. We shouldn't be alone."
"After this, I hope to be able to inspire more people and reach more people all across the country and across the world," she added. "That is my plan and my hope."
Diaz, who made a living singing in subway trains prior to Idol, captured the hearts of America (and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan!) from the very beginning with her kind-hearted energy, inspiring story and soulful voice.
"My grandmother has been saying that she doesn't believe that people like us can have their dreams come true," the newest Idol previously said. "This is proof to her!"
Despite her trials and tribulations, Diaz continued to impress week after week — and learned something new about herself along the way.
"This whole competition just reminded me and showed me just how strong I am and just how much worth I have," she told reporters. "I love myself, don’t get me wrong, but I think it's easy for people to forget they're worth when things get tough. I think that's the thing that I learned about myself from this competition."
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