'€˜American Idol'€™ Recap: Majesty Rose And MK Nobilette Shine

American Idol kicked off the live episodes on Tuesday night, where the judges selected 10 of the top 15 girls to sing for America’s votes in its first ever Rush Week.

The 15 girls that were selected at the end of Hollywood week received the mentorship of Randy Jackson, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry and Rickey Minor. They also received style makeovers and even some spiritual advising. Unfortunately, five of the polished singers would not get the chance to sing before the live audience. Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. had narrowed down the field to the 10 who outshone the others during dress rehearsals and throughout the workshop process.

Majesty Rose was the first name call by the trio of judges. She came out with her guitar to sing Pharrell’s hit song “Happy.” Many of the performances that followed didn’t match up to Rose’s stage presence or the pure strength of her voice.

Up next was Kristen O’Connor, who chose to challenge herself by picking Adele’s “Turning Tables.” O’Connor struggled at the start of the song, finding it difficult to sync up with the band behind her. However, midway through the song, she picked up steam and left the judges' table convinced that if she sticks around after last night, she’ll be a contender.

Briana Oakley, who has a habit of being a bit too serious, sang Demi Lovato’s anthem “Warrior.” While Urban complimented Oakley’s tone, Connick suggested she rethink going for the higher notes and Lopez added that she should relax a bit more on stage.

Rocker Jena Irene Asciutto went with the Rolling Stone’s “Paint It Black.” The vocals were all over the place, causing all three judges to question the song choice and arrangement. While her straining voice was apparent, on the positive side, Connick appreciated her intensity.

Marialle Sellers might not have benefitted from the direction of Lambert and Jackson, who suggested she slow down her vocals and ditch the guitar for her performance of “Roar.” Decked out like Miley Cyrus, Sellers commanded the stage, but her voice suffered in the overdone number.

Jessica Meuse, with her pink-streaked hair, went country with Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer.” Urban, who appreciated the song choice, took issue with Meuse smiling during a song about losing a loved one.

Emily Piriz got on Connick’s bad side again by singing a sex-themed song in her late teenage years, picking Grace Potter and the Nocturnal’s “Ooh La La.” “Is that really what you want to sing?” the father of three daughters asked. Lopez was easier on the 18-year-old, praising her ease during the performance.

MK Nobilette, the first out gay singer on American Idol, chose John Legend’s “All of Me” for the first live show. Nobilette’s performance went down as one of the best of the night, leaving Lopez almost in tears and saying, “I love it so much.” Connick added that Nobilette was an “elegant, articulate singer.”

Last up was the high-energy Malaya Watson, who selected “Hard Times” by Ray Charles. Although pitchy at times, Watson’s enthusiasm was contagious for both the audience and the judges, who appreciated her unbound confidence.

Also on American Idol last night, it was revealed that America had voted Ben Briley over Neco Starr into the men’s top 15, who can be seen performing Wednesday on Fox at 8/7c.

– Chelsea Regan

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