‘American Idol’ Season 15, Episode 11 Recap: Mackenzie Bourg And Jeneve Rose Mitchell On Average Night

Twelve of the top 24 American Idol contestants competed in solo competition in a fresh venue, Vibiana, in downtown Los Angeles, Wednesday night. They performed a song of their own choosing and tonight they will be paired up to duet with past American Idol superstars including: Fantasia, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery and Ruben Studdard.

‘American Idol’ Season 15, Episode 11 Recap

With the finale less than two months away, judges are making hard cuts and tonight five contestants will go home. Hollywood week was so impressive yet this showcase was just average. There were some standouts among the twelve but the others were just okay.

One of the standout performances was definitely Mackenzie Bourg. He was one of the first few who performed last night and sang, “Say Something” by Great Big World. He re-did the song to make it sound like his own, and it sounded very natural. When it comes to song choice, he delivers.

When Jeneve Rose Mitchell auditioned, I wasn’t sure where she would go in this competition.

But last night’s performance was shockingly good. She sang a beautiful rendition of “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan while playing the harp. She really sang the lyrics, and you could feel it. Judge Jennifer Lopez had said she wasn’t sure about her but this performance gave her “goosies.”

Stephany Negrete and Gianna Isabella just had average performances. Similarly, it almost felt like they were trying too hard to perform. No doubt their voices are fantastic, but the performance as a whole was not there. Stephany’s performance felt detached and Gianna’s was far too showy.

Thomas Stringfellow performed “Creep” by Radiohead. I could see him in the indie genre of music or even singer/songwriter. It almost sounds like he has a British accent when he sang this song, making him sound even more like Ed Sheeran. Judge Harry Connick Jr. said his performance was “tremendous” and the rest of the judges loved it too.

“I really love what you do, and actually felt like you played with your voice in a way I hadn’t heard before. You were kind of pushing the envelope and I like that,” Lopez said.

La’Porsha Renae came out like a firecracker with “Proud Mary.” It was a high energy performance where she danced the night away. Lopez said she dreams about voices like hers.

Urban believes that there are multiple layers to getting past this round of the competition.

“It’s the right song, the right performance, and for me, making the connection,” Urban said.

Tune in tonight to see the contestants duet with American Idol pasts at 8/7c on FOX.