‘American Idol’ Season 15, Episode 12 Recap: Past Idols Return For Duets, La’Porsha Crushes Competition

The second round of showcases paired returning Idols with 12 current contestants to create all star duets last night. But at the end of the night, five singers were sent home.

‘American Idol’ Season 15, Episode 12 Recap

Some were almost hidden under powerful voices while few contestants shined.

“Tonight is all about how they work with another performer,” judge Harry Connick Jr. said.

Emily Brooke sang with Season 10 Runner Up Lauren Alaina. The two sang, “Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood. Both of these girls were 15 when they auditioned for Idol and were found in Nashville. On stage together, they looked almost like sisters.

Mackenzie Bourg was also paired with Alaina as they sang, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Her voice is so powerful that it completely took the song away from him. His voice sounded so soft compared to her booming chords.

Avalon Young was “blessed” to be partnered with Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. They sang, “Flying Without Wings” by Westlife, the song Ruben performed when he won American Idol. They sounded so great together. She sounded strong and confident.

La’Porsha Renae brought the house down with Season 3 winner Fantasia to “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald. This was the best performance of the night.

“She loses herself in the music. And I love that,” Fantasia said.

Even when watching their rehearsals together, you could feel the chemistry and bond they have together after only just meeting. Their voices were so beautiful together and the judges were full of nothing but compliments.

Jeneve Rose Mitchell sang “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry with Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery. The performance was full of energy and fun but the song felt like something you would sing at karaoke. Judge Keith Urban called their performance “bizarre” and said it did nothing for her.

At the end of the night, the judges had to send five contestants home. Emily Brooke, Stephany Negrete, Jenna Renae, James VIII and Jordan Sasser were sent packing while the others move to the next round. Catch next week’s episodes that will feature the other 12 contestants’ on Wednesday and Thursday 8/7c on FOX.