‘American Idol’ Season 15 Episode 17 Recap: Trent Harmon And La’Porsha Renae Own The Night

The top 8 finalists were revealed with a double eviction on last night’s two-hour episode of American Idol.

There were guest performances including Judge Harry Connick Jr. and Demi Lovato. Lovato sang the powerful show stopping “Confident” with all the female contestants. She stands alone to sing her new single, “Stone Cold.” Connick also performed his newest single, “I Do Like We Do” featuring Butch Walker.

‘American Idol’ Season 15 Episode 17 Recap

The theme for the night was to honor the Grammys as the contestants sang Grammy-winning songs.

Dalton Rappatoni sang an arrangement of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons that was just average compared to his usual standout performances. Judge Keith Urban didn’t think it was a good song for him.

Lee Jean performed “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. He plays guitar and sounds pretty good. It was a strong performance. The judges appreciated how he’s experimenting with different options.

One of the standout performances was MacKenzie Bourg with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” He played a different arrangement with his guitar but judge Jennifer Lopez thought it worked. It sounded bright and Lopez described it as airiness. Connick wanted a more inventive arrangement.

Sonika Vaid sang fellow American Idol alumni, Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” It was a solid performance but felt like it was lacking in power. Urban wanted more attitude, “wanted more fire, I wanted more angry girlfriend.” Lopez said she has to let go and stop thinking about it.

La’Porsha Renae looked stunning in a glamorous silver gown as she sang Beyoncé’s “Halo.” She never hits the stage without her power and her soul. Lopez really thought that she’s the one to beat. Harry described how she knows exactly how to give a song a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Trent Harmon performed a beautiful rendition of “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton. It was soulful and serenading and we got to see a different part of his voice. Lopez can see him and La’Porsha at the end of this competition.

Tristan McIntosh sang Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in dedication to her grandfather. She plays the piano and is comfortable with her song choice.

“I believe that is the Tristan America fell in love with,” Lopez said.

Avalon Young, Olivia Rox and Gianna Isabella were left in the bottom 3.

Avalon performed “Earned It” by The Weeknd. The judges thought it was a great performance and a perfect song for her.

Rox brought the energy with Pink’s “Trouble.” She took control of the song but it wasn’t a good song choice and was very repetitive.

Isabella sang one of her old-time favorites, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. It felt like it was missing a little feeling but was an overall good performance.

The judges chose Young as the last addition to the top 8. Rox and Isabella were sent home. With only five weeks left until the last Idol finale, tune in next Thursday 8/7c on FOX.