The Top 11 on American Idol hit the stage with songs from the legendary Motown Records, on season 10, episode 20, which aired on March 23.
Casey Abrams opened the show with I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. The judges loved how he’s already found his specific sound, and how there is no one else like him in the industry.
Thia Megia took Randy’s advice and picked an up-tempo song this week. She performed Heatwave by Martha & the Vandellas. The judges loved how she took a chance, and now they want to see her dig deeper each week.
Jacob Lusk was in his element when he performed Marvin Gaye’s You’re All I Need to Get By. He was so terrific that Steven came onto the stage to congratulate him. The judges called him a true professional.
Lauren Alaina sang You Keep Me Hanging On by The Supremes. After a few so-so weeks, the judges were relieved to see that the Lauren they remembered from her audition was back!
Stefano Langone performed Hello by Lionel Richie. The judges gave him some very undeserved critical feedback, saying that vocally he was perfect, but his emotion just wasn’t there. When the judges watch the show back they’ll see that they were way off on that one.
Haley Reinhart got compliments from her toughest critic (Randy) with her rendition of You Really Got a Hold on Me by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The judges agreed that she sang her heart out. But will America agree?
Scotty McCreery was a little out of his comfort zone this week. But he managed to add a country twang to For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder. The judges said it wasn’t his best vocally, but the overall performance was fantastic.
Pia Toscano sang All in Love is Fair by Stevie Wonder and once again knocked it out of the park. J-Lo said she could have a career like Celine Dion.
Paul McDonald sang Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. J-Lo called him the complete package, although from home, he sounded like he was being overpowered by his back-up singers.
Naima Adedapo brought some African flavour to her performance of Dancing In The Street by Martha & the Vandellas. The judges loved how she differentiates herself from the others by adding dance numbers to her performances.
Finally, James Durbin sang Living for the City by Stevie Wonder, leaving J-Lo speechless. The judges agreed...he’s incredible to watch.
America's votes led to a shocking twist on the Top 11 elimination show, which aired on March 24, 2011. Early favorite Casey Abrams recieved the fewest number of votes, leaving him in danger of elimination. The judges stopped him after about 20 seconds of singing for his life and announced that they would be using their one and only save of the season. Phew! America...vote carefully!
Clip from American Idol Season 10’s Motown Performances
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