After learning that she made the Top 16, American Idol contestant Alanis Sophia left a huge impression on viewers and Idol judges with a powerful rendition of Brandi Carlile's "The Story."
"Wow, I thought it was a great song choice for your voice! You're showing off a little bit more of your serious singer/songwriter choice," Katy Perry said. "And it's so scary to get your name called and then be thrown on stage. It's like getting a wildcard text right before you're supposed to perform and you're like 'woah keep it together.' So, you're so young and you're keeping it together, good for you."
Luke Bryan offered even higher praise by labeling Sophia as a star.
"That was a rangy song... Just make sure on your lower end stuff to get your breath. Your high end is so amazing and it surprises us every time you're in front of us," Bryan said. "Even like when I was home watching your live performance, everything about you on my tv said 'star.'"
Lionel Richie was impressed, as well, but he still saw the performance as a teaching moment.
"Did we just witness an explosion? I don't know, something happened...You were down in the valley in the mud and all of a sudden you exploded," Richie added. "What I want you to understand is there's a huge stage here, play the stage, play the audience, work it because other than that, star power is all over your my dear."
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Sophia, a 19-year-old Florida resident named after Alanis Morissette, sang Demi Lovato's "Anyone" for her audition song. For the Showstoppers round, she sang her namesake's "Uninvited." For her all-star duet with Jimmie Allen, Sophia tackled Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow." During her extended stay in Hollywood, we've also heard Sophia belt out Sia's "Alive."
Here's the ABC series' Top 16: Sophia, Alyssa Wray, Ava August, Beane, Caleb Kennedy, Casey Bishop, Cassandra Coleman, Chayce Beckham, Colin Jamieson, Deshawn Goncalves, Grace Kinstler, Graham DeFranco, Hunter Metts, Madison Watkins, Willie Spence and Wyatt Pike.
That means that Top 24 competitors Alana, Andrea Valles, Anilee List, Cecil Ray, Hannah Everhart, Jason Warrior, Liahona Olayan and Mary Jo Young got sent home.
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