‘American Idol 21’ episode 18 recap: Top 5 perform for ‘Disney Night’; who was eliminated? [UPDATING LIVE BLOG]

Denton Davidson
·7 min read
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Tonight on “American Idol,” celebrate the magic of Disney as the Top 5 perform Disney classics LIVE and America votes for the Top 3. Sofia Carson mentors the contestants at Disneyland Resort and Halle Bailey performs. America votes for the Top 5 LIVE coast to coast. Will your favorites make the cut? Emmy Award winner Ryan Seacrest hosts the reality TV competition series for the show’s sixth season on ABC and 21st overall.

Follow along with our updating live blog on Sunday, May 14 (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT) as we react to the Top 5 performances and reveal who will advance to the finale on Sunday, May 21.

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SEE Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 21: Finalists, judges and celebrity mentors

8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol”! The Top 8 performed songs by Grammy winners Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran. Haven Madison, Oliver Steele and Warren Peay were eliminated at the end of the episode. Who will stand out tonight as the contestants perform hits from Disney songbook? Let’s find out!

8:07 p.m. — The wait is over. We finally get to see what Katy is wearing this year for Disney Night. After an opening performance of “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Sara Bareilles (backed by the Top 5), Katy emerges as Mrs. Incredible, Elastigirl from “The Incredibles.” Luke and Lionel didn’t dress for the occasion. How does this costume compare to previous years?

8: 15 p.m. — First up tonight is Wé Ani, who is singing “Into the Unknown” from “Frozen II.” Wé relates to the lyrics about reclaiming your own power. I think this is a perfect song for Wé, whose voice lends itself to Broadway. This song has a lot of range, but she makes it look easy. The judges give this powerhouse rendition a standing ovation and Lionel exclaims, “What a way to start the show!” Katy says cheekily, “That was incredible.” Luke says Wé hasn’t hit a bad note all year.

8:25 p.m. — Zachariah Smith is next with “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from “The Lion King.” He’s performing with his usual flare and energy — it’s hard not to appreciate that. I’m still not sure exactly what music direction he hopes to take, but he’s got a great voice. I love the breakdown he does at the end. Katy says, “You actually may become king!” Luke appreciates his level of comfort on the stage and his “entertainability.” Lionel calls it a “tough arrangement” and Zachariah was “right in the driver’s seat.”

8:35 p.m. — Colin Stough is next singing “Real Gone” from “Cars.” He’s using this moment to celebrate his mom. He’s rockin’ out with his cowboy hat and fringe jacket, looking like a star as Luke proudly smiles on. He seems to get more comfortable each week and I think he’s a legitimate threat to pull off a shocking win this season. Luke calls this his favorite performance Colin has done. Lionel agrees, applauding Colin’s confidence this week. Katy says, “You finally did exactly what we’ve been wanting.”

8:43 p.m. — It’s Megan Danielle‘s turn and she’ll perform “You Can’t Stop the Girl” from “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” It’s a ballad that allows her to show her range and should pull in votes from her fans. Lionel calls it “stellar” and says her voice has “gone to another level.” Katy says it’s the most Megan has ever stretched her vocals. Luke reminds everyone she had to win a sing-off to make the Top 26 and calls her “unbelievable.”

8:53 p.m. — Iam Tongi is up next with “Lava” from the short film of the same name. I am not sure why he would pick such an obscure song choice this week — I guess as a tribute to his home state of Hawaii — but it wouldn’t be my first choice for him. It really doesn’t matter though. There’s no way he’s getting cut this week. I wish he would change up his style once in a while and show us his take on a fun uptempo track. That being said, nobody gets the crowd reaction he does. The judges agree, calling him a “superstar” who lights up the room. Lionel adds he’s a “master storyteller.”

9:05 p.m. — Wé is up for her second performance tonight, singing “The Climb” from “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” The arrangement is slightly slower than the original, and I think she’s wise to turn this into a full-on battle. No one is safe this week! It really seems like this season is closer than ever. What a powerhouse performance! Luke says she “delivered perfectly” and he loved the arrangement. Lionel says he’s in love with her because she makes him feel any song she sings. Katy calls her a master of her craft.

9:20 p.m. — After a special performance of “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey, Zachariah returns with a performance of “Life is a Highway” from “Cars.” He’s definitely keeping things fun tonight, keeping all the warm feelings in his clip package about his brother and relationship with his mother. I like that he’s rockin’ out, I’m just not sure this is what will get him to the finale. How strong is that Southern vote this year? Lionel asks, “Who do you think you are?” and calls him “the entertainer’s entertainer.” Luke says he’s better than all the judges.

9:31 p.m. — Colin is back, this time singing “Nobody Knows” from “Pete’s Dragon.” Wise choice to slow things down for his second performance and show versatility and raw emotion. Katy says “you could hear a pin drop” and he’s “growing before our very eyes.” Luke says he does an amazing job at “holding the room.” Lionel says you can’t coach stage presence, and Colin’s got it.

9:42 p.m. — Megan returns for her second song of the night, “Carried Me With You” from “Onward.” She’s showing her country edge with this one, which should appeal to a lot of voters. Luke says he’s loved Megan’s voice since day one. Lionel says she has a cry that’s “so believable and so real.” Katy says every time Megan sings it’s from God.

9:52 p.m. — Iam will close out the show with “Father and Son” from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” It’s yet another tribute to his father, and I love Iam, I just wish he would change things up and surprise us once. Maybe that will happen in the finale. I’m sure he’ll make it. It was a beautiful song and performance. Katy says Iam stands for “I AM the next American Idol.” What more can be said?

10:00 p.m. — The voting window has closed. The three contestants advancing to next week’s finale are, in no particular order, Colin, Megan and Iam. That means Wé Ani and Zachariah Smith have been eliminated.

Be sure to make your predictions to influence our reality TV racetrack odds. You can keep changing your predictions until just before the next episode airs on ABC. You’ll compete to win eternal bragging rights and a spot on our “American Idol 21” leaderboard. See our contest rules and sound off with other fans in our reality TV forum. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.

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