Mississippi’s very own Colin Stough is one step closer to becoming the next American Idol after advancing to the competition’s top 3 on Sunday night.
Stough, a native of 79-person Gattman, took on Disney Night with a strong performance of “Real Gone” from Cars before slowing things down with “Nobody Knows” from Pete’s Dragon.
All three judges – Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry – agreed that the 18-year-old HVAC technician brought his best stuff to the stage in Sunday’s semifinals.
“Man, that was maybe my favorite performance you’ve done,” Bryan said after Stough’s opening song with Richie adding, “Bar none, that’s my favorite performance that you’ve had so far.”
Perry, who has worked alongside Bryan and Richie in urging Stough to let loose when taking the stage, was more than pleased with his latest showing.
“You finally did exactly what we’ve been wanting, and it looked so good on you,” Perry said. “Keep doing it, Colin. You sounded great.”
As for Mississippi rocker Zachariah Smith, Sunday night was the end of the line for the grill cook turned Idol star.
Smith, who electrified the crowd with “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King and “Life is a Highway” from Cars, wasn’t able to secure enough of the fan vote and will now embark on what should be a long career in music.
The season finale of American Idol is set for Sunday, May 21 at 9/8c. Stough is joined in the top 3 by Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle.
