The second of two Mississippi natives to make it to the live quarterfinal rounds of “America’s Got Talent” season 21 has been eliminated.
Elsie of Columbia was one of seven eliminated in the third round of the live quarterfinals. Typically, three of the 11 contestants per round move on to the semifinals, but round three was atypical – one contestant earned a golden buzzer, allowing four to move on from the quarterfinals. The results were announced Wednesday night.
The country music artist had recently made a big comeback after stepping away from music to become a mother and focus on her family. During Elsie’s audition on July 14, she took a risk on herself and chose to perform an original song, “Forgiveless.”
After she was met with mixed reviews from her first performance, specifically criticism of her song choice, Elsie chose to perform one that was more recognizable to the masses during live rounds. However, on Tuesday night, her “shield” came back up during her country-pop rendition of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.”
“I’m going to be honest, Elsie, I think what Simon said (during the audition) was right. You had this shield in front of you when you first came out, but we saw that you have the tools to do what you did,” Howie Mandel said. “And I don’t know if it’s the pressure of this live show, but I think that shield is back up again.”
While Elsie’s take on the famous song was unique in its interpretation, it didn’t quite show the range the judges believe she has.
“Elsie, you know I adore you. And I think it’s been really beautiful to see you on this journey come out of your shell more and more,” Mel B said. “I think your voice is so much bigger than I think you even know. I think it was safe tonight. You could sing that song with your eyes closed. You deserve more than that song. I wanted you to give us a wow moment.”
Judge Sofía Vergara, however, had nothing but good things to say about the Mississippi native’s performance.
“You know what? I do think you made that song your own version,” Vergara said. “I’ve never heard this song sound like that. And your voice, I think we all know, is one of the best voices this season.”
With Elsie’s elimination on Wednesday night and Canton native Ashford Sanders being sent home on Aug. 19, Mississippi’s chance at having an “America’s Got Talent” season 21 winner is gone.
