Jay Copeland appeared on "American Idol" Sunday and Monday, competing in the duets and a "showstopper" performance, wrapping up the end of Hollywood Week.
“We’re not only judging individually, but just how you and your partner make it work,” Lionel Richie said.
Copeland used his platinum ticket advantage to choose preferred duet partner and fellow competitor, Morgan Gruber.
“I think Morgan is a well-rounded artist,” Copeland said, “Absolutely, positively sure that I made the right decision with Morgan.”
Gruber chose the song “Shallow” by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga from the 2018 film, “A Star is Born” After finalizing this choice, the pair was trained by celebrity vocal coach, Nick Cooper.
Cooper encouraged the singers to express balanced emotion in their performances.
“You gotta know what the song’s about, otherwise you’re selling someone else’s story,” Cooper said.
Gruber explained the plot of the film to Copeland to help improve the song's emotional expression.
“I am nervous,” Copeland said. “This is my first performance of Hollywood week and it's been a while since the judges have seen me perform.”
Despite Copeland's hesitancy, the pair astounded judges and other "American Idol" contestants.
“You both are phenomenally talented,” Katy Perry said, “But we need more from you, you need to find that next level in the next round.”
Copeland sang "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri for the final round of Hollywood Week, earning a standing ovation from the crowd and judges.
The performance landed Copeland a spot in the competition's Top 24.
"In our opinion, you're almost a perfect singer, but, sometimes perfection doesn't win over feeling, so I'm sorry to say your Idol journey is ending at some point in the future ... but not tonight," Perry said.
Watch Jay Copeland and Morgan Gruber perform "Shallow" here.
Watch Jay Copeland's solo performance here.
By HALEY RAWLS
News Editor
Featured image courtesy of American Idol's Instagram