'American Idol': Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb, 2 black female finalists have shot at title

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American Idol’s top five contestants sang their hearts out on stage Wednesday night and many were showered with rave reviews from the judges.

Among them were Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb, two young African-American women who have fought their way to the top. These two standouts have turned in numerous stellar performances that have had America voting for them week after week.

Not since 2007, when Jordin Sparks took home the Idol title, has the show featured two black women in the top five.

Now in its twelfth season, the show’s two-hour-long episode on Wednesday featured two performances from each of the five contestants — and both Glover and Holcomb proved their vocal talent, yet again.

Amber Holcomb’s performance was ‘perfection’

Holcomb chose to sing Mariah Carey’s 1994 version of “Without You,” which earned her approval from all the judges except Nicki Minaj. The “Super Bass” singer, who wore a red, body-revealing dress, felt as though the song was a little low for Holcomb’s natural pitch.

But Minaj’s comments were overshadowed by the glowing remarks she made after Holcomb’s second performance. It was clear that she made the right decision for choosing to sing Barbra Streisand’s “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life.”

““It was simply perfection,” Minaj said once Holcomb’s last note rang across the stage. “I really, really hope that America gets to see inside of this beautiful human being that stands before me because I don’t think I get the credit that you deserve. You’re always giving me young Whitney Houston. I love you.”

The remaining judges chimed in their praises.

“You sang the I don’t-know-what-out of that,” Randy Jackson said. “I hope that America gets it right and sees … this girl does not belong at the bottom. You’re like this young Rihanna with a giant voice.”

“Classic. Beautiful.  Elegant,” Mariah Carey followed. “If America doesn’t get this … as one American to another, you’re potentially a massive star. Thank you for this performance.”

Candice does it ‘again’

Canidice Glvoer also took the stage Wednesday night after she wowed judges last week and led Randy to claim her performance as “one of the greatest in the 12 years of American Idol.”

This week, she chose to sing Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” and Mariah Carey’s and Whitney Houston’s duet “When You Believe” – a brave move as both songs are from former and current Idol judges.

“I don’t want to break down and cry [but] you did her justice,” a supportive Carey said in reference to the late Houston.

“Again?” Randy sarcastically asked, referring to last week’s knockout performance. He went on to say she had “one of the best voices of the night.”

Contestants battle it out

The other top five contestants also battled it out, with some performances deemed better than others.

Kree Harrison sang Celine Dion’s “Have You Ever Been in Love” for her second performance and hailed great reviews from all the judges.

“You’re not country, you’re worldly. You’re iconic,” Minaj said. “You are Adele. You are Celine Dion. You’re everything.”

Country girl Janelle Arthur sang “Dumb Blond” by Dolly Parton, followed by Minaj’s comments who feared her performance placed her in jeopardy of going home.

While judges questioned Arthur’s future on the show, they claimed Angie Miller’s performance as one of the best – claiming she was “in it to win it.”

“Definitely top three,” Keith Urban said.

What did you think of the top five contestants? Who was your favorite performance?

Sound off in the comments section below.

Follow Lilly Workneh @Lilly_Works