‘American Idol’ Recap: Top 4 Compete Again, Perform Standards + Current Hits

Since no one was eliminated on ‘American Idol’ last week, there are still four singers left in the competition and the stakes are higher than ever. The theme of tonight’s episode (May 1) was “then and now,” and the contestants performed both a “standard” (oldie) and a current hit song from 2013.

Judges Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey offered the ladies crit and praise where it was due, and guest mentor Harry Connick, Jr. threw in his two cents as well.

Here’s PopCrush’s recap of the night’s events:

ROUND ONE: HIT SONGS OF 2013

Angie Miller: She performed her own rendition of Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’ at her trusty piano. Urban commended her for taking a risk and changing the arrangement, but he didn’t think it was the right song to use that approach with. “It was bland and lackluster. You can do a lot better,” criticized Minaj. “It just didn’t go anywhere,” agreed Jackson. But he was sure to compliment her leather shorts!

Amber Holcomb: Much like the contestant who preceded her, her version of Pink’s ‘Just Give Me A Reason’ left a lot to be desired. “The voice is there, but in this particular performance, I didn’t see that it was connected all the way through,” remarked Minaj. Jackson encouraged Holcomb to let loose and have fun, cautioning her not to let her nerves get the best of her.

Candice Glover: She may not be a man, but her stunning performance of Bruno Mars’ ‘When I Was Your Man’ was a clear crowd pleaser, earning a standing O from the judges. “Candice knows how to take any song and has the musicality to change it to suit her, and that is what separates you from almost everybody in this competition," praised Carey. “That’s a winning performance right there, baby. Beautiful!” exclaimed Urban.

Kree Harrison: She delivered a soulful version of Carrie Underwood’s new single ‘See You Again.’ Her performance received mixed reviews from the panelists. “You absolutely connected to every lyric in that song. You stayed true to it and you sang it from your heart,” Minaj commented, going on to say, “I felt you believed what you were singing.” Jackson agreed: “That was a great vocal, and I felt you.” Connick, Jr. was so impressed by Harrison's take on the tune that he joined her onstage after her performance to give her a hug.

ROUND TWO: STANDARDS

Angie Miller: She chose Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Someone to Watch Over Me,’ because her mom used to sing it to her when she was a little girl. Minaj pointed out that Miller consistently reminds her of a Disney princess. Jackson remarked that he didn’t love the arrangement, but he praised her for an amazing vocal delivery.

Amber Holcomb: Her jaw-dropping rendition of ‘My Funny Valentine’ was a vast improvement from her first performance of the night, and it brought the judges to their feet. “That was so beautiful, Amber,” gushed Minaj. "You slayed it!" exclaimed Jackson. But the young singer, clad in a stunning red outfit, began to cry, and we got the feeling they weren't tears of joy and accomplishment. At this point in the competition, it seems that some of the ladies are letting the overwhelming pressure get to them.

Candice Glover: She crooned a moving rendition of Harry James/Eva Cassidy’s ‘You’ve Changed.’ “I hated it. That was the worst thing I ever heard in my life,” Carey deadpanned. Joking aside, the judges all agreed that Glover nailed it.

Kree Harrison: She graced the stage in an elegant black dress and sang ‘Stormy Weather.’ Carey called her vocals “clear as a bell and beautiful” but wasn't a huge fan of her song choice. “I would have chosen a different song,” agreed Urban. Jackson’s comments on Harrison's performance sparked a heated response from Connick, Jr. in the crowd, causing him to steal Urban's seat at the judges' panel in order to get his point across. Their argument made Minaj and Carey’s ongoing feud look like child’s play in comparison, and 'Idol' host Ryan Seacrest eventually had to tell them to calm down.

The ladies rounded out the evening with a spirited group performance of Little Mix’s ‘Wings.’ Tune in to ‘American Idol’ tomorrow night (May 2) for a highly anticipated elimination round!

Watch Angie Miller Perform ‘Diamonds’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Amber Holcomb Perform ‘Just Give Me A Reason’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Candice Glover Perform ‘When I Was Your Man’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Kree Harrison Perform ‘See You Again’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Angie Miller Perform ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Candice Glover Perform ‘You’ve Changed’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Kree Harrison Perform ‘Stormy Weather’ on ‘American Idol’

Watch Angie Miller, Amber Holcomb, Candice Glover + Kree Harrison Perform ‘Wings’ on ‘American Idol’