During Sunday night’s episode of “American Idol,” contestant Slater Nalley experienced a professional singer’s rite of passage: forgetting lyrics onstage.
When gearing up to perform “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” during the evening’s Disney-themed episode, the Georgia singer found himself mumbling, as he struggled to recall the opening lines of the iconic song from “The Lion King.” But his memory lapse didn’t last, and Nalley quickly snapped into focus and completed the song as if he hadn’t missed a word.
The performance drew praise from judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, but it was judge Luke Bryan who shared a vulnerable moment with Nalley about his brief flub.
“I want you to just understand, that stuff happens,” Bryan said. “I’ve done it on award shows and high-pressure moments. But way to recover and great job on the finish.”
The remaining seven contestants had two chances to impress viewers during Sunday’s episode: first during a round of Disney song performances, and again when the singers each shared a Mother’s Day tribute. Actor, playwright and singer Lin-Manuel Miranda was the week’s guest mentor, and tapped into his experience as a Disney soundtrack composer to help the contestants prepare.
Much like past weeks, “Idol” fans voted during Sunday night’s episode to determine which five contestants would advance, and which two “Idol” hopefuls would go home. The end of the episode revealed that Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone had been eliminated from the competition.
Nalley will perform again Monday night in another Disney-themed round of the competition, where he and the other four contestants will perform songs by their favorite Disney heroes and villains. The following — and final — episode of Season 23 is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18.
