"American Idol" 2019 just held their Disney show and Laine Hardy performed a ballad-style song, "Oo-De-Lally" from "Robin Hood." My previous Blasting News article indicated the choice could have been influenced by Maddie Poppe, but it seems Laine's dad loves that number. The Laine' version of the song rocked him into the Top 8. Plus, it sees his odds of winning "American Idol" improving though it looks like Alejandro Aranda's still sitting in the audience polls at the top spot.

Judges remind Laine Hardy he could win 'American Idol' after Top 8 number

Laine Hardy played a rocking version of "Oo-De-Lally" and he managed those high notes very well. Actually, he took a sweet ballad and turned it into a rocking number that saw the audience cheering. Working the guitar worked well too, and Laine's stagecraft demonstrated that he just grows better and better. He owned that stage with confidence and flair.

The judges reminded Laine Hardy once again that he could win this year's "American Idol." Talking about the talent after his number, Lionel Richie said, "Laine, you have found your wheelhouse. In other words, hometown boy, hand-clapping, foot-stomping...straight down the alley, congratulations."

Meanwhile, Katy Perry said, "Laine, do you remember when I said you could win it this time?" Laine replied, "yes ma'am." Then, Katy added, "Don't not believe that." Next up was Luke Bryan who reminded Laine he said at his first audition last year that he needs to be careful he doesn't win "American Idol." He says he still feels the same way about Laine Hardy.

Audience vote sees Laine rocket through and he may narrow the odds on Alejandro

As AJC noted, Laine Hardy's "cute. He can clearly sing anything and do it well. He is voter catnip." In fact, Laine was the first contestant through to the Top 8 this time. However, prior to the Disney round, Alejandro Aranda led him in polls, rankings, and odds.

Nevertheless, it's too soon yet to say how that will all pan out. Early indications on the Gold Derby site show Laine at 11/10, with Alejandro at 23/10. In any event, the two seem likely to end up in the finals.

Alejandro took it away with his version of "Remember Me" from Coco. His voice and presence are so far from Laine, it's almost impossible to make a comparison.

Think, "tight on the final night." He managed to lead the polls so far, and at one stage grabbed 40 percent of the audience preference. As some fans on YouTube commented, Alejandro's version of the song was totally "radio-friendly."

Top 8 that got through on 'American Idol'

Two contestants went home from the Top 10, and the judges never cast their "save" vote in their favor. These were Uché and Dimitrius Graham. The remaining artists who return next week to ABC's "American Idol" are Laine Hardy, Alyssa Raghu, Madison Vandenburg, Walker Burroughs, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, Wade Cota, Laci Kaye Booth, and Alejandro Aranda.

What did you think of Laine Hardy rocking a ballad-style number to rocket through the audience vote for the Top 8? Like the judges, do you think he could win this year?

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