Mississippi contestant on 'American Idol' makes judges 'crazy' as show moves to Hawaii

"American Idol" has gone from Hollywood to Hawaii this week, as voting begins for the show's viewing audience.

Nineteen-year-old Zachariah Smith and 18-year-old Colin Stough, both from the Amory area, made it into the Top 26 last week.

While there are no eliminations this week, their performances will help the show's fans decide their fates.

Smith performed Little Richard's "Lucille" Sunday night, throwing in some impromptu dance moves that impressed the judges.

"I did not see those moves in rehearsal," host Ryan Seacrest said after Smith's performance.

Luke Bryan told Smith he is "crazy," but that's what stars are made of.

"I can't take my eyes off of you," Bryan said. "It is so fun. Every time you run out on stage, I'm like, 'What is that? He's crazy. What? Tell me what he's about to do.'"

Lionel Richie was impressed that Smith took on a song by one of rock 'n' roll's earliest and most energetic performers.

"He's out of his mind," Richie said. "That is what we call 'show' business. You nailed it."

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On Monday, Stough performed The SteelDrivers' "Midnight Train to Memphis."

Stough wasn't sure he'd still be in the race after a nail-biting end to the Showstoppers round.

The competition last week was supposed to cut off at 24 contestants, but judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie decided to make it 26.

With only one spot left and three strong contestants remaining, the judges couldn't decide who to eliminate in the competition.

Stough was one of the three, along with Matt Wilson and Iam Tongi. Stough and Wilson congratulated Tongi after he was chosen for the 24th spot and were preparing to leave the stage when the judges stopped them.

"Us judges, we like to change it up every season," Katy Perry said. "We have so much talent this season, we don't think there's a Top 24. We think there's a Top 26."

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The addition of two spots allowed Stough and Wilson to stay on the show.

Stough impressed the judges earlier in the Showstoppers round with Chris Stapleton's "Cold," ditching the guitar "just so I can show the judges I've got a bit of stage presence."

"Now you actually look the part, you look the artist," Perry told him.

"This might be a moment for him," Bryan said.

Smith's performance in the Showstoppers episode was equally impressive.

He performed Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," with all the bells and whistles, bringing the judges to their feet.

"I don't think he knew he had all that," Perry said. "But I knew he had all that because I could see it."

Smith said he put all his effort into his performance because it's something he wants more than anything.

"I couldn't imagine doing anything else in my life but singing and performing," Smith said. "I mean I could go back and flip burgers, but it wouldn't really give me the fulfillment that I've been looking for."

A third Mississippi teen didn't make the cut in the Showstoppers, but it's not stopping her pursuit of a musical career.

Seventeen-year-old Kayleigh Clark of Sumrall was eliminated in the Showstoppers round, but already has a number of performances on her calendar.

"Hey y'all," Clark wrote on Facebook. "I’m sad to say that my 'American Idol' journey has come to an end, but don’t worry. I'm just getting started. I have some super exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share with y’all."

Clark fought through a challenging audition and was able to impress the judges in the solo and duet rounds, despite having to sing from her hotel room as she recovered from COVID-19.

"This has been the most amazing experience and I’m so blessed and grateful for the lifelong friendships I’ve made," she said of her time on the show. "I can’t thank you enough for all of the love and support I’ve gotten from everyone."

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: MS contestants Zachariah Smith, Colin Stough continue on American Idol