American Idol 2016 Auditions No 4 Recap VIDEOS
Tonight’s episode of American Idol returns to the audition cities of Little Rock and Denver — so expect familiar faces like Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks to show up at the judges’ tables.
This is a two-hour installment with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. presiding. Here’s a polished recap of the standout auditions from Denver and Little Rock.
American Idol Top 24 Spoilers
The show opens with contestants and fans sharing favorite Idol moments — names like Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, and Jennifer Hudson come up — then host Ryan Seacrest welcomes viewers to Denver.
Denver
Amber Lynn and James VIII – Amber invited her friend James to audition, and he agreed to play guitar while she sang Allen Stone’s “Unaware.” Amber delivered a soulful performance with a clear tone and expressive phrasing, though she strained a little on the highest notes. James accompanied her on guitar, but the judges felt parts of his playing sounded hurried. For his solo, James performed John Legend’s “Sun Comes Up” with a bluesy, somewhat affected style that felt styled rather than organic. The judges praised Amber’s soul and emotional connection and called out James’ interesting style despite its affectations. Both received three yeses. Click to Watch Amber Lynn and James Audition VIDEO — note: James previously auditioned with a band on America’s Got Talent and was cut before the live shows.
Emily Wears – Performing “Bring on the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina, Emily introduced herself as a professional auctioneer and even demonstrated auctioneering in the holding room. That novelty didn’t translate into a compelling vocal audition: her delivery lacked emotional depth and had pitch issues. The judges encouraged vocal improvement and gave her three nos. Click to Watch Emily’s Audition VIDEO
Little Rock
Chris “CJ” Johnson – CJ chose Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True,” reworking it into a warm, soulful arrangement that impressed the judges. His professional experience and confident delivery earned praise for his musicality and interpretation. CJ received three yeses. Click to Watch CJ’s Audition VIDEO
Ethan Kuntz – Singing “Stormy Monday” by the Allman Brothers, 15-year-old Ethan introduced himself as a young blues-rock guitarist from Nashville, Arkansas. His voice still sounds adolescent in parts, but he showed an effortless growl, passion, and commitment to the blues style. The judges debated his readiness—Harry worried he might be too young, Jennifer felt he’s an artist, and Keith was torn—eventually Keith and Jennifer voted yes while Harry voted no, giving Ethan the ticket forward. Click to Watch Ethan’s Audition VIDEO
A quick note from the judges’ table: Kris doesn’t like being called “Sir.”
Mary Williams – Mary, who trains horses and lives on a ranch, sang Tammy Wynette’s “Until I Can Make It on My Own.” She told her story with charm and delivered a clear, sweet vocal. Jennifer connected with the performance emotionally, while Keith felt the phrasing lacked expression and Harry called the delivery somewhat clinical. The split vote resulted in two yeses from Jennifer and Harry, and a no from Keith. Click to Watch Mary’s Audition VIDEO
Denver
Host Ryan jokes about Denver’s altitude, even bringing oxygen canisters into the audition room as a lighthearted bit.
Xavier Soller – Xavier, a Denver Nuggets in-arena host, warmed up the room by staging a playful mini basketball contest with the judges before singing Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” His personality shone, but his vocal performance was off-key and overpowered; the judges gave him three nos. Click to Watch Xavier’s Audition VIDEO
Back to Little Rock
Terrian Bass – Terrian sang Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and spoke about growing up amid hardship in Memphis and using music to uplift others. Her performance was sincere but inconsistent in pitch and energy; despite the flaws, the judges ultimately sent her through with three yeses. Click to Watch Terrian Bass’ Audition VIDEO
Blue – Calling herself a “singing nomad,” Blue traveled the world and writes songs inspired by people she meets. She performed an improvised piece using the words “Family,” “Love,” and “Music” supplied by the judges. Her quirky presentation and bohemian style were entertaining, but the panel concluded that a career on Idol wasn’t the right fit and gave her three nos. Click to Watch Blue’s Audition VIDEO
The episode includes a montage of table auditions and rejects, highlighting the contrast between hopefuls who make it through and those who don’t.
Thomas Stringfellow – Thomas sang Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love” with a distinctive style and an emotional hook that reminded the judges of other idiosyncratic singers. His unique phrasing and musical feel won the panel over—he received three yeses. Click to Watch Thomas’ Audition VIDEO — ETA: Thomas is related to The Voice season 4 winner Danielle Bradbery.
Denver
Keith briefly busked in Denver, joking about loose change disappearing from his guitar case.
Tywan “Tank” Jackson – Tank, a dance teacher who developed a fitness class called “Tankercise” after a major weight loss, led a holding-room routine before his vocal audition. He sang Luther Vandross’ “Superstar” while incorporating choreography. The judges were divided: his tone showed promise but his phrasing and breath control were uneven. Despite concerns about the singing/dancing combo, Tank received three yeses. Click to Watch Tywan’s Audition VIDEO
John Wayne Schulz – Returning after a previous season, John Wayne performed Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” as a tribute to his late mother. He delivered an emotional, easygoing country performance with authentic twang. The judges appreciated his sincere delivery and voted him through with three yeses. Click to Watch John’s Audition VIDEO
Leah Harbert – Leah tackled Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” but struggled badly with pitch and control. The judges advised voice lessons and gave her three nos. Click to Watch Leah’s Audition VIDEO
The show also revisits a clip of Tori Kelly being cut in season 9, with Ryan noting she may have been “not quite ready” at 16 — a moment that framed the experiences of younger contestants influenced by artists like her.
Jordyn Simone – At just 15, Jordyn performed “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5 with a mature, soulful approach and polished ad-libs. The judges were stunned by her confidence and control; she earned three yeses. Click to Watch Jordyn’s Audition VIDEO
Little Rock
Kassy Levels and Rhea Raj received quick edits and both advanced. Click to Watch Kassy and Rhea’s Audition VIDEO
Jake Dillon – Jake, a young married father and plumber’s apprentice, sang “Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina. His life responsibilities give him a grounded backstory, but the audition itself was pleasant rather than remarkable. After debate, Harry voted no while Keith and Jennifer said yes, sending Jake forward. Click to watch Jake’s Audition VIDEO
Ashley Lilinoe – From Hawaii and describing herself as “laid back,” Ashley sang Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” with a languid, relaxed delivery. Her phrasing showed potential, but the judges wanted more color and nuance. Two yeses and one no moved her forward. Click to Watch Ashley’s Audition VIDEO
Andrew Nazarbekian – Andrew performed “Make You Feel My Love” with a naturally beautiful voice that resonated with the judges despite some unconventional musical choices. He earned three yeses. Click to Watch Andrew’s Audition VIDEO
Elvie Shane – Singing “House of the Rising Sun,” Elvie shared a personal story of recovery and responsibility. His rough-hewn, soulful delivery struck a chord with the judges, who appreciated his musical authenticity. Elvie received three yeses and celebrated with family in the room. Click to Watch Elvie’s Audition VIDEO
Overall, this episode mixed genuine talent with more eccentric, showy auditions. As the season winds toward the final audition episodes, American Idol continues to balance moving personal stories with varied vocal skill levels — and leaves viewers wondering which contestants will rise through Hollywood week.