Clarksville’s Poppe still in the running for next ‘American Idol’

Press Staff Report

Clarksville’s own Maddie Poppe advanced to the “American Idol” top five after a performance Sunday night that one judge said showed she could be the eventual winner.

On a night dedicated to the music of Prince, Poppe sang “Nothing Compares 2U” while accompanying herself on a purple piano.

She received a standing ovation from the three judges, with Lionel Richie saying, “I just love it when you take and remind us of all the versatility that you have in your wheelhouse.

“I’m telling you something, seeing you at the piano is another dimension of you,” Richie said. “The audience needs to see that. Congratulations, I loved your vocal performance. It was amazing.”

Judge Katy Perry said, “There are some people that are artists and more of an artist than others on this show. Whether you win ‘American Idol’ or not (then whispering under her breath, ‘Which I think, mmm, maybe she’s a winner,’) whether you win or not, I’m still buying tickets to your show.”

Judge Luke Bryan added, “Maddie, that was mesmerizing to me. It was just great.”

Poppe played guitar for her second song of the night, based on the year in which the performer was born — “If It Makes You Happy,” by Sheryl Crow.

Other members of the top five after Sunday night’s show are Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Cade Foehner, Gabby Barrett and Michael J. Woodard. Leaving from the top seven Sunday evening on the ABC program were Jurnee and Catie Turner.