Vancouver’s Daniel Seavey performed on Fox’s “American Idol” tonight, securing his spot among the top eight male contestants.
The 15-year-old Union High School sophomore was the first to perform on the show, which was broadcast live from the Fillmore Detroit theater.
A home video broadcast before his performance showed a younger Seavey rocking out with a yellow and purple guitar.
“People always look at me as like I’m a kid because of my size,” Seavey said. “I am really serious about my music because it is a career. I know I’m so young, but still, you know, this could be the rest of my life.”
This week, which was Motown-themed, Seavey sang “How Sweet It Is” by Marvin Gaye. Seavey danced and moved around more than he had during his previous “American Idol” performances.
“You made it man. You’re hanging with the big dogs,” judge Keith Urban said. “That was a good song for you to do. For me, all you need to do is keep doing this, right? Just confidence and being comfortable up there. If you’re doing a song like that, don’t be so stuck with the melody. … Just get into it.”
He suggested that Seavey sing higher when performing that type of song. Judge Jennifer Lopez thought the song choice itself was too low for Seavey.
“It’s nice to see you getting more relaxed up there,” Lopez said. “Already, everybody’s seeing you as a musician and you with your talent. I think you’re going to be a favorite around here.”
Judge Harry Connick Jr. dished out the most criticism.
“You need to have this incredible band push you along,” he said. “I didn’t feel like you were singing and swinging hard enough with this group. It was really sweet, but you really need to feel what they’re doing. … Let them dictate what your body does.”
The judges have previously suggested that Seavey build his confidence and stage presence.
“I feel like I really came out of my shell and gave it my all,” Seavey said after his performance.
Whether he makes it another week will be revealed during next Wednesday’s show. For information about how to vote, visit www.americanidol.com/vote.
