American Idol Pares Final 10 to 8 on Thursday Night

WESTON, MA — Last week, American Idol revealed its Top 10 finalists, with four unanimously chosen by the judges and the other six winning by the public's votes.

The Top 10 finalists are MacKenzie Bourg, Trent Harmon, Gianna Isabella, Lee Jean, Tristan McIntosh, Dalton Rapattoni, La’Porsha Renae, Olivia Rox, Avalon Young and Sonka Vaid.

At just 20 years old, Vaid was declared an early favorite to win Idol, which is in its final season.

Vaid, who grew up in Weston and lives on Martha’s Vineyard, has drawn accolades from judges.

“You know, you sang beautifully,” said judge Harry Connick, Jr after Vaid sang “Look at Me” by Carrie Underwood in an earlier round. “That was a perfect performance. I was totally engaged. This was the only time this particular season that I saw somebody that I actually thought would win this thing. That’s a God-given voice.”

American Idol airs on Thursday, March 3, at 8 p.m. on Fox. Another special part of this week’s show will be a can’t-miss performance by IDOL judge Harry Connick, Jr. of “(I Do) Like We Do” from his new CD “That Would Be Me.” In addition, Demi Lovato will perform her hit single “Stone Cold,” as well as sing “Confident” with this season’s Top 10 Finalists.

Viewers at home have five ways to vote for their favorite singer, including the SuperVote® Online at www.americanidol.com/vote; SuperVote® on the FOX NOW® App; Google Search Voting; Text Vote (SMS); and Toll-free Voting. All voting rules and frequently asked questions are available on http://www.americanidol.com/voting-faq.