Disney Night on American Idol is always a favorite for fans, but it’s also one of the hardest nights of the year. Every singer wants to pick a song that everyone knows, but if you pick a song that is too big, it can lead to a disaster. This week, Chris Tungseth took the biggest risk of all by singing “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen. While it was a bold move, many fans are wondering if he finally reached his limit.
The song “Let It Go” is originally sung by Idina Menzel. It’s a tune about being yourself! It has become one of the most popular songs in the world, loved by people of all ages!
But because it is so famous for its “icy” and crystal-clear vocals, it is incredibly difficult for any singer to cover—especially a rocker like Chris.
To help him prepare, Chris worked with guest mentor Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer focused heavily on his stage presence, telling him that if he looked uncomfortable, the audience would feel it too.
When the lights went up, Chris definitely followed her advice. He moved around more and showed a lot of emotion. Lionel Richie even praised him, calling his improvement “fantastic.”
However, while the judges were cheering, many fans at home did not like what they heard! Many fans said that while Chris looked better on stage, his vocals seemed to take a backseat. His unique, “rock-rasp” voice is great for gritty songs, but it didn’t quite fit the clean, high notes that “Let It Go” requires. For many viewers, he sounded off-pitch and like he was struggling to keep up with the massive song.
Even though Chris safely made it into the Top 7, some are calling this his “worst night yet.” Fans are saying he might have looked like a star, but he did not sound like one. While the judges are proud of his growth, Chris will need to get back to his vocal roots if he wants to stay in the competition. Taking on a Disney classic is brave, but sometimes, you just have to know when to “let it go!”