Francisco Martin makes it to the Top 7 of 'American Idol'
Filipino-American singer Francisco Martin is advancing on the next round in the singing competition American Idol.
Just like the previous weeks, Francisco earned him enough votes to make it on the Top 7 of the competition.
And for this week's episode, the young singer performed the theme song for Disney's Tarzan, “You'll Be in My Heart,” originally performed by Phil Collins.
His performance was so good, he even used a green screen to superimpose himself in the jungle just like Tarzan.
He also earned praises from judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.
“We're witnessing here a transformation of Francisco,” mentioned legendary American singer Lionel Richie.
“I saw several times of that performance. You're smiling at yourself when you perform. In other words, what you're doing now is just giving us confidence and enjoyment.
“And by the way, we as an audience, we'd love to see that kind of emotion. Francisco, congratulations on being on the Top 7, man. I'm really, really proud of you.”
Similarly, judge Katy Perry mentioned that Francisco's worries and fear from their first meeting were all washed away.
“Francisco, I thought that performance was amazing. I agree with Lionel, you looked relaxed and all that self-doubt has been stripped away.
“There's only one Idol and you were spot on with your performance. And then at the end, you let us have it with the talent of your voice. So, good for you. You are a good bet.”
American Idol judge Luke Bryan went as far as dubbing the young competitor as the “King of American Idol.”
“My man! Great job. Just in that performance, you were like the King of the jungle and you felt like the King of American Idol in my opinion.”
Mother's Day performance
For the second part of his performance, Francisco opted to sing Leon Bridges's “River” as a tribute to his mother who's currently a medical frontline worker in the United States.
His soulful performance was witnessed by his mom, Fatima, first hand as he sang his rendition to the judges.
Katy Perry noted, “From Tarzan to singing 'River,' I don't know what happened but you have grown even more.
“This set of Mother's Day songs is separating the pack. It's showing who deserves that top position and you are making it difficult for all these other contestants because that performance was soulful, beautiful, and real… it was so heartfelt, what you just did.”
Luke Bryan argued, “I think he beat the original record.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Richie said, “The thing I love the most is your confidence is front and center. You're no longer in your head. Congratulations because you have a career and that is what's important.
The seven finalists will face each other at the finals night on May 18 (Philippine Standard Time).
You can vote for Francisco Martin through the American Idol app or thru americanidol.com.
IN PHOTOS: Get to know 'American Idol' contestant Francisco Martin
Fil-Am contestant Francisco Martin brings Katy Perry to tears in 'American Idol'