American Idol Season 12: Filipino Adriana Latonio Made It To Top 20

American Idol: Adriana Latonio

Adriana Latonio made it to the Top 20 of American Idol. The 17-year-old Filipino-American from Anchorage, Alaska got the judges' nod as one of the five best performances of the night worthy of America's votes in the live final rounds. She chose to do one of Aretha Franklin's popular hits, " Ain't No Way".

Adriana Latonio sings Aretha Franklin's Ain't No Way

Keith Urban and Randy Jackson gave her a standing ovation after her performance.

Keith Urban said, " Now the night has started... I have to struggle not to over-emote."

Nicki Minaj calls her "little ladybug" and then commenting further of her 5' height. She continue praising her Filipino roots and that she didn't show an ounce of fear throughout the performance.

Randy Jackson said, "This girl is born to do it... I was really proud of you and really happy for you". He further said what a pro she was.

Mariah Carey gave her performance an A+.

It was a scare that she was one of the two left standing after four earlier favorites, Kree Harrison, Angela Miller, Tenna Torres and Amber Holcomb took the first four stools of the top 20 contestants for the live finals. She had to compete for the last spot against Shubha Vedula who made a stellar impact with her version of Lady Gaga's Born This Way. On a back stage interview with Ryan Seacrest, Adriana admitted that she become best friends with Shubha and adding "Everything happens for a reason". 

A few minutes forward and onstage, Keith is about to announce who's out and who takes the last spot. He reassured both teens that millions now know their names because of the talent they have shown in this competition. He told Shubha that he fought hard for her but Adriana is the one who is going forward in the Top 20. It was a scare there for a moment, but the judges did made the correct decision by giving Adriana the final spot in this round.

Now, I am looking forward to seeing the talents of two other Filipinos in the competition. We still have Briant Tadeo and Jett Hermano who still needs to hurdle their respective sudden death round next week. So watch out for that. It would be amazing if they can also make it to the Top 20. Let's keep our fingers cross.