American Idol's Lauren Alaina Sings “Unchained Melody” on the Top 5 Show

Lauren Alaina, American Idol Season 10's own Sweet Georgia Peach, gives a lovely performance of “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers as her second song on the Top 5 'Now & Then' Show. Lauren choose "Unchained Melody" because "it's my mom and dad's song, and it's just beautiful. And I love it. When I sing it, I'll sing it for them." Both producer Jimmy Iovine and celebrity guest mentor Sheryl Crow warned Lauren that this song takes maturity. "You've gotta put yourself in the song. You're a young girl, with an older record. This is a mature kinda lyric. Most people know this song from the movie Ghost. It's a big song that everyone knows, and they all relate powerful emotions to it," says Jimmy, adding, "Lauren's gotta take this song and re-translate it, to what it means to Lauren." Sheryl was impressed with the vulnerability that Lauren showed singing this song.


Lauren looks perfect! "Unchained Melody" allows Lauren to show off her huge vocals. Her unforced power shines through beautifully. Jimmy and Sheryl were over-worried about Lauren's maturity, or lack thereof, in singing this song. The emotional intensity she evinces in the first chorus, singing "I need your love" would not have been sung any better by someone four times her age. Beautiful phrasing, technically perfect, an awesome performance for anyone of any age...let alone 16!! Lauren could win this, Fans! The crowd loves it!!!

  Jlo said, "Nothing to judge there. It was a beautiful song sung beautifully by you."

 Randy Jackson praised, "We saw a different side to you tonight. You had your little R&B runs, a little Whitney, Mariah-ish kinda thing. This girl can sing like a bird, and that's what you proved tonight. I'm so happy to see this other side of you, cuz I think you got your Country thing, but you got this other vibe too. Very nicely done. Very tender moment. Nice soul."

 Steven Tyler, who's always got big love for Lauren, said, "Your voice, your singing, you're so ripe, you're so there. I love that song. It was perfect. I could listen to you all night. There's nothing to judge. You're just beautiful."