‘American Idol’: Clark Beckham Butts Heads With Scott Borchetta
American Idol contestant Clark Beckham put his foot down regarding his song choice on Wednesday night’s show.
The 22-year-old Tennessee native selected Josh Turner’s “Your Man” as one of his two songs for the night. He put his own “groovy,” blues-y stamp on it, saying he felt it showcased the type of music he wants to do. Another tense Idol moment came when mentor and Big Machine Records President Scott Borchetta strongly advised against doing the song, telling him this type of music will send him “on a fast-track to a Holiday Inn.”
Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts, who was also advising for the night, agreed with Borchetta. He encouraged Clark to take the wisdom of those he was blessed to be surrounded by seriously. He went on to say, while he respected Beckham’s choice to move forward with the song, he did not think it would work out well for him.
Scott seemed peeved in the audience as he watched Clark go through with the performance. The judges all sided with the mentor, giving Clark less than glowing critiques. Each expressed they felt he could — and should have — done better at that stage of the game. Despite the opposition, Beckham continued to stand his ground, telling Ryan Seacrest he would not change a thing about his performance. However, he did clarify he is serious about winning American Idol, referring to a part of the rehearsal clip showing him say, if the song “loses me the competition, then I don’t want to win it.”
“I desperately want to win this show. But I’m never going to forsake the music. This is my music. And I really believe people like this music I’m playing! Just deep down, I believe it. And that’s why I’ve got to stay true. America votes and decides. It’s my job to paint the truest picture I can, as a musician, and that what I am doing here, best I can.”
He later took to Twitter to express to his fans that the “groove” is deep in his bones, and that he needs their support more than ever now.
I hope you liked the groove. I can’t help but let that music flow out of me. It’s deep in my bones! I need you guys to vote more than ever!
— Clark Beckham (@ClarkBeckham) April 30, 2015
This morning, he tweeted his gratitude for the outpouring of support he is receiving.
Absolutely blown away by the support I’m getting from you guys. I’ve said it before but it’s hitting me harder now more than ever. — Clark Beckham (@ClarkBeckham) April 30, 2015
Ryan Seacrest chatted with Scott Borchetta briefly following Clark’s performance. He expressed that when he gives the contestants a “kick in the butt,” like he did Clark, it’s because he truly cares, and wants them to do well.
Did you dig Clark Beckham’s “groove” last night? Do you think his risk will pay off or land him at the nearest Holiday Inn?
Watch American Idol next Wednesday on Fox at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET to see the top 4’s hometown visits, and find out who goes home for good.
[Image by American Idol/Facebook]
