‘Alter Ego’ Recap: Eliminated Contestant Shocks the Judges with True Identity
Patrick Wymore/Fox Reading Time: 3 minutes
On Wednesday night, FOX’s new singing competition Alter Ego returned for the start of the Head-to-Head round. The series, hosted by Rocsi Diaz, uses modern motion-capture technology to put a totally new spin on the classic talent show format.
The show’s contestants design their own avatar or “Alter Ego.” They control the avatar’s movements from backstage while they perform. The winner of this season will receive $100,000, as well as the mentorship of the show’s celebrity judges — Alanis Morissette, Grimes, Nick Lachey, and Will.i.am.
Tonight, four of the remaining 16 contestants performed. They were separated into pairs, with the judges choosing only one of the two to move on to the Semifinals. That means two singers were eliminated during tonight’s show. One of these singers blew the judges away when they revealed their identity.
Neveah King Shocks the ‘Alter Ego’ Judges With Identity Reveal
The first match-up of the night was between Naveah King (aka Jay Miah) and Safara (aka Mariah Rosario). Both of them showed off powerhouse voices, with Naveah going retro with “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, while Safara was more modern with “Diamonds” by Rihanna. Both of them hit some incredible high notes.
The singers had similar styles, so it seemed like anyone’s game. In the end the judges voted to send Safara to the Semifinals, meaning Naveah was sent home. She revealed herself with a performance of “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion.
The Alter Ego judges were expecting Naveah’s true identity to be a woman, so they were shocked when Jay (who performs as a drag queen in real life) walked out during the performance. Will.i.am summed it up by saying, “What the what?!”
Nick Lachey, who had flirted with Naveah, said he “enjoyed our little romance.”
SEE ALSO: CHASE PADGETT SAYS COMPETING ON ‘ALTER EGO’ WAS DIFFICULT, LIBERATING
Phoenix Embers Brings Down the House with Her ‘Wrecking Ball’ Performance
The judges might have made another big mistake this week by sending Phoenix Embers (aka Danielle Cetani) home instead of Dipper Scott (aka Jake Thomsen). Dipper sang “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, while Phoenix performed “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.
Phoenix lived up to the song’s title, delivering a strong vocal performance and showing off an amazing stage presence. Dipper’s performance worked well for his own style, but it just didn’t have the same power as Phoenix’s knockout vocals.
However, the Alter Ego judges ended up voting to send Dipper to the Semifinals. Will.i.am said Phoenix had the kind of voice he could easily work with in the studio, but he liked Dipper’s weirdness. That honestly doesn’t seem like the strongest rationale.
Phoenix revealed her identity with a powerful performance of “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge. Danielle wiped away tears over her elimination, and even Grimes and some members of the audience were crying. So what gives? Is this another Dawn Majesty decision from the judges? Let us know in the comments.
The pheonix was way better than her copatitor i feel the judge’s were truly wrong she was way better. He even came out short on high range.