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Fil-Am Francisco Martin ends ‘American Idol’ journey

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<p>Fil-Am singer Francisco Martin’s journey on American Idol has come to an end. </p><div> </div><p>After nearly three months of bringing pride to the Filipino community, Francisco ended his journey on American Idol as part of the Top 5 in the competition. </p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2020/5/11/fresh-scoops/watch-fil-am-francisco-martin-brings-mom-to-tears-228365" target="_blank"><u><strong>WATCH: Fil-Am Francisco Martin brings mom to tears as he serenades her on ‘American Idol’</strong></u></a></div><p>As part of the Top 7, Francisco Martin picked Harry Styles’ “Adore You” — delivering a smooth rendition of the smash hit inside his house in San Francisco. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHGyPWyc48k" width="789"></iframe></div><p>Francisco, who eventually advanced to the Top 5 with Dillon James, Arthur Gunn, Just Sam, and Jonny West, had to perform another song.  </p><p>For his second at-home performance, he reprised Maggie Rogers’ “Alaska” — the same song he performed during his audition on American Idol. </p><p>Here, he chose an outdoor setup and performed in what appears as their backyard with his family and friends cheering for him in the background. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaMV7Gscz2s" width="789"></iframe></div><p>Katy Perry praised his performance — calling it an “elevated version” of what he initially performed during his audition and described his performance as something that sounded like a song recorded inside a studio. </p><p>“Oh my God Francisco the people outside that balcony really touched my heart. That was so sweet,” Katy said, referring to the people cheering for him in the background. </p><p>She added: “That performance was an elevated version of what you gave to us in the beginning. I mean you’re so smooth when you delivered that. It sounded like it was professionally recorded in a studio somewhere. That’s how good it was, Francisco. Congratulations.” </p><p>Luke Bryan, on the other hand, expressed how proud he is of the Fil-Am singer — saying he knows Francisco has a great career ahead of him. </p><p>“Man, I’m so proud to see you here. I’m so heartbroken that this is the last time that we’ll see you, get to hear you perform like this on American Idol. And I just know that the sky is the limit for your career. Thank you so much, Francisco,” he said. </p><p>Lionel Richie, for his part, commended Francisco for his growth in the competition — pointing out his refinement over the course of his journey on the show. </p><p>“You know Francisco, my mother was an elementary school teacher and principal and she has always said to me what makes a great teacher is that you have great students. You had been a model student, my friend,” the singer said. </p><p>He went on: “You have taken all of our notes and every time I see you, I smile while you&#x27;re performing. Because you have delivered the goods on Graduation Day. God bless you, man.”</p><p>The 18th season of American Idol was particularly special because half of the competition was shot in the homes of both the judges and contestants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </p><p>Meanwhile, Just Sam was named this season&#x27;s American Idol.</p>