‘American Idol’: Top 5 contestants to release original songs

As we head into the “American Idol” finale on Sunday, May 19, the Top 5 contestants will all release singles this Friday, May 17.

After the May 12 show, TVMusic Network got a chance to talk with the Top 3 contestants, Abi Carter, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, and the night’s eliminated contestants, Triston Harper and Emmy Russell, about their original songs.

“I was just processing my life and a breakup,” Emmy said when asked about her thought process in writing her single, “Redemption.” “I’m tired of being tossed around between I love you and I don’t, you know. It was kind of my decision to be like ‘I’m going to find my redemption on being alone. What does God think about me? I am loved’ and letting that sick in…and letting him know it’s too late for redemption.

Triston wrote his song “H.O.P.E.,” after a family disagreement. “I wrote my song H.O.P.E. after a bad argument between my Granny and my Mama,” he said. “I really tied everything together when I was homeless and living on the streets and all the arguing and the lies…I just decided to put that to a song to maybe change somebody’s life.”

For the finale, Jack will sing two original songs that he wrote himself; his single “All Of Yours (To Give All Of Mine)” and a song he auditioned with that he wrote earlier this year. He feels it might be a risky move when asked about his strategy moving forward. “I did get cut by the judges in my audition originally, but I think it would be a cool full circle moment to get to sing that song again.”

Will Moseley’s single, “Good Book Bad,” coming out on May 17, is one that the native describes as a once-in-a lifetime song. “As soon as I heard it, I fell in love with the song,” Will told TVM Music Network and a handful of reporters after the Sunday, May 12 show. “The story [the songwriters] put out there…when they wrote that song…My first question after I heard it was ‘Why has no one else sung this song?’ This is one of those songs that everyone connects to. It tells the story of a young kid getting a DUI. His parents come and bail him out and take him to church. It’s called “Good Book Bad. It’s a reference to the Bible. It’s his family telling him, ‘You need the good book bad. You need the Bible bad. You need to slow down. You need to find your way. You’re getting off track a little bit.’ I feel like there’s so many people that can relate to that, I know I can…I’ve had my fair share of mess ups. it’s always that reminder of where you need to go.”

Abi wrote her song as well entitled “This Isn’t Over.” She shared the news on Instagram that the single will be released on May 17.

To help Abi, Jack and Will prepare for the finale, superstar Jon Bon Jovi will mentor the trio and perform. The show will also feature performances by Jason Mraz, James Bay, CeCe Winans, Season 14 Idol winner Nick Fradiani, Wynonna Judd, Seal, Cody Johnson, Bishop Briggs, New Kids on the Block and Hootie & The Blowfish. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry will also perform in what will be Perry’s last show.

The “American Idol” Season 22 three-hour finale will air live coast-to-coast on Sunday, May 19 beginning at 5 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.