Nutsa Gets Second Chance and Shock Following “Proud Mary” Performance on ‘Idol’

After a chemistry-less, drama-filled week during the duet segment with partner Carina DeAngelo last week, American Idol contestant bounced back this week on Sunday (April 9) to entertain the show’s judges.

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Offering Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry a dazzling rendition of “Proud Mary,” Nutsa began slow and then picked it up, shimmying along with her flowing outfit.

The performance on stage was, in a way, the least of Nutsa’s worries. In last week’s duet, she showed little connectivity with DeAngelo on stage, and at the end of their performance, Perry reminded Nutsa to behave with “more grace.”

Nutsa really took all this to heart and she even scheduled time with Perry, Richie, and Bryan to offer an apology for not giving her best the week prior, both in her music and in her comportment. Perry and Nutsa hugged it out, all was forgiven after a few tears.

So, she was ready when she was to take the stage. Wearing a bedazzled green jumpsuit, Nutsa performed a nearly-acrobatic version of the soul song made famous by Tina Turner. The audience on hand enjoyed the effort.

“Well, I guess we’re nuts for Nutsa!” said Perry.

Nutsa, who is from Tbilisi, Georgia, said after singing, “I love American Idol! Thank you for this opportunity! I love you guys. Thank you!” In the after-performance interview, Nutsa said, “All the tears I had in the last round, now I’m happy!” Perry then praised Nutsa’s “showmanship.”

Sadly, for Nutsa, she did not get put in the top 24.

“When you win, you win,” said Richie. “When you lose, you learn.”

…But wait!

There was a shocker. Perry was toying with Nutsa, saying, “We didn’t put you in the top 24… YOU put you in the top 24!”

See the amazed and shocked Nutsa in the show’s clip below.

Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless

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