Idol judges give Van Pelt mixed reviews

LOS ANGELES (WPRI) - South Kingstown native Erika Van Pelt is hoping to stay "safe" on American Idol after her performance out in Los Angeles Wednesday night.

This week, the contestants had to sing a song from the year they were born. Van Pelt sang "Heaven," by Bryan Adams.

• In-Depth: Follow Erika Van Pelt's Idol Journey
• Photos: RI's Erika Van Pelt

The judges gave Van Pelt mixed reviews following her performance.

Steven Tyler said she was "kind of all over with it."

Jennifer Lopez said "the arrangement left us wanting more," adding "You look amazing tonight."

Randy Jackson liked her performance more than the other two judges.

He gave her an "8 out of 10," and also added "You look amazing."

Van Pelt's boyfriend, Mike Higgins, has known her for 16 years throughout high school and college, and believes she has what it takes to make it to the end.

"At times it’s still like watching her on the stage in high school, but it’s a bigger stage with a lot more people watching. She’s been doing this for so long, that she’s so comfortable. She’s so confident all the time," explained Higgins.

Higgins held a watch party in Providence for his girlfriend Wednesday night. He said he votes for Van Pelt as much as he can each week, and can only hope others are doing the same.

If Van Pelt survives this week, she will be guaranteed a spot in the Top 10 and will lock up a spot on American Idol's annual summer tour, following the disqualification Wednesday of another contestant Jermaine Jones.

Online: www.americanidol.com

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