Rising Star‘s decision to conduct a separate vote on the west coast made its first impact Sunday night.
Shameia Crawford and Megan Tibbits, who narrowly missed the 70% threshold during the live broadcast (in the east, central and mountain time zones) secured the necessary votes from the west coast viewers. The two contestants will advance to the next round.
Given how close Crawford and Tibbits were to advancing during the live broadcast–just 1% and 2% away, respectively–they had reason for optimism going into the west coast airing. That optimism was justified when voters decided to shower their support on the singers.
Crawford, who opened Sunday’s broadcast with a cover of fun.’s “We are Young,” advanced with 71% of the west coast vote. Tibbits’ harp-accompanied take on John Legend’s “All of Me” hit the 70% threshold on the nail.
Already pushed through on the east coast were April Lockhart, Austin French, Alice J. Lee, Sonnet Simmons, Will Roth and Adam Jaymes. While their standing in the competition was not at risk during the west coast broadcast, all six received at least 70% of the vote from that audience as well.
The west coast supported the live audience’s decision not to push Trinitii, Rye Davis, Deedra Ervin and Egypt Dixon through to the next round.
ABC’s “Rising Star” returns with more qualifier episodes next Sunday.
