VanDenburg’s Breathtaking Ballad Drives Her To Top 5

The first hour paid tribute to the music of the Woodstock era on American Idol Sunday night, and Cohoes' Madison VanDenburg proved once again, that she can rock out with the best of em'.  But it was during her show-stopping second performance of the evening, a power ballad by Celine Dion, where the local teen brought the house down.

With attitude, confidence, and guitar in hand, VanDenburg kicked off the performances with a stirring rendition of 'Piece Of My Heart'  by Janis Joplin.  Peace, love, and praise came from all three judges and our local Idol hopeful was off to a hot start on a night where she needed to be great to make another cut.

During hour number two of the live show, Madison chose to sing the power ballad, 'I Surrender' from Celine Dion.  It's a big song that comes with a bit of risk.  There are tender moments which leave you vulnerable, and serious 'runs' that could expose even the slightest cracks in one's vocal ability.

VanDenburg, per usual, was up to the challenge. Unfazed by the moment or the stakes, the teenage sensation rose to the challenge again proved that she's a showstopper.  She's so good in fact it's hard to believe she's only 17-years-old.

The Idol judges used a late show 'save' on Laci Kaye Booth who along with VanDenburg, Laine Hardy, Alejandro Aranda, and Wade Cota advanced to the Final 5.

Three more episodes remain of this season of Idol,  with the Top 5 battling it out Sunday (8pm) before the two-part finale begins May 19.