Ryan Seacrest: (Introduction) Mandisa is up next!
Mandisa: I'm singing a song called "Wanna Praise You", also known as "Shackles" by the gospel duo Mary, Mary. I first heard it on the radio and have been singing it in church for years now. It means a lot to me, because it's a testimony that there's nothing too hard for God.
Mandisa sings...
(Shouts Intro) This song goes out to everybody that wants to be free. Your addiction, lifestyle and situation may be big, but God is bigger! ¯ In the corners of my mind ¯ I just can’t seem to find a reason to believe ¯ That I can break free ¯ Cause you see I have been down for so long ¯ Feel like all hope is gone ¯ But as I lift my hands, I understand ¯ That I should praise you through my circumstance ¯ (Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance) ¯ You have set me free ¯ (I just wanna praise you) ¯ You've been so good ¯ (I just wanna praise you) ¯ So I've got to praise you! ¯ (You broke the chains now I can lift my hands) ¯ You took those shackles off my feet ¯ (And I'm gonna praise you) ¯ Yah! Ah-ah ¯ (I’m gonna praise you) ¯ I've been through the fire and the rain ¯ Bound in every kind of way ¯ But God has broken every chain ¯ So let me go right now ¯ (Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance) ¯ Ah-ahh! Every time I praise you ¯ (I just wanna praise you) ¯ 'Cause I'm free to die ¯ (I just wanna praise you) ¯ Are you free to die? ¯ (You broke the chains now I can lift my hands) ¯ So I can lift my hands ¯ (And I'm gonna praise you) ¯ And I'm gonna... ¯ (And I'm gonna praise you) ¯ Praise you! ¯
(Cheers and applause)
Randy Jackson: (Audience still cheering loudly) There's no question... There's no question... There's no question... There's no question... (Audience still cheering) So check it out... (Raises his hand, the audience quieten) ...There's no question that you can definitely, definitely sing. You're one of the best singers in this... But!... I mean still, for me... I dunno, the song choices tonight for me... I don't know man, I don't quite get it. But... (Sharp intake of breath)...I dunno...
Paula Abdul: I mean... I mean... (Boos for Randy's comments)... Well all I know is that there's a new religion and 40 million people have now joined the church of Mandisa. (Cheers)
Mandisa: (Smiles, but shakes her head)
Paula Abdul: One... one... just a little bit of constructive criticism. You are the most brilliant singer... I would love to see you color it up with a little bit more vulnerability next choice.
Simon Cowell: Mandisa, I thought it was a bit indulgent, if I'm being honest with you. I just didn't get that. Not for me. (Mandisa smiles, the audience boos)
Ryan Seacrest: (Joins Mandisa on stage) It was a very personal song. If you wanna go to the church and worship for Mandisa...
Mandisa: (Coughs, perhaps uncomfortable with Ryan's remark... but she keeps smiling)
Ryan Seacrest: (Gives out the voting numbers) Good luck darlin'.
Mandisa: Thank you.
Ryan Seacrest: Thank you