Sonika Vaid saves herself by letting herself go on 'American Idol'

Sonika Vaid from Massachusetts needs to wow the audiences to continue on 'American Idol.'

SONIKA VAID must like living on the edge.

For the second week in a row she found herself in the bottom two as American Idol contestants were whittled down to the final five.

Vaid's performance of "Let It Go' showing off her strong vocals edged out Tristan McIntosh, of Tennessee, for the final spot in the top five.

The 20-year old Indian/Ameican Vaid from Massachusetts joins MacKenzie Bourg, Trent Harmon, Dalton Rapattoni, and La’Porsha Renae to move on next week.

After the judges last week urged her to loosen up, to "let herself go," by breaking out of the ballad genre where she excels.

Harry Connick Jr., who is her strongest supporter among the three judges, thought it was a perfect song choice for Vaid because it showed off her big voice. Judge Keith Urban said that her performances are really starting to “come alive” and Jennifer Lopez called her as “fierce.” 

Her biggest problem though is not winning the judges' favor, it is connecting with the viewers who vote for their favorites every week.

Will Vaid be the Asian/American to break the curse of these reality shows? A few have come close, such as Jessica Sanchez who finished first runner-up three years ago on American Idol. No Asian/American performer has been able to win it all.

American Idol airs on Fox, Thursday at 8 p.m. Next week will be a special two-hour episode. Tune in and vote for Vaid to put her in the Top Four.

Watch Sonika give the performance that saved her for another week.