Cohoes’ VanDenberg Wows Judges; Earns Spot In Idol Top 20

Madison VanDenBerg has done it again!  The 17-year-old Cohoes native had another near perfect performance on American Idol last night; once again impressing the judges (and viewers) while surviving another cut and advancing to the top 20.

Sunday night's American Idol show was filled with some typical drama, but not for Cohoes native and Shaker High School student Madison VanDenberg.  Performing at Disney Aulani, Hawaii, she came through with a nearly flawless performance of The Jackson 5's 'Who's Loving You" earning a ticket to the AI Top 20 and a chance to compete in the live shows that air in a few weeks.

After her performance it was make or break time, and Lionel Richie had a little bit of fun with the talented teen while delivering the good news.

"Well how about that time I told you, you were gonna make the top 20?", Richie asked.

VanDenberg innocently confused by his question shot back, 'That was crayyyy....wait, WHAT?!"

There's no denying that our local favorite has what it takes to win the entire show, but so many things need to break right for it to happen.  As the show now closes in on  'live rounds' with America voting, it's sure to be a fun ride for the next few weeks.

But for now, she's safe and has only 19 other contestants to beat!