The new episode sees 143 contestants performing in front of the judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, in the first-ever Idol Arena with only 56 of them going to the next round.
- Apr 1, 2024
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" season 22 kicked off its Hollywood Week on Sunday, March 31. The episode saw the contestants performing in front of the judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, in the first-ever Idol Arena.
Only half of them would survive the Hollywood Week, marking the biggest cut in "American Idol" history. Before the singers would be called to the stage in a random order, Platinum Ticket winners, Odell Bunton Jr., Abi Carter and Julia Gagnon, performed "California Dreamin' " as a trio.
The first contestant to sing that night was Triston Harper, who came with an original song called "Wrapped Up in Jesus". Katy said, "I like him," following the performance. Luke shared that the 15-year-old put a smile on their faces. Following it up was Quintavious who sang "Help Me" by Cortt Chavis. His emotional performance moved some audience members to tears.
As for Hailey Mia, she opted to sing "Love in the Dark" by Adele. Lionel was impressed, saying, "You came out swinging!" Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell, on the other hand, chose to perform an original called "Like That". Katy pointed out that while Emmy is a good songwriter, she "left a little range on the table," adding, "If you get the opportunity to sing again let's stretch it out."
The next singer was Jack Blocker, singing "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams while trying to control his over-the-top facial expressions. Luke commented, "Always stay true to Jack Blocker." Kate added after Jack left the stage, "I had to close my eyes and listen."
Singing an original song titled "What If?" was Kayko. Katy told Kayko, who was recruited by the judges himself even though he showed up to the auditions to accompany someone else on piano, "You're not the accident, you're the opportunity."
Next up was Abby Blake and she sang "Vienna" by Billy Joel. Katy commented, "The nerves got the best of your vibrato, but it was a step up from your audition." Jennifer Jeffries then hit the stage to sing an original song called "You Were a Child". Katy told her, "I don't know if you're going to win this thing, but I think you're going to be a star."
Nya followed it up with a performance of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". It impressed Luke, who said, "Pure tonal gold." As for Jacy Matthews, she picked "Up to the Mountain" by Patty Griffin. Luke criticized her vibrato that was "behind the beat a little bit." Her sister Mia, meanwhile, sang "Mama's Broken Heart" by Miranda Lambert. Rounding out the first hour was KBlocks, who earned a standing ovation for her performance of "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse.
Kicking off the second hour was McKenna Faith Breinholt, who sang "When We Were Young" by Adele. "That was one of my favorites I've seen all year," Luke gushed. Ajii followed it up with another impressive performance of "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Madai Chakell, on the other hand, hit the stage to sing Ariana Grande's "Tattooed Heart". She, however, asked the band to start over because she "wasn't feeling that one." It happened again as she stopped singing to say, "We're going to do this a cappella because that's not flowing the way we practiced." Luke said after her performance, "It was a little shaky in some spots, but thanks for performing."
Surprisingly, Madai was given another chance and she asked for a chair because she's feeling "shaky." Everyone looked uncomfortable as Luke said, "Maybe we'll do 'American Humble' at some point." Later, a montage was shown, featuring some other artists, including Isabella Mercier, Camila Galavis, Amanda Mograss and Kaibrienne "KB" Richins, who were struggling onstage.
Will Moseley then sang his take on "Whiskey and You" by Chris Stapleton. Roman Collins performed "Gravity", before Kennedy Reid singing "How Great Thou Art!". Ziggy, who had an issue with his visa, almost missed the Hollywood Week. He rounded out the night with a performance of "All I Want" by Kodaline.
After the 143 hopefuls performed, the judges had to choose 56 contestants who would be sent to the next round. Among those who were eliminated were Noah Peters, Conall Gorman, Kyra, Abby Blake, Bethany Teague, Meggie Iyer, Madai Chakell, Kimi, CJ Rislove and Jacy Matthews.
