In the new episode, host Ryan Seacrest calls out the singers who make the cut to perform once again in front of the judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
- Apr 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" revealed its season 22 Top 20 in the Sunday, April 14 episode. The singers took the stage in front of the judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, in hopes of getting votes and a spot in the Top 14.
Host Ryan Seacrest revealed that almost 30 million votes came in after Top 24 performances. In the new episode, Ryan would call out who made the cut to perform once again. In the first half of the night, he would reveal the results for Night 2 of Top 24 performances.
The first contestant to sing at the show's home studio in Los Angeles that night was Jack Blocker. He opted to sing "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" by Jim Croce. Following his performance, Lionel apologized for having Jack all wrong during his audition.
Later, Mia Matthews belted out "Wildflowers and Wild Horses" by Lainey Wilson. "I think you found your roar. You've got a lot less fear," Katy gushed. Following it up was Mackenzie Sol, who sang "I'll Never Love Again" by Lady GaGa". Luke was impressed with his dedication, while Lionel said, "I get that you're trying to say something to us."
Roman Collins was the next Top 20 singer, performing "Never Would Have Made It" by Marvin Sapp. Lionel gave Roman a standing applause with Katy saying, "Let the congregation say Amen! God has a plan for you!" She added, "I guess I believe again! The prodigal daughter is back again!"
Also making the cut was Kennedy Reid. The contestant, who said that she'd been receiving negative comments about her look, hoped her performance of "Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds would secure her a spot in the Top 14. "You're going to prove everybody wrong the rest of your life," Lionel told her.
Following a performance of Teddy Swims, Ajii hit the stage to sing Teddy's song "Like a Stone". "There was a lot of energy. Great job. Don't get to yelly," Luke commented. Jennifer Jeffries was also revealed to be one of the Top 20 singers as she sang "Grave Digger" by Matt Maeson. Luke said, "The first step is for you to know how special your voice is in that zone."
As for Emmy Russell, she opted to sing an original song titled "Want You". The judges loved the song as Katy called it one of her favorite original songs. Lionel, on the other hand, dubbed Emmy, who is the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, "an incredible songwriter."
Also taking the stage with an original song was Triston Harper. The 15-year-old singer sang a song titled "H-O-P-E". Luke raved, "How do you get that much talent in a 15 year old. This is what you'll do for the rest of your life. It will change you and your mother's life."
There was only one spot left and it went to Odell Bunton Jr. He opted to sing "The Door" by Teddy Swims. Katy commented, "I just love this show. Because it represents hope and love."
It was later time to reveal the results for Night 1 of Top 24 performances. Kayko was the first singer from Night 1 to be named as a Top 20 singer. He came with another original song titled "Over You" which prompted the judges to praise him. "Who are you really? I believe in you. As a songwriter, you are sitting on a gold mine," Lionel said.
Up next was Jordan Anthony, who sang "when the party's over" by Billie Eilish. Katy dubbed it "one of my favorite performances of the evening." As for Quintavious Johnson, he took the stage to sing "Hollow" by Tori Kelly. "That was my favorite performance…this far," Luke gushed. "You hit all the notes in your own style every time."
Kaibrienne, on the other hand, hit the stage to sing "Girl I Am Now", an original song. She made mistakes during her performance, but managed to continue singing. Later, Nya performed "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles which she dedicated to her late father. Katy loved it that she likened Nya to Jennifer Hudson.
Singing "My All" by Mariah Carey was Jayna Elise. Katy said following the performance, "You planted this seed. You've been growing your own beautiful talent. You deserve this. I'm so happy America voted for you." Abi Carter was also revealed to join others in Top 20 before he sang "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance. "It's magic. No one was breathing. You were in control," said Lionel.
Will Moseley was up next, singing "Makin' Me Look Good Tonight" by Drake White. Luke was beyond impressed as he said, "You're spoiling us. You're always solid." Later, Ryan named McKenna Breinholt as the next singer joining the Top 20 before she sang "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell. "I've known Joni Mitchell a long time. She'd be so proud. It was so believable, so touching," said Lionell.
As for Julia Gagnon, she chose to sing "I Believe" by Fantasia Barrino. Katy praised Julia's falsetto, while Luke loved how Julia inspired people. With that, Elleigh Marie, Kblocks, Blake Proehl and Hailey Mia were eliminated.
