In the new episode, which also features the judges doing the third annual 'Judge's Song Contest', one of the remaining 8 singers in season 22 will be sent home.
- Apr 30, 2024
AceShowbiz - Top 8 of "American Idol" season 22 returned to the stage in the Monday, April 29 episode. One of them would be sent home at the end of the episode, which also featured the judges doing the third annual "Judge's Song Contest".
Kicking off the night was Will Moseley, who chose to sing "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash. Lionel Richie said the crowd response to the performance said it all, adding, "You killed it!" Katy Perry dubbed it Will's "best performance yet," while Luke Bryan praised Will for "getting better and better" each week.
As for Kaibrienne, she opted to sing "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo. The judge loved it as they dubbed it "amazing" and "heartfelt." Luke thought it was "a real moment," while Lionel told Kaibrienne that she seemed like she was "speaking from the heart" throughout her performance.
The episode also featured collaborations among the remaining 8 singers. The first duet was from Emmy Russell and Jack Blocker who sang "Hello" by Lionel. Following it up was McKenna Faith Breinholt as she took the stage to sing "Everywhere I Go" by Lissie. Katy, who chose the song for McKenna, said that Lissie reminded her of the artist McKenna can become.
Jack Blocker then performed "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson. Katy was moved to tears by the performance, saying, "I'm crying because I'm winning," because Jack did the song that Katy chose for him. Lionel, meanwhile, told Jack, "The artist that's coming out now is the artist that's going to have a career."
Triston Harper and Will Moseley later performed "What Makes You Country" by Luke together. Following the fun performance, Abi Carter hit the stage to sing "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. Luke, who picked the song for Abi, said, "I've created a monster!" As for Lionel, he called it "so professional" and "amazing."
Julia Gagnon impressed the judges with a powerful rendition of "Over the Rainbow", a song chosen for her by Luke. Lionel praised Julia for being able to maintain her control throughout the whole song. Katy, on the other hand, said it was an "unconventional, delicate and intimate" performance.
Next up was Triston Harper, singing "Sand in My Boots" by Morgan Wallen. Lionel, who chose the song, dubbed Triston a "world class storyteller." Katy commented, "I believe in you," while Luke told Triston that he did a "great job."
Emmy Russell rounded out the night with a performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter" by her grandma, Loretta Lynn. "I chose this song not because you're Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, but because you can do anything now as Emmy Russell," Katy said while in tears. As the song was recommended by Katy, she's officially the winner of this season's Judge's Song Contest.
It's time for Ryan Seacrest to reveal the voting results. Julia, Emmy, Will, Jack, Triston and Abi made it to Top 6. As the winner, Katy was given the chance to save either Kaibrienne or McKenna. After much deliberation, Katy chose to keep McKenna in the competition, while Kaibrienne was eliminated.
