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The contestants of American Idol faced an intense challenge as they quickly transitioned from the excitement of making the top 12 to performing once again the very next day. During the episode aired on April 28, the artists showcased songs that highlighted memorable moments in the show’s legacy.
Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie provided their critiques, but with public voting on the line, contestants could only rely on their performances to secure their place in the competition. Viewers participated by voting for their favorites throughout the episode, with two contestants eliminated based on the voting results at the end of the night.
Here’s a recap of the performances, along with updates on who advanced to the top 10 and who was sent home.
Slater Nalley
Slater Nalley was the first to take the stage, honoring 2023 contestant Megan Danielle by performing “Angel From Montgomery,” a song she had previously sung during Season 22.
Richie praised Slater’s growing confidence and strong stage presence, while Underwood remarked on his distinct artistic voice. “You have your own lane carved out. Keep it up,” she encouraged.
Ché
Ché chose “Dancing on My Own,” hoping to present a more contemporary side to his artistry, inspired by Colin Stough’s performance from Season 21.
Underwood complimented Ché for making the song uniquely his own, and Bryan acknowledged his elevated intensity since being saved in the competition.
Thunderstorm Artis
Returning to the show’s history, Thunderstorm Artis performed Haley Reinhart’s “House of the Rising Sun.”
Richie expressed admiration for Artis’s ability to infuse his personal vibe into classic songs, while Underwood deemed the performance “awesome” and remarked on his perfect song choice.
Kolbi Jordan
Kolbi Jordan brought to life “Over the Rainbow,” channeling Katharine McPhee’s iconic Season 5 version.
The judges responded enthusiastically, with Richie calling Kolbi’s rendition “divine,” and Underwood highlighting the emotional depth he brought to the performance.
Filo
Filo’s tribute to Jennifer Hudson featured “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Mentor Fantasia encouraged him to create his own iconic moment rather than imitate past performances.
The judges rewarded Filo with a standing ovation, with Underwood emphasizing his unique flair and presence on stage.
Mattie Pruitt
Next up was 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt, who performed Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You.”
The judges reminded viewers of her age compared to other competitors, with Bryan commending her growth and determination. Richie noted her confidence and affirmed her performance was commendable.
Canaan James Hill
Canaan James Hill drew inspiration from Roman Collins’ emotional duet of “Goodness of God” featuring CeCe Winans.
Richie lauded the entire top 12’s collective talent and praised Canaan’s exceptional performance, while Underwood expressed her gratitude for his emotive delivery.
Gabby Samone
Gabby Samone followed with “A Song for You,” inspired by Elliot Yamin’s performance from 2006.
Underwood deemed it “absolute perfection,” while Bryan noted the impact of her performance, stating it left Fantasia speechless.
Josh King
For his performance, Josh King chose “All By Myself,” reminiscent of Pia Toscano’s touching rendition.
His heartfelt delivery resonated with both the judges and audience, with Bryan reflecting on Josh’s growth since the audition phase.
Breanna Nix
Breanna Nix took the stage to perform “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” sharing her battle with social media negativity.
Richie praised her ability to channel pain into performance, commending her continued growth and resilience throughout the night.
John Foster
John Foster honored Underwood with a rendition of “I Told You So,” expressing appreciation for her support. This marked his first performance without a guitar, yet he delivered confidently.
Underwood expressed her admiration and acknowledged his continuous evolution as a performer.
Jamal Roberts
Concluding the night, Jamal Roberts performed “Heal” by Tom Odell, delivering a moving and impactful performance.
Richie described it as “divine,” as the audience was captivated by the emotional weight of the song.
Who made the top 10?
After tallying the votes, the top 10 contestants were announced: John Foster, Josh King, Jamal Roberts, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, Canaan James Hill, Kolbi Jordan, and Breanna Nix.
Who was eliminated?
Unfortunately, Ché and Filo found themselves in the bottom two and were eliminated from the competition. The remaining top 10 will perform again on Sunday, May 4.
American Idol, Season 23, Sundays and Mondays, 8/7c, ABC
Source
www.tvinsider.com