Sunday night’s American Idol saw the Top 10 go to the Top 8 with the shocking elimination of two frontrunners in Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan, proving that no one is truly safe from the threat of elimination.
Tonight, the Top 7 were revealed, but before the results rolled in, the contestants joined in on the annual Judge’s Song Contest! Keeping with tradition, the episode saw each contestant presented with three songs: one selected by each of the season’s judges. The twist being that they didn’t know who was behind the song selections until after they selected their song and performed it for America’s vote.
Unlike most weeks of the competition, Judge’s Song Contest week gives the judges something to compete for as well! The judge whose songs are selected by the most contestants not only gets bragging rights, but they also get the chance to save a contestant from elimination at the end of the night! America selects the Top 6 based on their votes, with the winning judge of the Judge’s Song Contest getting to save one of the contestants in the bottom two, giving them the final spot in the Top 7.
Here’s a recap of the night’s performances from the Top 8 as they happened throughout the night, with a look at the songs they were presented, their selections, and the judges behind them!
Breanna Nix
Song Choices:
- “The Blessing” by Elevation Worship feat. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes
- “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
- “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande
Selection: “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
Judge Behind the Song: Luke Bryan
Mattie Pruitt
Song Choices:
- “Always Been You” by Jessie Murph
- “I Need You” by LeAnn Rimes
- “Parachute” by Chris Stapleton
Selection: “Always Been You” by Jessie Murph
Judge Behind the Song: Luke Bryan
John Foster
Song Choices:
- “Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah
- “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
- “Crazy” by Willie Nelson
Selection: “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
Judge Behind the Song: Carrie Underwood
Josh King
Song Choices:
- “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall and John Oates
- “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
- “Home” by Michael Bible
Selection: “Home” by Michael Bible
Judge Behind the Song: Lionel Richie
Gabby Samone
Song Choices:
- “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion
- “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
- “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Selection: “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Judge Behind the Song: Lionel Richie
Jamal Roberts
Song Choices:
- “I Believe” by Fantasia
- “Lately” by Stevie Wonder
- “Grenade” by Bruno Mars
Selection: “I Believe” by Fantasia
Judge Behind the Song: Lionel Richie
Thunderstorm Artis
Song Choices:
- “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahn
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles
- “Faithfully” by Journey
Selection: “Faithfully” by Journey
Judge Behind the Song: Carrie Underwood
Slater Nalley
Song Choices:
- “Hope the High Road” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen
- “Believe” by Brooks and Dunn
Selection: “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen
Judge Behind the Song: Luke Bryan
In addition to our solo performances, the night also featured a few group numbers in which the contestants took on songs by the judges. It was a fun way to bring the artists together with Gabby, Josh, and Jamal performing "Dancing on the Ceiling" by Lionel; Thunderstorm, Slater, and John performing "Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day" by Luke; and Breanne and Mattie performing "Something in the Water" by Carrie.
Who went home on American Idol tonight? Our Top 7 revealed!
After the final performance of the night, it came time for the live results! First, Ryan revealed the names of the six contestants saved by America with Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, and John Foster all making it into the Top 7 by America’s votes.
This left Josh King and Mattie Pruitt as our bottom two for the night. After a quick deliberation, Luke and Lionel, the winners of our Judge’s Song Contest in a tie with three of their songs selected, chose to save Mattie. This meant that we bid farewell to Josh King. To recap, that leaves the following artists to make up our Top 7:
- Breanna Nix
- Mattie Pruitt
- Jamal Roberts
- John Foster
- Gabby Samone
- Slater Nalley
- Thunderstorm Artis
Next week, the Top 7 will get the chance to perform songs from the Disney catalogue as well as a special tribute to their moms for Mother's Day. That will give way to the Top 5 being selected, with the Top 5 then taking to the stage on Monday as the contestants fight to make it into the finale!
Be sure to refresh as we'll be recapping the episode live!