[Warning: The below contains spoilers for American Idol.]
Tensions and stakes rise as grueling 'Hollywood Week' begins american idol Sunday.
This time, the finalists had to enter the “Idol Arena” or, as judge Lionel Richie called it, the “Gladiator's Hole.” The intimate setting allowed 143 hopefuls to sit around the stage and fully see, hear and experience the competition. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel called each singer on the spot, without knowing the order. It takes one round and one shot to impress the judges.Host Ryan Seacrest argued throughout the night that this would be the biggest cut. Idol In history, only 56 cars make it to the final “Showstopper” round.
If all this wasn't enough, hopefuls witnessed performances from platinum ticket holders Julia Gagnon, Odell Bunton Jr., and Abbi Carter, and wondered why they could skip to the first round. I showed that I could do it. Tell me about the heart you know. They too had to wait until the end to know their fate. Who shined? Who was the one who got swallowed up and succumbed to the pressure? See if your favorites survived another day.
triston harper
The 15-year-old from McIntosh, Alabama, was the first to be called up. He exuded confidence while performing “Wrapped Up In Jesus.” The song was an original song inspired by a love story and an 86-year-old man from his church named Willie Mae. Luke thought he did a great job. Verdict: Safe.
Quintavious
The 21-year-old from Franklin, Tennessee, is not new to singing competitions. america's got talent Alum. The worship leader and vocal coach sang “Help Me” by Court Chavis. Luke felt that his passionate performance was even better than his audition. Verdict: Safe.
Hayley Mia
The 16-year-old from Clifton, New Jersey, was considered a top 10 candidate at the Santa Barbara auditions. She showcased her talent on Adele's “Love In The Dark.” Lionel felt her come out swinging. Verdict: Safe.
emmy russell
The 24-year-old Nashville native spoke about the pressures of being Loretta Lynn's granddaughter and battling an eating disorder at a young age. She decided on an original song again, this time “Like That”. Katie complimented her songwriting ability, but she thought she left some of her range on the table. Verdict: Safe.
jack blocker
The 25-year-old Dallas native said he would not heed the judge's advice to stop making over-the-top facial expressions. For the graphic designer who performed Hank Williams' “Your Cheatin' Heart,” this was a risky move. The three judges gave him a standing ovation, but Katie had to listen to him close her eyes. Luke told him to stay true to himself. Verdict: Safe.
Yoshiko
The 23-year-old from Fort Lauderdale had no intention of auditioning. Idol He accompanied up-and-coming Abbey Blake. He impressed the judges and was sent to Hollywood. This caused songwriters and producers to question whether he belonged. He turned his feelings of impostor syndrome into an original song, “What If?''. The judges were amazed. Katie said: “You are not an accident. You are an opportunity.” Verdict: Safe
abby blake
Intimidated by all the talent, the 25-year-old bar singer from Nashville had no choice but to follow his friend. She sang Billy Joel's “Vienna.” Katie thought her vibrato was maxed out due to nerves, but she took a step forward from her audition. Verdict: Cut.
jennifer jeffries
The 17-year-old from Starkville, Mississippi, talked about how music helped her during difficult times and hoped to inspire others. She chose the original “You Were A Child,” which depicts her own and her brother's struggles with mental health. “That's the real thing there, kid,” said Lionel. Katie continued, “I don't know if you're going to win this, but you're going to be a star.” Verdict: Safe.
meow
The 28-year-old Manhattan native wowed the crowd with another Aretha Franklin hit, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Luke called it pure toned gold and it was put there like a butter or Krispy Kreme donut. Someone was hungry. Verdict: Safe.
Jaycee & Mia Matthews
The sisters from Center, Alabama, entered the lion's den together. The first was 17-year-old Jaycee, who sang Patty Griffin's “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song).” Luke thought it was much better than she remembered. Mia, 19, then sang Miranda Lambert's “Mama's Broken Heart.” Lionel said she came swinging. Mia's verdict: Safe. Verdict on Jaycee: Cut.
KBlocks
The 27-year-old from Montgomery, Alabama, spoke about losing her father and the impact it had on her. Her music brought her out of a dark place. She then performed her theatrical and fun rendition of Amy Winehouse's “Valerie.” Katie saw stars. Verdict: Safe.
McKenna Faith Breinholt
The 25-year-old from Gilbert, Arizona, kept everyone updated since meeting her biological family after her first audition. Their bond will only grow stronger. She performed Adele's “When We Were Young.” Luke said it was one of his favorites he had seen all year. Verdict: Safe.
Ajii
The 27-year-old Brooklyn New Yorker was considered top 10 material during his audition. He dedicated Lynyrd Skynyrd's “A Simple Man'' to his mother. Lionel was the driving force, he said. Verdict: Safe.
Madai Chakel
The 22-year-old content creator from Springfield, Massachusetts was trying to impress Luke today. She started singing Ariana Grande's “Tattooed Heart” before stopping her music and requesting the musicians to play from the top. After doing so, she decides to have her diva moment, shut him up, and perform her acapella. Luke thought it was shaky in places. Ms. Madai said she felt the pianist had flipped the script and it didn't seem like she was rehearsing. Another blow was dealt to Madai. This time she asked for her chair and she sang along with the pianist. “Maybe we'll do 'American Humble' someday,” Luke breathed. Verdict: Cut.
Camila Galavis
The 14-year-old from Miami kept the train moving with “No Air.” Idol Champion Jordin Sparks.Lionel noticed his daughter bachelor Star Juan Pablo Galavis struggled a bit as he felt a weight on his shoulders. Verdict: Cut.
Caibrienne “KB” Richins
The 20-year-old from Hennefer, Utah, decided to step out of her comfort zone and performed “How Could You” by Jesse Murph. She said the song evokes a range of emotions and alludes to her past traumas from her childhood. Her tears flowed not only from KB, but also from her fellow nominees and judges. “I know where you were singing from. I'm so proud of what you're doing,” Lionel said. Verdict: Safe.
Will Moseley
The 23-year-old from Hazlehurst, Georgia, was happy to play for Lionel during this time when he was unable to fly. He performed Chris Stapleton's “Whiskey and You.” Katie was impressed and called him a real countryman. She said, “I'm scared of you, and I like it.” safety.
kennedy reed
A 23-year-old mortician from New Albany, Indiana, may have been able to wake the dead with a powerful performance of the traditional hymn “How Great Thou Art,” which Katie called her Cinderella story. “Did you know it was inside you all along?” Katie asked. Lionel added Hallelujah. Verdict: Safe.
ziggy
The colorful 23-year-old from the Netherlands almost missed out on “Hollywood Week” due to visa issues. However, the Dutch Idol The alum entered stylishly late. He paid tribute to his father with Kodaline's “All I Want.” Katie talked about how she started breaking down the judgment of others and how others relate to her actions. Verdict: Safe.
american idolSunday and Monday, 8/7c, ABC
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