For the first time in more than a year, American Idol returned to its regular studio with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan socially distanced and passing the torch to America for voting, and had a limited but live studio audience, seated in pods by households, as well as a brand-new lounge from which the Idol performers can watch their competition. The results will be announced on Sunday, April 11 when the Top 16 are revealed.
Following are the Sunday night performances from 12 of the Top 24:
Alanais Sofia
Solo song: “Alive” by Sofia Duet with Jimmie Allen: “Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper “I really enjoyed your solo performance,” Katy told her. “I thought that was really controlled and beautiful and you came out with that power, I’m in control, I’m in the driver’s seat.”
Cassandra Coleman
Solo song: “Find Me” by Sigma feat. Birdy Duet with Ryan Tedder: “Apologize” by OneRepublic “From where you started, I love the fact that you tried to concentrate while you were singing,” Lionel commented. “Don’t concentrate because it shows on your face. Fake it out here (he said indicating his face). But I will say to you, it was a wonderful performance.”
Alyssa Wray
Solo song: “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood Duet with Katharine McPhee: “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston “Watching you perform is like watching someone trying to keep a cap on a volcano,” Lionel told her. “Together, the two of you made it look like you’d been doing it for 100 years.” “I think you’re the first singer who held her own on the stage with the other star,” Katy said. “One thing to think about, especially when you’re singing your solo is don’t think about the feeling that you should have, just be the feeling. Because it can get a little polished, perfect. Don’t be afraid to get dirty with it.”
Wyatt Pike
Solo song: “rubberband” by Tate McRae Duet with Ben Rector “It looks like you rolled out of bed and instead of getting slick and polished, you took all that time and rehearsed and stepped into your stardom,” Katy said. “You are an authentic star who could go on tour today and fit in right now.” “Watching you perform was emotional for me because this season things are clicking on all cylinders for this show and then watching you up there with Ben, I was just emotional the whole time,” Luke told him. “Just be you.”
Alana
Solo song: “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)” by Dua Lipa Duet with Brian McKnight: “Back at One” by Brian McKnight “Great energy on your solo performance,” Luke complimented. “Way to bring the energy, especially with Bryan McKnight up there. Especially at the end, you started coming into your own and hitting notes, but I really loved the stuff you did at the end of ‘Back at One.’” “Let me just say you have the stage energy and presence to be a star, now you need the attitude,” Lionel said. “Give us more attitude. That’s the secret to your success, my dear.”
Annilee List
Solo song: “My Future’ by Billie Eilish Duet with Joss Stone: “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus and Chaka Khan “That was an example of you running into someone who was so comfortable on stage,” Lionel said. “Joss just made it like no big deal. What you have to realize now is use her as the perfect example of relaxation with concentration. You were in your element, but you were thinking. You don’t need to do that. Just flow with that. She drove you to the next level. Feel good about that.”
DeShawn Goncalves
Solo Song: “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan Duet with “I Lived” by One Republic “I think you have one of the most unique Top 3 voices in this competition,” Katy told him. “It is so instant identity. Now, I just want you to have your body not be so stiff, because then I really know you’re having fun.” “Your voice does take us to a nice place, man,” Luke added. “You’ve got such nice tone and maneuvers. Just shake this thing out and be the star, baby.”
Graham DeFranco
Solo Song: “Raye” by John Splithoff Duet with Ben Rector: “Love Like This” by Ben Rector “Your voice is so listenable,” Luke said. “You are able to turn songs into your style. That is why you are on this stage.” “Singing is singing and moving people to evoke an emotion is everything,” Lionel said. “When we can sit out here and almost hear a whisper, not a booming voice, not a screaming voice, just a great storytelling voice, you moved us. It was a great, great job.”
Andrea Valles
Solo Song: “Lo Vas a Olvidar” by Billie Eilish & Rosalía Duet with Brian McKnight: “Careless Whisper” by George Michael “I am just amazed because you were just in a duet with one of the smoothest voices in the business and you are absolutely clear in your messaging of what you do with your voice,” Lionel said. “To do that duet with him and stand on your own, is a massive, massive compliment.” “You sang incredibly in Spanish and you picked a song that was so cool, I just love that you have so many tricks up your sleeve,” Katy said. “You can do anything.”
Cecil Ray
Solo Song: “Paint Me a Birmingham” Duet with Jimmie Allen: “Freedom Was a Highway” by Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley “You are the underdog here,” Katy said, “You’ve got to take that turn at one point. You were really in your head for the solo, but then for the duet, you were a lot more natural. You brought limbs; you’ve got to use them. I think everybody wants to root for you, but you’ve got to give it a little more.” “You got swallowed up a bit,” Luke pointed out. “There were some pitch problems that I haven’t heard from you and I don’t know if it is because of the crazy room and the band and lights, camera and action. If America gets you through, just understand, it gets harder every round.”
Willie Spence
Solo song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler Duet with Katharine McPhee: The Prayer by Céline Dion & Andrea Bocelli “You do no wrong in my eyes,” Luke said. “Part of being a star is making people fall in love with you and I am in love with you. I am in love with the way you go about being on stage and the way you go about singing, and the place it comes from.” “Willie Pavarotti,” Lionel joked. “In our business, you don’t want to be a singer, you want to be a stylist. You have your own lane. It’s just mesmerizing to watch you come with another song, I say, ‘He can’t sing that song.’ You not only make that song, you make it your own song, and that’s the quality of a superstar.”
Grace Kinstler
Solo Song: “Queen” by Jessie J Duet with Joss Stone: ‘Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & the Pipps “Wow! Your voice quality and who you are with that voice and your confidence, it’s a winning package. I just love the way you navigate around the stage,” Lionel said. “That duet was timeless,” Katy added. “You were soaring on a different level. If you get to sing again, just think of those timeless, classic songs, because that’s what your gift is, is that upper echelon of songs.” American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Following are the Monday night performances from 12 of the Top 24:
Jason Warrior Solo Song: “Call Out My Name: by The Weeknd Duet with PJ Morton: “Call Out My Name” by Bee Gees “It is probably the best solo and duet performance I’ve seen so far,” Katy said. “I want to see a couple more artistic presentations. Take a couple of risks. I want to see some instant, identifiable artists moments. Let’s put on a real show/” “I love how you leave it out there every time,” Luke added. “It’s just good old-fashioned getting sweaty and dirty. That’s what’s awesome about you.” Madison Watkins Solo Song: “Holy” by Justin Bieber Duet with Tori Kelly: “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder “You are such a personality, such a natural entertainer, and your look is so striking,” Luke said. “Sometimes all of that makes us lose your voice, but your voice really showed up today. You showcased your voice at a level I have not seen and that’s what this part of the competition is about.” “Let me just tell you what you did that most people don’t understand about a duet,” Lionel Richie said. “You reacted to something she did. You were present, rather than just singing and thinking about your notes, you engaged with the person you were dueting with. You nailed it. I loved what you did.” Beane Solo Song: “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa Duet with Josh Groban: “Angels” by Robbie Williams “You made us turn around on every note to say, ‘I am here,’ and we noticed what you were doing,” Lionel pointed out. “I would sign you,” Katy said. “We’ll see. I think you have incredible artistic vision to rearrange the Dua Lipa song and come out there and take it up towards the middle, it was really thoughtful. So, I was thoroughly entertained and then you sang your socks off with Josh, and you did some runs at the end which were so pro, I would invest in you any day.” Hannah Everhart Solo Song: “I Was Wrong” by Chris Stapleton Duet with Jason Aldean: “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean “Hannah, with the solo, there were a couple of moments that didn’t hit the bullseye, but I appreciated you took the risk, but with Jason, you were like a real country star, so if you can keep taking that energy to the next level, it is going to go far girl. It is fun watching you grow,” said Luke. “That’s the main thing, because your personality is so infectious. Once your talent catches up, this little star that you are [will shine].” Mary Jo Young Solo Song: “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran Duet with Jewel: “Foolish Games” by Jewel “I am so proud of you,” Luke told her. “You are putting together this star quality thing, where you came out, you were your own artist, you did it in your own style, and it really, really worked better than I have ever seen you put it together.” “You’re young, you’re fresh and you represented your generation,” Lionel said. “Because a lot of times, people want to make you older. Watching you with Jewel step into that moment of your life, I’m really proud of you. Continue on.” Chayce Beckham Solo Song: “Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran Duet with Brandon Boyd: “Drive” by Incubus “You have a magical voice when it comes down to being identifiable,” Lionel said. “The two of you together was great. If I have one thing to say to you, we are out here. Look at us, engage us, bring us into that. We want to look at you. That makes the performance total.” “You really remind me of Alejandro and the authenticity and musicianship,” said Katy. “It is not a singing show, it is a bona fide artist show. I see you everywhere. Grammys, wherever you want to go, you can go.” Colin Jamieson Solo Song: “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars Duet with Tori Kelly: “Hollow” by Tori Kelly “Colin, you looked like you played 300 shows a year,” Katy said. “What is infectious about you is you are really having fun in your moment,” Luke added. “And that’s what your supposed to be doing when you’re on stage doing all this stuff. Having fun.” Liahona Olayan Solo Song: “Just Friends” by Audrey Mika Duet with PJ Morton: “Say So” by PJ Morton feat. Jojo “You just are so talented,” Luke told her. “Every time I hear your voice, I am, ‘Radio ready.’ I loved your duet. Harmonies in and out for days. It was amazing.” “Do you know how far you’ve come from that first shy person to now?” Lionel asked. “Your phrases, your note placement, your interaction, and the fact that you are pulling it off with a karate kick, I think you are on your way to something huge.” Ava August Solo Song: “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo Duet with Josh Groban: “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell “Do you realize you are singing far beyond your age?” Lionel asked. “If this is you at 15, you with your drivers license are going to be terrifying.” “You are an old soul, and I think your soul is saying, ‘I’m coming back this time. I am going to do it right 100 percent. I am going to ace this test of life and become that queen.’ You better buckle up, honey,” Katy said. Caleb Kennedy Solo Song: “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers Band Duet with Jason Aldean: “Fly Over States” by Jason Aldean “Luke Bryan actually told me something about country folk,” Katy said, “You’ve got country listeners that are more mainstream and then you’ve got your AMs and FMs. You are so country, you are going to get the AMs and the FMs and the mainstream because you are so authentically yourself.” “It is fun seeing you go outside your comfort zone,” Luke says. “I would say the Allman Brothers might have showcased you a little better than ‘Fly Over States,’ but what is the most promising thing about you Caleb is you sound like you no matter whose music you are doing.” Hunter Metts Solo Song: “Chandelier” by Sia Duet with Jewel: “Who Will Save Your Soul” by Jewel “The beauty with you is if you have a great night, not a great night, an okay night, you still have such an undeniable sounding voice that is your own that you can always count on,” Luke said. “Even at one moment, I was like, ‘You give that kid the right song and everybody will know that voice forever.’” “Ditto, ditto, ditto,” Lionel said. “You are a stylist. I can close my eyes and I know it is you. On a bad day, you sound just like yourself. So, you can’t mess this up. I need for you to feel confident, to lean forward. You’ve got everything you need to be the superstar you want to be.” Casey Bishop Solo Song: “Decode” by Paramore Duet with Brandon Boyd: “Wish You Were Here” by Incubus “All I want to know is what is America going to do, because as far as the talent goes, we are in abundance and you are one of the special ones in this whole group,” Lionel said. “You are standing on the stage owning it.” That voice and that attitude and that raw rock, I want to see you throw bows and get a little angry and make that stage your b***h, because that’s how you’re singing,” Katy said. “ou’re singing with grit, you’re singing with teeth, so I want you to embody it next time, and I know there’s going to be a next time.” Next, See Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Every American Idol Winners’ First Auditions
