American Idol 2024 Recap: Top 20 REVEALED, perform for a spot in the Top 14
American Idol season 22 Top 20 are REVEALED tonight, in a marathon 3 hour episode. FOUR will be eliminated. The remaining singers perform for YOUR votes and a spot in the Top 14. The show goes LIVE on Monday (April 15).
Season 18 contestant Lauren Spencer-Smith returns to perform. Teddy Swims and Paul Russell also take the stage. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are judges. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
NOTE: American Idol filmed the episode last Wednesday. Spoilers linked below, but PLEASE DON’T SPOIL THE RESULTS IN COMMENTS!
American Idol 2024: Full Season 22 Schedule
American Idol 2024 Spoilers: Season 22 Top 20 Contestants, Songs Leaked!
How to VOTE
American Idol provides three ways to vote. You can vote online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, in the American Idol app or via text. You have to be at least 16 years old and located in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands to vote on ABC.com or in the American Idol app. For text message voting, simply text the number of the contestant you would like to vote for to “21523”. The contestant number matches the performance order (Jordan – 2, Jayna – 3, Julia – 4, Kayko – 5, Nya – 7, Abi – 8, Quintavious – 9, Kaibrienne – 10, Will – 11, McKenna – 12, Odell – 13, Mackenzie -15, Jennifer – 16, Emmy – 17, Ajii – 18, Kennedy – 19, Jack – 20, Roman – 21, Mia – 23, Triston – 24) Voting locks at 9am ET/3am PT on both April 15. Read the voting FAQ HERE.
Ryan says almost 30 million votes came in last week! He gets right in to it beginning with night 2 contestants. If he calls their name, they have MADE the cut.
Jack Blocker – You Don’t Mess Around with Jim by Jim Croce
After growing up watching the show together, Jack’s mom in Dallas is his biggest. I’m not sure about this song choice. Maybe his grandparents will appreciate it. It’s a song that was popular back in the 70s but didn’t exactly become a classic. He changes the arrangement enough to make it his own. But performing first with a mid-tempo ditty could hurt him.
Lionel says, “That’s the perfect song. Your personality is now coming out. You did very well.” Katy appreciates that he stays true to himself. “You’re the real deal.” Luke says, “It’s all coming together. Great originals. Great covers.”
Mia Matthews – Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson
Mia loves her hometown in Alabama. There’s a clip of Worth the Wait performing at the Opry–all thanks to competing on The Voice! Heh. She shares about finding herself outside of the singing trio. Since her audition, Mia has come into her own. I would not have predicted it initially, but she could go far. Always the best singer in the trio next to her mom and younger sister, her confidence is growing.
Katy says, “I think you found your roar. You’ve got a lot less fear.” Luke wants her to get even wilder, “great performance, great song choice.” Lionel says, “Way to go Alabama! You look more comfortable. You are feeling yourself on stage. Some serious artist action about to happen here.” Jayce is at home getting ready for her senior prom.
Mackenzie Sol – I’ll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born)
He seems VERY surprised to make the cut. He’s known on social media for funny videos “but that’s not me.” Oh look! He doesn’t say “X Factor” but the show plays a clip of him hijacking his mother’s audition 10 years ago. While Sharon Osbourne makes an appearance in the clip, Simon Cowell does not. He and mom moved to the US and they struggled initially. He performs at the piano. Mackenzie has a tendency to overdo the runs. but while he’s a little messy, his unrestrained performing draws the audience in.
Luke is impressed with his dedication, and wants to cheer for him. Lionel says, “I get that you’re trying to say something to us.” Katy says, “I loved watching that clip of baby you. Laughter and music is the medicine.” Katy wants more enunciation. He could improve a lot with some coaching.
Roman Collins – Never Would Have Made it by Marvin Sapp
Roman is in church as his pastor/father tells the story of him waking up from a diabetic coma at 3 years old. That backstory is new! Roman’s goal is to be a Gospel singer, a spirted form of worship he brings to the Idol stage. Roman came out of nowhere at Showstoppers. He’s over the top and theatrical, but in a way that works in a Gospel setting. His raspy baritone pleases as he lets the “holy spirit” take over.
Lionel stands with his palms in the air. “Let the congregation say Amen! God has a plan for you!” Katy says, “I guess I believe again! The prodigal daughter is back again!” She loved hearing his story. Luke says, “It was spiritually beautiful.”
Kennedy Reid – Love Can Build a Bridge by The Judds
Kennedy shares that she got negative comments about her appearance after her performance in Hawaii. She wears wigs, she explains, because of a bleach fail at home. Her mom sticks up for her 23 year old daughter. She plans to take her power back tonight. And for the first time, she performs with her natural hair and less makeup. She looks better and closer to her age. She should do what she wants. But sometimes women hide behind the fillers and false eyelashes. She’s still seems old fashioned, but there is no denying she can belt out a tune. NOTE; Since this episode was filmed. A crazy rumor about Kennedy hit the internet.
Katy is proud of her, “This is your metamorphis moment.” Luke notes the bullies on line. “You’re going to prove everybody wrong the rest of your life.” Lionel says, “Don’t listen to those idiots. All you have is you, believe in you.” Kennedy adds, “I’ve learned how to love myself.”
Teddy Swims performs
Teddy Swims takes the stage to perform his mega-hit “Lose control.” He’s sporting a plastic strawberry earring, which matches his pink suit. But I can’t abide face tattoos. Just cannot. He’s a great soulful singer, though. He’s getting ready to embark on a world tour. Later this year, more music. He thanks Ajii for covering his song. And Ajii is in!
Ajii – Like a Stone by Teddy Swims
Ajii shares that his dad is a hard worker. He works so hard, he hasn’t been able to watch him perform in person. And he sings ANOTHER Teddy sims song that is well suited to his powerful growly voice. Ajii lets loose on the second verse. He’s so larger than life, Ajii could front a hard rock band. His presence commands attention.
Luke says, “There was a lot of energy. Great job. Don’t get to yelly.” Lionel calls him “Mr. Feelgood.” Katy loves his song choice. And she appreciates that he pushes his vocals. She calls him a “one man mosh pit.”
Colin Stough and Haven Madison are in the audience.
Jennifer Jeffries – Grave Digger by Matt Maeson
Her songwriting process includes journaling, which she has done since age 12. She wants to show more confidence in the next performance. Jennifer reminds me of Mariah Faith from last year. She’s gritty and powerful, but not the best singer compared to the competition. There’s something about her that draws me in, but it’s going to be tough for her to advance in a show that values singing. If she survives, she should perform as many originals as possible.
Lionel compliments her style and insists it’s more important than being a good singer. Katy thinks she got into her head a little bit. “Con yourself into the word confidence.” Luke says “The first step is for you to know how special your voice is in that zone.” It’s the first negative critique of the night. She did seem unsure. “I wish I had done better,” she says. Hoo boy. She’s probably not going to survive the next cut.
Emmy Russell – Want You (Original Song)
She wrote her first song at 9 years old. And tonight, she’ll be singing a song she wrote. Emmy posted in honor of her Grandmother, Loretta Lynn’s birthday, over the weekend. She definitely has the family songwriting gift, alongside a beautiful, lilting tone. Even if she wasn’t a nepo baby, she’d stand on her own talent.
Is Ryan crying? Luke takes the stage to give him a hug. Katy calls it one of her favorite original songs from the competition, but she wants more power and longer notes from her. It was breathy in spots. Luke says, “That was so you, so real. We could feel the emotion.” He calls it his favorite performance of hers. Lionel calls it a “hit record.” He calls her “an incredible songwriter.”
Ryan shouts out Scotty McCreery and Chayce Beckham who are doing well on the country charts! Chayce nabbed a No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “23.”
Triston Harper – H-O-P-E (Original Song)
Triston uses songwriting to work out his feelings and deal with his pain. The young singer hopes his songwriting can “change somebody’s life.” Consider that Triston is only 15 years old, and still he manages to brings soul and experience to bear on his performance. It’s obvious that he’s been through a lot in his short life. Right now, Triston is one of the front runners. His performance is gritty, emotional and self-assured.
Luke says, “How do you get that much talent in a 15 year old. This is what you’ll do for the rest of your life. It will change you and your mother’s life.” Lionel says, “You might have been a secret…you will never be a secret again. I still want to see your birth certificate.” Katy says, “You’re changing your own life. That was a stellar performance. It was the real deal.”
Three singers from night 2 remain. Only ONE will make the Top 20! The person into the Top 20 is Odell Bunton Jr Elleigh Marie and Kblocks are ELIMINATED.
Odell Bunton Jr. – The Door by Teddy Swims
It’s another Teddy Swims song. Teddy is in the audience rocking out. Odell earned the first Platinum ticket during auditions. But his Top 24 performance was underwhelming and came early in the night. He felt in danger. But he’s made the cut, allowing him to finally cut loose on stage, as if he understood what he needed to do to stay in the game. Good job, Odell. That was fierce.
That was disgusting! shouts Teddy, meaning it as a compliment. Lionel notes that Odell was singing for his family. “You have the ability to move people. That’s everything.” Katy says, “I just love this show. Because it represents hope and love.” She calls his performance controlled, yet wild. Luke says, “How is this my job? This is when God said it should happen.” Odell is in tears as he delivers a message of love to his wife and five kids.
Night 1 is next!
Kayko – Over You (Original Song)
Kayko shares his journey to music and how he learned to write and produce his own songs. He’s written a bunch of songs! Fun fact: Kayko has performed ONLY original songs so far. And that’s been a smart move because HE’S A DANG GOOD SONGWRITER. His catchy melodies frame clever and relatable lyrics. He’s a dark horse, people. And DANG HE’S PLAYING HIS OWN LEAD ELECTRIC GUITAR. He’s a well-rounded talent (and my fav right now ok).
Katy says, “You’re going to be a mega star. I’m going to see you on tour.” Luke says he’s here because he kept his eye on the prize. Lionel says, “Who are you really? I believe in you. As a songwriter, you are sitting on a gold mine.”
Jordan Anthony – when the party’s over by Billie Eilish
Jordan shares how he was an overweight kid before getting in shape. The Australian singer lost about 110 lbs. He performs at the piano, delivering his best performance yet. His voice cracks on the high note, but it adds to the emotional moment he’s created. His parents are in the audience. In the middle of the performance his mic dropped upside down, but he kept his cool.
Luke felt the performance was full of tenderness. His best yet. Lionel says, “You were able to tell a story. That was very good. Stay on that. You turned it into your song.” Katy calls it “one of my favorite performance of the evening.” She feels some contestants have been swallowed up by the stage. She loved the way he controlled his performance. “It was a great ride.”
Quintavious Johnson – Hollow by Tori Kelly
He almost sang “Hollow” in Hawaii. Tori Kelly mentored him, and really wanted him to sing it. Finally, tonight he’ll sing it. He misses his church family, where he is a worship leader. Maybe he should have performed this song instead of “Something in the Water.” It’s a real crowd pleaser. He comes alive in the second half of the song. Tomorrow night’s cuts are going to be brutal.
Lionel says, “What is going on? You are electric. You explode. What the heck? That was amazing.” Katy says, “That last run knocked me sidewise.” She felt he stayed true to his roots, even though he sang a pop song. Luke says, “That was my favorite performance…this far. You hit all the notes in your own style every time.”
Kaibrienne – Girl I am Now (Original Song)
She was a cheerleader in school AND she played football and wrestled with the boys. She hesitates twice during her performance, but does not stop or ask to start over. She’s struggling, but keeping it together enough not to lose the moment. Lionel shouts “keep going” as encouragement. She almost lost her bearing. But the song is so emotional that fans will probably stay on her side, despite the obvious mistakes.
Katy says, “It’s kind of boring when someone is perfect. Don’t worry about falling apart in front of our eyes.” Luke says, “That was real. You took yourself to another level.” Lionel recounts mistakes he made on stage, that caused him to start and stop, that wound up creating some of his most memorable live moments.
Paul Russell performs Lil Boo Thing
I never heard of this guy. Now hearing this song, I know it from social media where it’s used on a ton of Tik Toks and Instagram reels. It’s very catchy, with a call back to “Best of My Love.” His new single, “Eat Pray Love” is out and he’ll be touring with Teddy Swims.
Nya – Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Her strict parents from Nigeria wanted her to go to college and be a professional. Sadly, her father died when she was 16. “Georgia on My Mind” is her song for him. Her arrangement is jazzy and upbeat. Her phrasing is deceptively tricky. She makes it look easy, though. She’s emotional at the end of the song. He never had the chance to see her perform on stage.
Lionel says, “You’re father is standing right next to you.” He calls it an “undeniable” performance. Katy says, “It’s so intense up here! That was so beautiful.” She compares her to Jennifer Hudson. Georgia boy Luke calls her “effortless.” He jokes, “Maybe just act like it’s tough!”
Jayna Elise – My All by Mariah Carey
Her mother, also a vocalist, inspired Jayna to sing. My wish is for singing show contestants to never cover Mariah. They rarely sound contemporary covering her. Also, this song is too big for Jayna. She probably wanted a big vocal showcase tonight. But she’s had better performances.
Lionel said, “She has been waiting for this moment her whole life. You have a career.” Katy says, “You planted this seed. You’ve been growing your own beautiful talent. You deserve this. I’m so happy America voted for you.” Luke says that her making the Top 20 after getting nos last season shows her fortitude.
Abi Carter – Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
Her grandpa, who lived in Hawaii, passed away in 2021. And then right after the Hawaii round in February, her grandmother died. She’ll sing for them. She opens the song to a tinkling piano. She turns the alt/rock tune into a moving piano ballad. The chorus explodes with emotion. Her phrasing is delicate and touching. Katy dabs her eyes, and then drops her pen.
Katy says, “I’m literally crying listening to you. It was so good.” Katy begs America to vote. Luke says, “It felt like we were at your concert. You found that magic and then some.” Lionel says, “It’s magic. No one was breathing. You were in control.”
Lauren Spencer Smith performs “Fingers Crossed”
Lauren competed on American Idol in 2020. She was only 16 years at the time and left at the Top 24. Still, she’s become a worldwide social media star with over 2 billion streams under her belt. She’s an ABC era success, but her brief stint during that weird Covid-19 season probably has nothing to do with how well her career has progressed It’s her social media game that put her on the map. After, she mentions how her home deck was her Idol stage. Literally she’s on the big Idol stage for the first time!
Will Moseley – Makin’ Me Look Good Tonight by Drake White
He graduated from college with a degree in Biology, a thing nobody in his family has done. He’s giving music a one year shot. After his original song went viral, he now believes year two is possible. He’s got that Chris Stapleton vibe going strong. He performs with authentic emotion, yet totally at ease.
Luke says, “You’re spoiling us. You’re always solid.” Luke predicts he’ll be in the finale! Lionel says, “I love the way you do your thing.” Katy calls him “solid.” She wants even more from him.
Oh boy. Hailey Mia looks kinda pissed. Because she’s sitting next to McKenna Breinholt and Julia Gagnon, whom she must know are favorites, and are sure to go through. The results are not even suspenseful at this point. And indeed, Ryan calls McKenna’s name next. Blake Proehl also remains.
McKenna Breinholt – Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
McKenna’s audition went viral. she notes that Zach Williams and Dolly Parton both reacted to her cover of their song. Her backstory is massive–she met her birth family during her audition. Her late birth mother was also a singer. She performs this Joni Mitchell classic at the piano, adding her own phrasing and tender interpretation. It’s lovely.
She’s in bare feet! Lionel says, “I’ve known Joni Mitchell a long time. She’d be so proud. It was so believable, so touching.” Lionel is going to give her a call! Joni will be happy if it sells some downloads and streams, but she’s usually not moved by covers of her songs. Katy says the song finally landed for her as an adult. Really? Joni’s version didn’t land for you? OK. Luke thinks she could win the show.
And of course the last spot goes to Platinum ticket winner, Julia Gagnon. Hailey Mia and Blake Proehl are eliminated.
Julia Gagnon – I Believe by Fantasia
After Ryan calls her name, Julia is in tears. Last summer, she competed in a singing competition in Maine where she had to perform in many styles, including opera. She won and it inspired her to audition for Idol. “I Believe” is your typical early FOX era Idol winners single, including nods to rainbows and pots of gold. Fantasia managed to raise the song up beyond its cliches. But the third season winner is an extraordinary singer. Julia is giving it a go, pouring herself into the performance. But the song is somewhat out of her range, becoming yelly in spots. Not a great song choice. She’s sobbing at the end.
Katy says, “It looks like America believes you belong.” She loves her falsetto. Luke says, “You’re inspiring people. You’ve come so far gaining confidence.” Lionel says, “Anything can happen if you believe.”
ELIMINATED
- Elleigh Marie (Night 2)
- KBlocks (Night 2)
- Blake Proehl (Night 1)
- Hailey Mia (Night 1)
Tomorrow night (April 15) the Top 14 will be revealed. America’s votes determine the Top 10. Then, the judges pick four wildcards after everyone performs. American Idol will be LIVE LIVE LIVE for the first time this season.
