American Idol 2024: The final 12 of the Top 24 sing for YOUR votes! Jelly Roll mentors
American Idol season 22 Top 24 round, which took place at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii, airs in two parts. Tonight (April 8) Jelly Roll mentors the final 12 contestants, in addition to sitting on the judges panel and performing. For the first time this season, AMERICA VOTES for their favorites. Reigning America Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are judges. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
American Idol 2024: Full Season 22 Schedule
American Idol 2024 Top 24 Song List, Performance Order (Photos)
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 (Odell – 13, Elleigh – 14, Mackenzie -15, Jennifer – 16, Emmy – 17, Ajii – 18, Kennedy – 19, Jack – 20, Roman – 21, KBlocks – 22, Mia – 23, Triston – 24) Voting opens at 8pm ET/5pm PT and locks at 6am ET/3am PT on both April 7 and 8. Read the voting FAQ HERE.
The show opens with reigning winner Iam Tongi giving the contestants a pep talk. Jelly Roll is fresh off winning 3 CMT Music Awards last night!
Odell Bunton, Jr. – Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
Odell is a BIG FAN of Jelly Roll. Since his audition, Odell and his family have found a more stable place to live, moving out of the hotel for houseless people. Jelly Roll encourages Odell, who was the first contestant awarded with one of three Platinum tickets, to let loose on stage.
Odell sings with a gorgeous, burnished tone. But Jelly Roll is right, he needs to LET LOOSE on stage. His style is too easy and laid back. Regardless, it’s a solid kickoff for the night’s performances.
Jelly calls it “incredible…you listened to everything I said.” Lionel compliments Odell on how he made the crowd react. “It’s so good,” says Katy who loves his “sparkle hand.” Luke thinks Odell put his own stamp on a gospely song.
Elleigh Marie – Forget You! by Cee-Lo Green
Elleigh is drawing from the real life experience of being cheated on by an ex-boyfriend. Jelly suggests she give him a fake name to help her really direct the song to him.
It’s an odd song choice at a pivotal point of the competition. Who even thinks about this song anymore? She sounds hopelessly out of date and uninteresting. The death spot could kill her chances. Cut to Katy who has a stinky look on her face.
Lionel says the performance began when she picked up the mic. “Don’t think about what you’re doing.” Katy felt picking an uptempo song showed a different dimension to her talent. Luke said, “Way to put it all together.” Jelly thinks she showed up when it really mattered.
Mackenzie Sol – Jealous by Nick Jonas
Mackenzie plans to switch up the arrangement, but is nervous about singing in his upper register. Jelly suggests that he warm up before attempting the falsetto parts.
He slows up the song arrangement which allows room for soulful runs and riffs. It’s like as if Marvin Gaye covered “Jealous.” He stays out of his falsetto until the end of the song. He must have taken Jelly’s advice, because he hits the notes. It’s a creative effort.
Katy calls it his best performance so far and compliments his “hammer pants.” It’s Luke’s favorite performance too. Jelly says he blew the falsetto out of the water. Lionel says he brought sexy to American Idol. “Keep them screaming for another 40 years.”
Jennifer Jeffries – Bruises by Lewis Capaldi
She also considered “All I Want” by Kodaline, but settled on “Bruises.” Jelly preferred the former. But Jennifer wanted to hang on to her guitar, which she didn’t feel comfortable playing on “All I Want.”
Jennifer sings with so much character and emotion. Her voice isn’t technically perfect, but it stands out. Her phrasing is incredible. Even the band can’t drown her out. Heh.
Jelly calls the performance incredible. He hears a lifetime of pain and conviction. He supports her song choice. Lionel is on his feet. “Because you felt it, we felt it. That’s how it works.” Katy compliments the singer for staying true to herself. She calls Jennifer one of the more unique voices in the competition. Luke calls her voice interesting and unique. He believes she can sing anything. After the compliments, Jennifer breaks down in tears.
Jelly Roll performs “Halfway to Hell”
The singer closed the CMT Awards last night with this song. He’ll probably win more awards next year. Jelly comes across as a lively guy, on top of being kind and grateful for his hard fought success. Those face tattoos though…NOPE.
Emmy Russell – Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
Ryan mentions that Benson Boone is a former American Idol contestant, but does not mention that he QUIT before making the Top 24 a few seasons ago. Emmy is the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn if you are just tuning in. She explains to Jelly that she changed up the song arrangement. He notices her legs shaking nervously as she sings. Emmy shares that she’s afraid the beautiful things in her life will disappear.
She gives the song an Americana flair. It’s like a whole new song with a whole new meaning. She chose well and the arrangement is A+. She could release this as a record. Her tone is trembly, but beautiful and full of meaning. Psst. I prefer this version!
The panel is on their feet. Jelly is so proud of her. “You were present, you were there.” Lionel compliments the texture in her voice. He believes every word she sings. Katy loves that American Idol welcomes singer-songwriters. “I thought you pushed your vocals a lot…the best we’ve heard from you.” Luke says she does not need to be high fiving the audience in the front row if she’s not comfortable yet.
Oh look. It’s Vanna White. She’s there to promote Wheel of Fortune, which Ryan is taking over next season for a retiring Pat Sajak.
6. Ajii – Higher by Tems
The judges want more vocals, and Ajii hopes to give them that. His mom will be sitting in the audience.
The song is a ballad and allows Ajii to prove his vocal chops. Almost immediately, the panel goes nuts. It starts off ballady before shifting into a reggae vibe. His voice is 70 percent growl, but he makes the most of it.
“What a way to bring it when it matters,” says Jelly. Ajii shares that he sang to his mother. “You came out today prepared to take this home. Your voice was commanding.” said Lionel. Katy is shocked, “You gave us a whole different version.” She compares him to The Weeknd. “It was not just frosting…the whole cake.” Luke compares his energy to Jelly Roll. “You just owned that moment.” Mom joined Ajii on stage for a hug. Aw she’s crying.
Kennedy Reid – Fancy by Bobbie Gentry/Reba McEntire
Kennedy, the mortician, brought her best friend to Hawaii. I’ll never get over this song in which a mother pushes her daughter into sex work as a means to upward mobility. Country music. Oh boy.
Kennedy is the consummate 50s style country singer. She’s got the old fashioned clothes, and the big wigs to match. She’s got a HUGE voice, but instead of being retro–it’s like she’s been plucked out of a different era without experiencing all the music trends in between. Her pipes can’t be denied, however.
Katy loved it. “I think America is obsessed with you!” Lionel says, “That was the way you take the stage.” Luke says “You look fancy…way to grow.” Jelly knew she had what it took. “I’ve seen a full blown superstar.” Mortician jokes abound!
Jack Blocker – Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves
Jelly disagrees with Katy’s critique of the faces Jack makes while he sings. He calls it beautiful “Sing to the heavens,” Jelly advises him.
It’s obvious he’s been singing this song for awhile. He’s the most comfortable on stage he’s ever been. The vocals flow out of him with ease and the phrasing is perfect and heartfelt. Jack had the tendency to sound nervous and try hard.
Katy calls it relaxed and in the pocket. She appreciates the vocal risks and subtly. “It felt pro,” says Luke. He gave Jelly goosebumps. NO Jelly. Nobody picks up the phone to vote anymore! Heh. Lionel calls him “A storyteller’s storyteller…you are definitely to be dealt with in this competition.”
Roman Collins – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye/James Taylor
Roman is afraid to sing a classic song in a completely different way. The judges suggested he dial it back. But Jelly disagrees! Stay true to himself, he insists. “You do you man, you hear me!”
Compare Roman to Odell. The former completely gives himself over to a performance. He gets the crowd up on its feet. The panel is up swaying and holding hands. And really, he’s not overdoing it at all. He’s raspy, growly and joyous., while bringing a new vibe to the song.
“We found another religion,” says Lionel. “You took America to church!” says Jelly. “You have God flowing through you,” Lionel added. “You found the sweet spot,” says Katy. “One of your best performances. It was a 30 minute show in 2 minutes.” Katy jokes how Roman will be the first gospel cool emo kid at Coachella. Ha ha. Idol delivered that already with Jacob Lusk. Check it out.
KBlocks – Harleys In Hawaii by Katy Perry
Katy wrote this song after a previous American Idol trip to Aulani. After she sang it once, Jelly warned her not to sing sharp.
The song is nearly unrecognizable as KBlocks gives it the Amy Winehouse treatment. Gotta hand it to KBlocks she’s got NERVE to take this song in a completely different direction in front of Katy. She hits a couple of bum notes. Jelly’s right. She needs to work on her pitch. But she’s so kooky and fun, I’d hate for her to leave early.
Jelly loves that she’s on an island of her own. Luke calls her an artist. Lionel says, “You are possessed on stage. Do not be predictable.” Katy wants her to do the official remix. “It’s a whole vibe!” The Idol band leader, Kris Pooley, works for Katy and likely arranged the original.
Mia Matthews – Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn
Mia’s late dad was born in Hawaii, so this trip is an emotional one for her family. Jelly lost his father too. They have a moment. He advises, “You look America in the eye and make them feel Mia Matthews.” Reminder that Mia is part of the Worth the Wait trio with her sister and mom. They competed on The Voice recently.
Mia has been unremarkable so far. But she’s finally having a break out moment tonight. It’s not a perfect vocal, but she’s bringing authentic emotion to the stage. She breaks up a little at the end.
Jelly calls her performance “special” and believes she will slide into the Top 20. Lionel calls it her best performance so far. “You really nailed your place.” Katy says, “You were born tonight, you took that risk…it’s paying off. You blew me away.” Luke says, “You are country through and through.” He feels she showed her artistry.
Triston Harper – “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton
Triston won his 9th grade talent show singing Jelly’s hit “Son of a Sinner,” and shows him the video. Jelly is impressed. The two sing a little bit of it together. He gives Triston pointers on how to make the song more impactful.
Luke is instantly into the performance. The verses are low, but Triston manages them impressively. He sounds older than 15, yet he looks like a baby. Now that Blake Shelton is off The Voice, he could tweet Triston a compliment.
Jelly notes that Luke beat him out of his chair, “You are the youngest man with the oldest soul,” Then he adds, “You can win this competition.” Lionel calls him “Pure magic,” before begging America to vote for him. Katy says “You are a minor, but you are a major deal.” Luke says “This is a big moment for a 15 year old.”
