American Idol 2024 Recap: Top 8 Results, Top 10 perform Coast to Coast for your votes!
Tonight, the Top 10 singers perform songs from the Year of Their Birth. For the first time this season, the show will air LIVE across the nation simultaneously in each time zone. Finally, the West coast will be able to watch and vote as the show airs.
American Idol 2024 Top 10 Rankings, Facebook Stats, Poll Results
American Idol 2024: Full Season 22 Schedule (Updated 4/25)
Additionally, Country music icon Shania Twain mentors the Top 10 contestants. Two American Idol winners return to perform. Season 10 champ Scotty McCreery sings his latest Country hit, and season 18 winner Just Sam will FINALLY get her moment on the American Idol big stage! (She competed during the remote Covid season in 2020.)
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.” (Julia – 4, Kayko – 5, Abi – 8, Kaibrienne – 10, Will – 11, McKenna – 12, Emmy – 17, Jack – 20, Mia – 23, Triston – 24) VOTING BEGINS AT THE TOP OF THE SHOW AND ENDS DURING THE END OF THE LAST COMMERCIAL BREAK Read the voting FAQ HERE.
Bonus tonight: Lots of cute clips of the Top 10 from when they were kids.
Mia Matthews – 2004 – No One Needs to Know by Shania Twain
Shania is Mia’s idol. She freaked out when Ryan announced the country icon would be mentor. What’s more, she planned to cover a Shania song before the big announcement. Shania urges Mia not to change the melody and to sing the song higher and then HIGHER! “It was written that way,” Shania insists.
Mia kicks off the show on an upbeat note. It’s fun, but a tad unremarkable. Country fans may disagree with me. My problem? Not really a Shania Twain fan. Her songs are corny. At one point, did Mia lose her place in the song? If so, she recovered well.
Luke mentions that she ditched the guitar and moved around the stage. He calls her sound commercial. He compares her to Kelsea Ballerini and mentions that she forgot the words. OK. That’s what happened. Lionel caught her “thinking” during the performance. He thinks it’s because she didn’t have her usual “props.” Katy hopes the person she was trying to impress comes to watch her live.
Mia could be in trouble tonight.
Jack Blocker – 1998 – Believe by Cher
He played sports as a kid–no music at all in his past–and was so quiet back then, his coaches thought he was mute. He chose the song because the thought it would be fun to try something outside of his wheelhouse. He’s excited about the challenge. Shania enjoys his storytelling, and suggests he take it down a key.
I appreciate singers like Jack who are willing to take a risk. He’s not the first singer to flip “Believe.” But I don’t think an Americana artist has taken the song on. I could be wrong! He changes it into an emotive ballad. A folk song, even.
Lionel calls him “Mr. Magic man.” adding, “You have managed to carve out a sound. He urges him to keep pushing himself. Katy asks, and it turns out he didn’t take Shania’s advice to lower the key. He continues to do his own thing. He reminds me of season 11 winner Phillip Phillips who ignored a lot of advice given to him. But in his case, his own instincts were smarter. Same with Jack. Katy loves how he takes calculated risks. “You’ve got this.” Luke says, “We know who you are…but have fun with it. Push yourself. Don’t stay safe.”
McKenna Faith Breinholt – 1998 – Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
McKenna was a shy but happy kid. Her adoptive family aren’t musical, but they encouraged her inclinations. She played piano first, because she didn’t believe she could sing. Shania loves her interpretation. She suggests McKenna keep certain aspects of the song intact rather than changing it up completely.
McKenna is at the piano, and she’s sounding extra raspy this week. She starts off soft and slurry. But the song picks up once the chorus begins. Maybe the verse is two low for her? She may also still be a little sick (She’s been ill).
Katy says, “You just took me back to when I was 13 and had the same dream as you. That’s magic.” Luke says, “It was so mature and well done.” He compliments her runs and compares her to Miley Cyrus. “It was just amazing.” Luke says, “You are the queen of smokey voice. I love the way you navigate the hoarseness.”
Kayko – 2000 – Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
He started doing music at 3 years old. He had a dream about the song he’s doing. His rendition is “weird as heck.” Oh, originally, he wanted to perform “Oops I Did it Again” by Britney Spears as if it were Bohemian Rhapsody.” Uhm. Shania talked him out of it. which meant changing the song choice at the last minute.
He sings the song arranged as an Emo anthem. It’s very earnest. Kayko’s style is right out of the era. It should be a good week for him. He hits the stage pretty fast to work the audience. However, the performances feels like it could have been rehearsed more. He probably could have done more with it if he had the time to work on it. The end result is on the frenetic side. But likely better than turning a Britney Spears tune into a Queen song.
The judges are on their feet! Luke says, “Who in the hell is this new person? This is two weeks in a row. Way to channel a different thing. Keep people guessing.” Lionel says, “What are you doing? You are staging your performances…like you are having the greatest time.” Lionel thinks he could win. Katy says, “Sometimes the turtles do win,” referring to his happenstance audition. Shania Facetimes Ryan on stage to gush, “YOU ROCKED IT! I loved it!”
Emmy Russell – 1999 – All the Small Things – Blink 182
Shania is as excited to meet Emmy as Emmy is excited to meet Shania, because of Grandma Loretta Lynn. They move quickly onto coaching to help Emmy be less nervous. Shania suggests that she do more to make the song interesting.
Emmy performs without a guitar this week. It’s a great, out of the box song choice for her. But she could bring more energy on the verses. Tha na nas are challenging, Blink 182 songs are fast and take a lot of breath control to sing. They are wordy and deceptively difficult. She loses her place at the end, in fact. She’s giggling because she knows she messed up a little.
Lionel says, “You have a real storytelling purity voice.” He appreciates that she had fun. Katy says, “Comfortable looks beautiful on you.” She liked the song choice. She felt Emmy sounded solid. Hm. Really? Luke calls it one of her best vocals. She did OK with a challenging song.
Just Sam returns! The 2020 winner hits the big stage for the first time
Just Sam won American Idol in 2020, the season during Covid when everybody filmed their performances and critiques on iPhones from home. It was a challenging season, to say the least. Sam was living alone in a Los Angeles apartment throughout the competition. Being crowned the winner was anti-climatic, to say the least.
Now she’s finally got her moment on the big American Idol stage. She picks the pageantry “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston to finally experience her crowning moment, four years later. Sam’s journey since the show has been difficult, as she lost her record contract and eventually ended up busking on the NYC subways again. At one point, her relationship to the show seemed broken. But now all seems to be well again. She hits a few big glory notes. She’s so talented. I would have preferred a different song, or maybe something new.
But she’s probably looking for her “I Believe” moment. Regardless, it’s great to have her back. Afterward, Ryan finally It’s great to have her back. Ryan finally gave her the big “AND THE WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL 2020 is….” speil she would have heard in a non-pandemic season.
Katy says, “You one hundred percent deserved that confetti.” The show should have given her confetti tonight, for reals. Luke is so glad she finally had her moment. Sam is crying. Lionel is “sitting here like a proud pappa. You have charmed us all. God has his hands firmly on you.”
Triston Harper – 2008 – She’s Country by Jason Aldean
Dang. I remember American Idol was in the midst of season 7 in 2008. It seems like yesterday. “You have to believe what you are saying,” Shania instructs. Shania had a similar disjointed childhood as Triston did, and the two bond.
No guitar this week, he’s working the stage and giving entertainment, which the judges love. The song isn’t really great for his range. It’s not showing off his voice, or giving him an opportunity to tell a relatable story. Still, he’s working the stage comfortably.
Katy calls it a big big star performance. She’s glad he took their advice last week. Luke wonders if Triston is trying to out-gyrate him. Lionel says, “Did I just see the Triston strut?” So now, Triston is going to emphasize performance over heartfelt storytelling? That’s too bad.
Abi Carter – 2002 – Clocks by Coldplay
Abi rubs it in that she was born the year Kelly Clarkson won the show (Kelly just turned 42!). Abi’s mom is a huge Shania fan. Luke advised her to get away from the piano. She choreographs a performance that begins in the audience.
Actually, she’s got a lot going on. Walking through the audience while making the effort to connect with individual people, takes a toll on her vocals. She’s grabbing hands as she works her way to a crescendo. When she finally plants herself on center stage, is when her voice begins to soar. It’s heard to move around and sing. The oohs are somewhat pitchy. Again, Coldplay is another band that’s hard to cover!
Luke says, “Good job.” Lionel says, “You’re on fire.” Katy felt she was still authentic without the piano. The idea that a performer can’t sit behind the piano for an entire song is silly. Elton John and Billy Joel have entered the chat! The judges browbeating singers into getting up after playing a few bars of piano is kind of annoying.
Scotty McCreery sings “Cab in a Solo”
“Cab in a Solo” just hit No 1 on the Country Airplay chart. It’s his sixth no 1 song. Now maybe the CMAs and ACMs will finally nominate his songs? He’s snubbed year in and year out. Scotty’s on stage playing an acoustic guitar. He’s come a long way from his 16 year old self competing on Idol in 2011. His wife and kid are off stage watching. He and Ryan chat a little about his recent Opry induction. His new album Rise and Fall comes out May 10.
Julia Gagnon – 2002 – Here I Am by Bryan Adams
The song she chose is from an animated movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Julia saw at 4 years old. She has an emotional connection to the song. The lyrics connected her to what it meant to be adopted and often feel like an outsider. Shania suggests that she take the song a half-step down.
I’m not sure about bringing the song down a step. Julia soars in her upper register. But sometimes she strains, and she’s not tonight. So maybe good advice after all from Shania. I am not familiar with this song. Was it popular at the time? She’s doing such a good job, though, I can’t imagine Bryan singing it!
Lionel says, “Way to build it. Fantastic.” Katy loves when she goes “super intimate.” She wants more of it. She compares her to Kelly Clarkson. “Way to own your moment,” says Luke.
Will Moseley – 2000 – Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde by Travis Tritt
His mother is ALSO a huge Shania fan. For Will, Shania suggested he raise it a key.
Will’s a solid performer and entertainer, but he never takes a risk. He sounds the same every week! But he’s lucky to be in a “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” situation. Fans love what he does and are happy if he never changes. I’ll give him some credit for delivering the chorus with urgency. He might even be sweating a little!
“That was the right key,” says Katy. “Perfect song, perfect delivery, big note at the end was the best I’ve heard you do all year.” says Luke. “Way to go Will Moseley” says Lionel.
Kaibrienne – 2003 – Here Without You by 3 Doors Down
A childhood friend of hers passed away recently. She’s hoping to do the song justice for her. Shania suggests she be softer at the beginning, to change up the dynamics.
Kaibrienne ends the show with another emotional song. It’s the perfect closer and could propel her to the Top 8. Her Facebook stats have been middling, despite her vocal ability and willingness to step out of the box. This weeks song really highlights her range. Good song choice.
Luke says, “Great song choice for you. One of my favorite performances.” He begs people to vote. Apparently, the votes are close. Luke compliments the “cry” in her voice. “Killer,” he says. Katy feels Shania brought out the best in her. She compares her voice to a pot of gold.
Top 8 REVEALED
TOM DIM THE LIGHTS. Almost 21 million votes came in, reports Ryan. The first person in the Top 8 is Triston Harper. Next, it’s Kaibrienne. America also “believes” in Jack Blocker! And next, Julia Gagnon is IN. Also safe for another night is Abi Carter. The next spot goes to McKenna Faith Breinholt. And next Will Moseley. The final person in the Top 8 is Emmy Russell. Kayko and Mia Matthews are eliminated.
I felt reasonably confident that Kayko had another week to go at least, having an entire male pop/alt lane to himself. But having said that, surprising boots seemed to be on the horizon. The singers remaining in the competition are all capable of turning in competitive performances. Interestingly, it’s five females and three males remaining. American Idol audiences have typically favored male contestants! The male bias is another reason Kayko seemed to have a chance. Oh well. My favorite is gone. Initially, he advanced on the strength of his songwriting. Once he had to perform covers, it became a big challenge for him.
Somebody had to go this week, and Mia Matthews, who seemed to be on a dark horse trajectory, performed first and not at her best. That resulted in her being the other singer leaving the competition.
Monday night, the Judges will save a 7th contestant. Who will it be?
Top 8
Triston Harper
Kabrienne
Jack Blocker
Julia Gagnon
Abi Carter
McKenna Faith Breinholt
Will Moseley
Emmy Russell
ELIMINATED
Kayko
Mia Matthews
