In the new episode, half of the Top 24 showcase their skills with the help of mentor Tori Kelly who also joins Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on the judging panel.
- Apr 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Top 24 singers of "American Idol" season 22 headed to Aulani, a Disney Resort and spa in Ko Olina in Hawaii, in the Sunday, April 7 episode. Half of them would perform with the help of Grammy-winning singer Tori Kelly, who served as their mentors and joined Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as a guest judge.
The first contestant to perform in Lives was Hailey Mia, who opted to sing Tate McRae's "She's All I Wanna Be". Tori thought that she could see herself in Hailey as it reminded her of the time when she auditioned for "American Idol" at 16. Lionel, meanwhile, told Hailey that he wanted "more attitude."
Following it up was Jordan Anthony. He took the stage to sing Sia Furler's "Titanium". Following the performance, Lionel said, "If you found one more run I was about to run out of here." Katy called it "super duper impressive" though she pointed out that it could get "too runny." As for Luke, he liked it that Jordan did something new.
Singing "Confident" by Demi Lovato" was Jayna Elise, who earned a standing ovation at the end of her performance. "You looked like a rockstar up there," Tori praised Jayna. Luke said Jayna got the crowd energized like a pro, while Lionel loved her "stage presence killer."
Julia Gagnon was up next, singing "Rumor Has It" by Adele. Luke and Tori encouraged America to vote for Julia as she's still growing as an artist. Meanwhile, Lionel hoped Julia would engage the crowd more and "milk it."
Later, Kayko hit the stage to sing an original song titled "How to Live Without You", which he dedicated to his late mom. "A true artist is someone who can evoke that emotion and bring us into your world and what you're experiencing," Tori said. Luke said that Kayko had "something special" and "something to behold" in his songwriting.
Nya then hoped to impress the judges with a performance of Tina Turner's "The Best" that was dedicated to her fiance. The judges gave Nya a standing ovation after the performance with Katy gushing over her "cool" arrangement. Lionel called Nya "amazing" for being able to make a Tina Turner song her own.
Blake Proehl, meanwhile, chose to sing "Anyone" by Justin Bieber. Katy commented, "You are the only thing that's standing in the way of you going to the next level." After season 21 winner Iam Tongi performed his song "Why Kiki?", Abi Carter showcased her skills by singing "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillside UNITED. Luke said Abi was "one of the front-runners" to win this season. Katy added that Abi was her favorite.
Up next, Quintavious belted out "Something in the Water" by Carrie Underwood. "It was definitely a baptism. The spirit was felt," Katy said. As for Kaibrienne "KB" Richins, she sang "Heaven" by Bryan Adams. Lionel claimed that KB's voice gave him goosebumps, while Luke got "star vibes" from KB.
Will Moseley, on the other hand, performed "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. "You look like a seasoned pro!" Tori gushed. Luke thought that Will did a perfect job with the song choice, saying that the performance was "so listenable" and "exactly what you are."
McKenna Faith Breinholt rounded out the night with a performance of "The Story" by Brandi Carlile. "She's ready for the big time," Katy said of McKenna. Tori, meanwhile, complimented McKenna for her "pure, warm and authentic" tone.
The remaining 12 singers will take the stage in the Monday, April 8 episode, while the Top 20 will be revealed in the Sunday, April 14 episode.
