The power shifts this week on American Idol. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan have narrowed the pool of contestants down to the Top 24 and now it’s up to America to decide who stays and who goes home.
Tonight, half of the Top 24 will perform from Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. The other half will perform on Monday, April 14. After America’s votes are counted, two singers from each night will be eliminated when the Top 20 are revealed during a special “Songs of Faith” episode on Sunday, April 20. Mentoring tonight’s group is American Idol‘s Artist in Residence, Jelly Roll, and Grammy winner Ashanti.
See which 12 contestants performed tonight — and vote for your favorite below!
Ché
Age: 28
Hometown: Essex, England
Performance: “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” by Stevie Wonder
Carrie’s comments: “It was so much fun. You seem so at ease on stage. You’re just so stinkin’ talented. It was perfect.”
Lionel’s comments: “You don’t just jump on a Stevie Wonder song and be that cool. Honestly, I was waiting for you to sweat just a little. Some of those notes were ridiculous! Tonight you were on a rocket.”
Luke’s comments: “I keep waiting for you to miss a note and you will not miss a note. I’m just jealous of you. Don’t be scared to keep giving us new interpretations of who you are.”
Penny Samar
Age: 23
Hometown: Williamsport, Pa.
Performance: “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappel Roan
Carrie’s comments: “You occupy your own lane in this group of talent. From your look, to your sound, to the way you pull us all in along for the ride with you. You feel everything you’re singing and that leaves us no choice but to just feel it right along with you.”
Lionel’s comments: “You worked the stage. You gave us drama, you gave us attitude. That’s the whole part about being on a stage. You’re not just singing, you’re performing.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re comfortable being you. You’re comfortable with your own style of artistry. The stage is your playground — keep it that way!”
Kolbi Jordan
Age: 26
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Performance: “New Attitude” by Patti LaBelle
Carrie’s comments: “You represent our home state so wonderfully well. You have this light in you and around you and it just comes out of your mouth. I’m so jealous!”
Lionel’s comments: “You were not feeling well in Hollywood, but you are on fire! In fact, you might want to check the stage to see if there’s still some of it there. Your attitude on stage is infectious.”
Luke’s comments: “One of my favorite performances I’ve ever seen on this island. You controlled everything. You just owned it!”
Baylee Littrell
Age: 22
Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga.
Performance: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Carrie’s comments: “I feel like you’re owning your voice and your moment more. I love seeing you work the stage. I want more of that.”
Lionel’s comments: “He hasn’t even started his career yet — he walks out on stage and the girls start screaming. It took me 40 years! You’re finally getting comfortable.”
Luke’s comments: “This show forces you to grow and you answered the call.”
Victor Solomon
Age: 26
Hometown: Peoria, Ill.
Performance: “That’s My Kind of Night” by Luke Bryan
Carrie’s comments: “There are so many artists who try to switch up genres and it’s almost believable … you fit everywhere. Your voice is perfect for every genre of music.”
Lionel’s comments: “I did not know what you were gonna do. Every time you walk out you invent a new person. It was amazing — I loved it!”
Luke’s comments: “I gotta retire the song after that. That’s what this show is about — surprise. The nuances of the arrangement, the thoughts behind it that made it you — I’m super honored, you did a great job.”
Gabby Samone
Age: 22
Hometown: Baltimore
Performance: “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion
Carrie’s comments: “I felt all the things. Your voice is so powerful, but you have so many nuances in it. Just when I think you’re going to wallop us over the head … you pull back and flip up into your head voice. It’s completely unexpected … Nailed it!”
Lionel’s comments: “There are only 12 notes. I don’t know what that note was at the end. You just sang a Celine Dion song and Gab-orized it. Congratulations.”
Luke’s comments: “I don’t even know how you go about tackling that song. Throughout the whole thing you just felt like a big star.”
MKY
Age: 25
Hometown: Los Angeles
Performance: “Adorn” by Miguel
Carrie’s comments: “I feel like we are peeling back the onion that is MKY and I love it. Every time we hear you sing we hear some new texture. I did not know you could sing that high, boo!”
Lionel’s comments: “Every time I was thinking, ‘He needs to move,’ you moved. You were right on the mark. You’re an old-young seasoned pro.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re comfortable in the role. You’ve got your own look that’s authentic to you. You owned that moment.”
Zaylie Windsor
Age: 18
Hometown: Safford, Ariz.
Performance: “Heart of Glass” by Blondie
Carrie’s comments: “That was really cool, musically. There was disco, some country twang in there. Bottom line — you have sparkle stardust sprinkled all over you. I’m a Zaylie fan!”
Lionel’s comments: “I love the way you took it and made it yours. It was the right song for you.”
Luke’s comments: “I hope you appreciate the professional stuff [you’re doing] that I certainly couldn’t do at 18. You hold the room with a guitar and the sky is the limit with you.”
Breanna Nix
Age: 25
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Performance: “Still Rolling Stones” by Lauren Daigle
Carrie’ comments: “That was amazing. We joined you in your moment and that big beautiful, big voice overtook everybody.”
Lionel’s comments: “Can the congregation say ‘Amen!’ I love the way you came out on stage, put your foot down, and killed it.”
Luke’s comments: “If anybody has ever picked the right song, that is your deal. The confidence that you embody is like watching when Adele is in her zone. You truly owned that moment and you never let off the gas.”
Isaiah Misailegalu
Age: 17
Hometown: Las Vegas
Performance: “You Can Have It All” by Maoli
Carrie’s comments: “You had these people eating out of the palm of your hand. We have been in love with you since the first time we heard you. I feel certain America is going to see this and you’re going to have them in the palm of your hand as well.”
Lionel’s comments: “I would like you to sing it again because I didn’t hear you sing at all. I heard your family singing the whole song! What you have in your voice is magic. It’s silk.”
Luke’s comments: “You never look like you’re working hard. You just pick the right songs. Watching you develop is so inspiring and fun.”
Slater Nalley
Age: 17
Hometown: Atlanta
Performance: “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Carrie’s comments: “I don’t understand how there is this much talent and this much of a seasoned professional in somebody that is at the very beginning of his career. I truly, honestly think that you have the talent and the voice — in 10 years it will be like, “This is one of the finest voices we’ve ever had in country music.”
Lionel’s comments: “I don’t remember you having all of that growl. You’ve developed into a first-class artist.”
Luke’s comments: “I’m happy for the promise of your career. You’re going to get to do music for a long, long time and it’s really fun.”
Jamal Roberts
Age: 27
Hometown: Meridian, Miss.
Performance: “Liar” by Jelly Roll
Carrie’s comments: “You have a super chill, calm demeanor. The music starts and something else takes over. I saw every vein in your face and neck pop out. This crowd was blown away.”
Lionel’s comments: “You took Mr. Roll’s song and beat it up. You exploded off of that stage to the point where I had to compose myself. If you passed a collection plate I would have given you all my money.”
Luke’s comments: “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a better night in Hawaii. Especially what you just did. You sing like it might be the last time you ever sing. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
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