‘American Idol’ Recap: Judges Choose the Top 24 in Showstoppers Round
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 3 minutes
American Idol Season 21 returned on Sunday night for the first part of the Showstoppers Round, as the contestants who made it through Hollywood Week fought for a spot in the Top 24 during the Final Judgment. This episode featured not one but two sing-offs between pairs of contestants.
American Idol Showstoppers Round Features Two Sing-Offs
During Sunday night’s episode, the judges challenged two separate pairs of singers to a sing-off in order to determine who should make it into the Top 24. First, they paired up Malik Heard and PJAE, who took turns singing “Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish.
Although they initially intended to choose only one of them to move on, the judges were so impressed by their performances that they sent both singers into the Top 24. In the process, they apparently eliminated someone else they were thinking about sending through. They didn’t share who that singer was.
Later in the show, the judges set up yet another sing-off between Paige Anne and Megan Danielle. The two singers were tasked with singing Adele’s “Easy On Me.” During Sunday’s episode, Paige delivered a stunning rendition of the song. However, we’ll have to wait until Monday’s episode to hear Megan’s version and find out who made it into the Top 24.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ WINNER NOAH THOMPSON TEASES NEW MUSIC FOR FANS
Platinum Ticket Winner Kaylin Hedges Eliminated
Two out of this season’s four Platinum Ticket winners performed during Sunday night’s show, but unfortunately only one of them made it into the Top 24. Singer Kaylin Hedges was eliminated after performing “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal.
Her Hollywood Week duet partner and fellow Platinum Ticket winner Tyson Venegas, however, made it into the Top 24 despite forgetting some of the lyrics to “Cuz I Love You” by Lizzo due to nerves. The judges predicted that he’ll make it all the way to the Top 10.
We’ll have to wait until Monday night to see the other two Platinum Ticket winners, Cam Amen and Elijah McCormick, take the stage for their chance to move on.
Singers Impress with Powerhouse Performances
This was the round for contestants to give it their all and show the judges what they’re made of. Several singers delivered powerhouse performances that showed off grit and fierce personality. The risks paid off, as they made it into the Top 24.
Kaeyra brought out a bass guitar and a rocker style on “River” by Bishop Briggs. Then Nutsa whipped her hair while singing “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner, inspiring Katy Perry to say she was “nuts for Nutsa.” Meanwhile, Zachariah Smith lived up to the lyrics in “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.
Unfortunately, this episode also featured some eliminations. That includes Adin Boyer and Fire, neither of whom made it into the Top 24. However, Lionel Richie told Adin that he wants to write songs with him.
American Idol will return Monday night for the second part of the Showstoppers round, as the rest of the Top 24 is revealed. Be sure to tune in at 8/7c on ABC to watch it all go down.
