‘American Idol’ Recap: Top 12 Revealed as Judges Save Two Singers
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol Season 21 returned on Monday night, as the Top 12 was revealed after America voted for their favorite singers in the Top 20. Ten singers went straight through to next week’s show, while two were saved by the judges.
America Votes 10 Singers into American Idol Top 12
America’s votes decided the first 10 singers who made it into the Top 12 on Monday’s show. Those singers were Wé Ani, Warren Peay, Haven Madison, Tyson Venegas, Colin Stough, Marybeth Byrd, Oliver Steele, Iam Tongi, Zachariah Smith, and Megan Danielle.
The singers who were declared safe got to sing one celebratory song each. Some of the highlights included Wé Ani’s performance of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, Colin Stough’s take on Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own,” and Iam Tongi’s cover of judge Lionel Richie’s “Stuck on You.”
Host Ryan Seacrest also shared during Monday’s show that the Top 12 singers will get to attend the upcoming Stagecoach music festival in Indio, California. Judge Luke Bryan will be performing at the event this Friday.
SEE ALSO: CATIE TURNER COMMENTS ON VIRAL VIDEO OF KATY PERRY ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’
Judges Choose to Save Lucy Love, Nutsa
While 10 of the remaining singers were safe thanks to America’s vote, the other 10 had to sing for a chance to be saved by the judges. The panel was only able to save two of them, and they made it clear what a difficult decision it was.
Ultimately, the judges chose to save Lucy Love and Nutsa, rounding out the Top 12 for this season. Both singers delivered powerhouse last-chance performances on Monday night. First, Lucy sang “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons, prompting Richie to tell her, “I’m gonna bet on you.”
Meanwhile, Nutsa was the very last singer to perform during Monday’s show. She chose to sing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. It was a bold song choice, but the risk paid off, with Luke Bryan telling her she “knocked that one out of the park.”
Do you agree with the judges’ choices? Did any of your favorite artists get eliminated? Let us know in the comments below.
I think the judges got it wrong in the 2 they saved. Those 2 are my least favorites.
Lucy Love??!!! Seriously? What a terrible TERRIBLE choice. Lionel Ritchie based that on something entirely different than talent. Boo. Hiss. I won’t be watching the show anymore!
No I did not agree with either of the judges picks. Sometimes you just want to hear someone sing who doesn’t scream. While both ladies are very talented, they are a bit over the top. Even though Michael Williams may have been considered a heartthrob, he also had a great voice – but of course, that is just my opinion. I don’t think I have ever turned on the radio and heard artists screaming and holding long notes.
There were some very strong voices that got overlooked tonight. I would like to learn why the two chosen were better than the ones left behind.
What a joke! Colin and Zacariah make it into the top 12!?!?! Then the judges save Lucy Love and Nutsa!?!?!? This show makes absolutely no sense anymore! I have been watching since the beginning but I am DONE!
It’s no longer the singers with the most talent who go far, it’s the ones with the biggest sob story!
can’t believe they didn’t save Matt! but Nutsa? please.
I did not feel Lucy Love should have been saved. Nutsa was amazing! My vote was Olivia she really knocked it out of the park!
lucy love what a waste of a vote
im happy oliver steele made it
I think Nutsa is extremely talented, and so glad the judges saved her.
lucy’s sob story really benefited her. Too many country voters. Colin Stough making it to the top 12?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!? I can’t believe it. And so many great voices got overlooked like Olivia and Paige. But lucy was definitely not the right person to save.
No offense but for me they just might be the first to leave.
No they did not get it right. I am now done watching. In one fell swoop 8 went home, several of whom were my favorites. I agree with another comment the ladies are talented, but too much screaming. I may be done entirely with Idol if they continue this format of sending so many home at once which is too quick. There is not enough time for us to appreciate and learn about them. Also on the west coast with some shows going until 11, and voting closed by 3 am or 6 am, we do not get a chance… Read more »
Lucy needs an attitude adjustment, be a little more humble. Nutsa is not “american” enough. But both would have been my choice also. Great singers, but can they be individual artists? I will watch and see…
Quasi American Idol fan
I used to be an avid fan, but this year America’s & the judges’ decisions are quite upsetting. Too many long haired country-like singers and too few Black contestants in top 12. Not to mention other outstanding singers who were eliminated Monday night like Mariah Faith, Olivia Sol, Nailyah Serenity, Kaeyra, & Matt Wilson. My opinion of course, but no fan of Nutsa Buza either.
lots of screamers and a couple lazy voices but for us Zachiriah Smith was the entertainer, great out there voice and awesome stage presence