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‘American Idol’ Showstoppers Round Features Emotional Final Judgments

American Idol Season 19 returned on Sunday night with “Showstoppers: The Final Judgment.” Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan decided which contestants should move on to the Top 24.

Katy Perry and Luke Bryan judged the contestants in person, while Lionel Richie appeared via video chat. They started whittling the competition down from the 64 who made it through Hollywood Week. Several contestants became emotional upon hearing their judgment.

WATCH The ‘American Idol’ Showstoppers Performances

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Alyssa Wray

This singer performed “I’m Here” from The Color Purple musical. Katy and Luke gave Alyssa a standing ovation, however Katy said it was “too much,” calling it “vocal gymnastics.”

During her final judgment, Katy assured her that she has the talent, and doesn’t have to “overcompensate.” They told Alyssa that she made the Top 24.

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Jason Warrior

This singer performed “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. Lionel cheered him on during the performance. “That’s how you fight,” Luke told him. Katy said he “needs to harness that,” adding that he “might shoot his voice out.”

During his final judgment, Lionel told Jason that he can “overdo” things sometimes. However, he told Jason that he’s going to the Top 24 round, causing him to break down in tears.

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Alex Miller

This singer put a modern spin on “Silver Wings” by Merle Haggard. “He’s hard not to watch,” Luke said afterward, but Katy said it “wasn’t a great performance.”

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Luke told Alex he has a “natural gift” to “make people smile.” However, he said he was “trapped” in the old-school country stars he likes. Alex was eliminated, and won’t be in the Top 24. Later, Luke made good on his previous promise to get Alex a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

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Andrea Valles

This singer performed “Blinding Lights” by the Weeknd. Lionel told her that the judges were rooting for her. However, Katy thought it was “the wrong song.” The judges still sent Andrea through to the Top 24.

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Chayce Beckham

This singer said he wanted to make his family proud and “be a better person.” He sang “You Should Probably Leave” by Chris Stapleton. Katy said his voice sounded “shot,” and questioned the song choice.

During his final judgment, Katy called Chayce “gritty” and “real.” However, she said this wasn’t his “finest moment.” They decided to give him another chance, sending him to the Top 24.

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Caleb Kennedy

This singer changed his first song and ended up singing an original song called “When You Leave Tonight.” He said he had a “gut feeling” to perform one of his own songs. Luke said Caleb’s audition song was better. However, the judges still sent Caleb through to the Top 24.

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Wyatt Pike

This singer performed “Blame It on Me” by George Ezra. Katy said he showed “incredible growth,” while Luke called him “left of center,” wondering if the fans wanted that. The judges sent Wyatt to the Top 24.

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Cassandra Coleman

This singer performed “Running with the Wolves” by Aurora. Katy said Cassandra reminds her of Florence Welch, calling her growth “beautiful.” Luke said they want to see consistency from her. Cassandra will be going to the Top 24.

Anthony Guzman & Amanda Mena

Anthony performed “This Love” by Maroon 5, while Amanda sang “All By Myself” by Celine Dion. Unfortunately, neither of the singers made it to the Top 24 round. However, Lionel gave them “big props” for their journeys.

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Beane

This singer performed “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. Lionel told him that he would be going to the Top 24, calling it “a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” Beane said he felt “blessed” to be continuing in the competition.

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Hannah Everhart

This singer performed “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. Katy Perry rooted for her “sister from another mister.” Luke wondered if it was “all the way there” yet. Katy encouraged Hannah to “do the work” in the future. The judges sent Hannah to the Top 24.

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Graham DeFranco

This singer performed “Beautiful War” by Kings of Leon, dedicating it to his father. He said he thought he “killed it.” Luke said it was a “hurdle” trying to figure out who to keep on the show, but thankfully Graham made the cut for the Top 24. Katy advised him to “play to win.”

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Murphy

This singer performed an original song called “Am I Still Mine?” and explained that it was about “self love.” The judges wished him a happy birthday during his final judgment.

Katy told Murphy that it was “special” seeing him grow. She added that the judges believe in him, but unfortunately they didn’t choose to send him to the next round.

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Alanis Sophia & Casey Bishop

Alanis performed “Uninvited” by her namesake Alanis Morissette, in honor of her mom. Luke told her that she always surprises them when she performs. Casey performed “She Talks to Angels” by the Black Crowes. The show ended on a cliffhanger, and we’ll have to wait until Monday to find out if they made it through to the Top 24.

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