American Idol Season 21 returns this Sunday night on ABC for the Showstopper round, as the contestants who made it through Hollywood Week fight for a spot in the Top 24. In two previews for the new episode, singers Malik Heard and Kaeyra take the stage and impress the judges.
In a sneak peek from Hollywood Life, the American Idol judges speak to contestants Malik Heard and PJAE after their Showstopper performances. In a clip from Malik’s performance, he can be heard singing “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell.
The judges seem to be into the soulful performance, as they stand up and clap along. Luke Bryan remarks that it’s “a whole groove right there.” Malik is confident in his performance, saying afterward, “I think I’m in the Top 24.”
In another sneak peek from People, Kaeyra takes the stage with a bass guitar to perform “River” by Bishop Briggs. She shows off an amazing rocker style that shocks the judges. Bryan comments that he has “chills all over me.”
Kaeyra says she wanted to show her “fierce side” to the judges. Was it enough to earn her a spot in the Top 24? We’ll find out on Sunday night.
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Katy Perry Calls This the ‘Best Season Yet’
“This is our best season yet,” judge Katy Perry says while talking to Malik and PJAE. “We have crazy, crazy amounts of talent.”
The other judges agree with her, as Lionel Richie says, “That is a true statement.”
It’s not the first time the judges have said something like this. After Nutsa’s performance during Hollywood Week, Perry said, “I feel like we have the best talent this year. We have crazy talent this year. This is the best season.”
The Showstopper round will air over two nights, on Sunday and Monday at 8/7c on ABC. The Top 24 contestants will then move on to the Hawaii round at Disney’s Aulani Resort.
