'American Idol' Season 18: Makayla Phillips moves to Top 11 as judges use only save and fans are ecstatic

For her Top 11 performance, the young contestant decided to perform her rendition of 'House that Built Me' by Miranda Lambert
UPDATED MAY 4, 2020
Makayla Phillps (ABC)
Makayla Phillps (ABC)

Makayla Phillps secured a spot in next week's round of 'American Idol' after the judges decided to use their only save on her changing the Top 10 to Top 11, and fans couldn't be happier to see their favorite advance. 

'American Idol' Season 18 returned on Sunday night for an all-new episode, and this week, the series revealed the 10 contestants who advanced to next week with the highest number of votes from America. Last week we witnessed the Top 20 contestants give it their all, as they battled for a spot in the Top 10. The contestants who advanced with America's votes are Just Sam, Arthur Gunn, Jonny West, Dillon James, Jovin Webb, Francisco Martin, Sophia James, Grace Leer, Julia Gargano, and Louis Knight. 

Apart from that, at the end of the episode, the judges had the chance to save one contestant who they think is worthy. They had the option of using their save now, or later in the competition. But they decided to use it tonight on the fan-favorite contestant, Makayla Phillps. 

Makayla didn't expect to be saved by the judges and was left emotional with the reveal. For her Top 11 performance, the young contestant decided to perform her rendition of 'House that Built Me' by Miranda Lambert. Luke Bryan revealed he was glad she is back, and Lionel Richie called her a star. As for Katy Perry, she shared, "I felt you were singing directly to me."

Taking to Twitter post Makayla's performance, fans affirm they are glad that the judges saved her. "OK WHEN I TELL YA’LL I F*CKING SCREAMED!!!!! omg thank GOD the judges saved my girl @MakaylaPhillips!!! I am so incredibly proud of her & beyond happy!!! no matter what happens next, I’m team Makayla for life!! #TEAMMAKAYLA #AmericanIdo," a fan said. 

"Wow what another great Sunday night of @AmericanIdol!!! So happy Louis, Grace and Jonny made the top 10!!! And so happy the judges saved Makayla!!! And they're doing Disney songs next week!!! YASSSSSSSSSS!!!" a fan wrote. While another added, "Glad they saved MaKayla! Love her voice. Reminds me of a young Ariana Grande. Liked the Miranda Lambert song choice tonight!" 

"So glad the judges saved you Makayla! Loved your song tonight ! You will be getting my vote," a fan shared. Adding to that another fan said, "Okay Makayla! Coming in with the save and one of the best performances of the night!! Yes girl! #AmericanIdol." 

'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.  

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