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How did Paige Anne make it to Top 26? One contestant's silent exit makes way for 'American Idol' singer

Paige Anne stunned the judges and viewers with her rocking performance of 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus

DISNEY AULANI RESORT, HAWAII: 'American Idol' Season 21 fans were left disheartened after the elimination of 16-year-old aspiring singer Paige Anne. However, fans rejoiced after they found out that Paige has returned to the ABC network singing competition.

Paige recently performed in front of hundreds of live audiences and judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie during the second night at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii. The aspiring singer was mentored by singer-songwriter Noah Cyrus and delivered a stirring performance.

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Paige Anne returns to 'Top 26'

Paige stuns the judges and viewers with her rocking performance of 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus. The aspiring singer opted to sing a song by her mentor Noah's sister which made her very nervous during rehearsals. But Paige delivered a stirring performance and nailed the high note at the key change. Katy loved how she ended the song and said "I hate being wrong! You belong here!" Katy also noted that the end of Paige's performance was 'super pro class.'

However, Luke thought she showed up and brought the goods. He further noted that it's sometimes about luck in show business, and he praises Paige for seizing this moment. Meanwhile, Lionel admitted that she made them feel like "Maybe we made a mistake!" Linoel praised Paige's performance and said, "That was absolutely perfecto. You nailed it."

'American idol' viewers were overjoyed with the return of Paige. They took to Twitter and shared, "PAIGE ANNE IS BACK AND I'VE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER." Another user noted, "Paige KILLED it! No wonder why she was brought back, she so good!" Another fan commented, "But can’t get enough of Paige’s Wrecking Ball still!" Another follower said, "SO GLAD they brought Paige back and she smashed it!!!!" "The judges were SO wrong about Paige Ann. She was amazing when they eliminated her. Better than the one that went thru and much better than the last two guys they put through. They put her back because everyone on here couldn’t believe how wrong they were," explained another person. Another viewer tweeted, "Paige showing why she deserve this spot!"

Why did Paige Anne get eliminated during Showstoppers?

Paige was eliminated in a sing-off with Megan Danielle. Both the contestants delivered thrilling performances on Adele's 'Easy On You'. However, the judges wanted Megan to find out who she was as an artist through the competition and send Paige home. Luke delivered the news to Paige and said, "You are not in the Top 24." 'American idol' 2023 judges received extreme backlash as Paige is one of the fans' favorite contestants. However, the singing competition's host Ryan Seacrest revealed, a Top 26 contestant 'decided to bow out.' At that point, as the first alternate, Paige got the call to return.

Beckett Rex quits 'American Idol'

Paige was the first alternate when the judges decided to advance Top 26 contestants instead of the Top 24. Fans were left confused about who was the contestant who bagged the 26th spot. Ryan didn't mention who Paige was replacing or why, only vaguely saying someone "had to drop out." However, after much speculation, it was revealed that the mysterious missing singer was singing legend Malcolm McDowell's son Beckett Rex. ABC's official press site showed Beckett standing in the back but he could be easily spotted due to his ginger hair. Additionally, Beckett could also be easily visible in a promotional clip from the Final Judgment episode, featuring judge Katy Perry telling the top 26 they were headed to Hawaii. Beckett is yet to address why he opted to drop out from 'American Idol' season 21. Notably, he didn't share anything about his appearance as well as his exit from 'American Idol' on his social media.

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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