‘American Idol’ Season 24 contestant reaches Top 12 but exits show in jaw dropping moment
This season of 'American Idol' is not for the faint of heart. After last week's shocking non-elimination, this week followed suit with the jaw-dropping moment when one hopeful found his dream shattered. The annual 'Judges’ Song Contest' began with the elimination of Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle. Thereafter, the remaining 12 contestants performed songs from a special list prepared for each of them by Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The judges, along with the contestants, also participated in a competition in this episode. Lionel Richie won the competition because seven out of the Top 12 contestants chose his selections from the special list to perform in the episode. This victory gave Richie the power to save a contestant from the bottom two.
The episode did not just feature the surviving contestants performing unforgettable hits from the 90s. It also shone a spotlight on some stars from ABC’s iconic TGIF '90s lineup. The guests who graced the show with their presence were 'Full House' star Andrea Barber, Holly Robinson Peete, and Mark Curry from 'Hangin' with Mr. Cooper,' 'Boy Meets World' star Danielle Fishel, and Reginald VelJohnson of 'Family Matters.' All of them lifted the contestants' spirits in the lounge. The five contestants who performed songs chosen by Underwood and Bryan were Hannah Harper, Daniel Stallworth, Chris Tungseth, Philmon Lee, and Rae.
24-year-old Rae Boyd went with 'Love Will Lead You Back' by Taylor Dayne. Before her performance, she broke many millennial hearts by revealing she knew nothing about any of the 90s hits on the list. Carrie adored the performance, stating that Rae 'crushed' it. Bryan was impressed that, despite not knowing the song, she performed it so beautifully. "I'm absolutely amazed. You took it to that other place — so well done," Richie also complimented her performance.
New York's Jesse Findling decided to take up a tough assignment from Lionel Richie. He performed 'Wonderwall' by Oasis. The judges appreciated the bravery he showcased by enhancing his scope. "You did your thing, and it worked!" Carrie added. Richie was happy to see how the student made the song his own. "I didn't think it was going to match — it did. Congratulations!" he said. Bryan called the performance his best to date, implying that he was constantly improving. Despite putting himself out there, Findling found himself in the bottom two with Rae.
All the attention turned to Richie, who had earned the power to save one from the bottom two. The singer looked to his fellow judges for help, but both refused. Richie found the decision very hard. "Pound for pound, you both did an amazing job," he said. Ultimately, though he chose to save Rae, and despite giving his best that night, he went out at Richie's hands. 'American Idol' will come back on Monday, April 13, at 8/7c on ABC with a 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' theme episode.
