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Why did Triston Harper ditch guitar? 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant shines in Top 14

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper receives guidance from guest mentor Gene Simmons

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper ditched his guitar to perform in the Top 14 and earn votes to dance in the Top 12 aspiring singers. Triston admitted that he is a big fan of Elvis Presley and decided to do something different by not playing guitar this week.

Triston came out of his comforter zone for his latest performance and admitted that he wanted to "break loose" on stage. Guest mentor Gene Simmons gave him some notes on being comfortable on stage. Triston also ditched his signature cowboy cap and showed a different side of himself.

Gene also suggested Triston add some moves and expressions to his performance. The aspiring singer promised Gene to show stunning stage moves and claimed, "I'm going to break out a bit of my moves." Triston impressed viewers and the ABC show judges with his performance on Elvis' song, 'Heartbreak Hotel'.

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper dubbed as a 'star' 

Guest mentor Gene Simmons loved Triston Harper's performance and called him 'fantastic.' The ABC show judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were also impressed with the 15-year-old performer and praised Gene's advice to show more stage moves.

Katy praised Triston's moves and claimed, "People are in love with you." She added, "You scared me and you scared your mother." Luke called the aspiring singer's performance 'tremendous' and complimented, "perfectly done and there is no way Americans cannot fall in love with that performance." Meanwhile, Lionel dubbed him excellent.

The aspiring singer also received compliments from the ABC show viewers and was dubbed as a 'star'. An Instagram user commented, "He is a STAR!!" Another person added, "Triston killing it already - what a sweet and soulful voice."

Another X user tweeted, "Wow! Triston was fantastic, especially considering he's only 15yo! He's light years ahead of his age!" Another viewer wrote, "Triston Harper did a great rendition of that Elvis Presley classic." Another internet user penned, "Triston just continues to get better week after week I generally believe he can win."

Jelly Roll claims Triston Harper can 'win' 'American Idol'

Guest mentor Jelly Roll was highly impressed by Triston Harper's performance on Blake Shelton's song 'God’s Country.' After his Disney Week performance, Jelly Roll shared his feedback and noted, "Triston, I told you yesterday that you were singing to Luke Bryan. He beat me out of my chair."

Jelly Roll further noted, "You are the youngest man with the oldest soul I’ve ever met in my life. You have a swagger that at 15 years old that you don’t even know you have." The award-winning singer also noted, "You can win this competition, young man, you can win this competition."

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.