Hollywood Week on American Idol reached an intense climax on Sunday, April 6, with the highly anticipated Showstopper round. The Orpheum Theatre was buzzing with excitement as the remaining 62 contestants hit the stage with the Idol band for the first time.
Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie had their eyes peeled, eager to see who could rise to the occasion and claim a spot in the Top 24.
The night was filled with jaw-dropping performances, and while some contestants excelled, others buckled under the pressure. The stakes were high, with only four artists earning an automatic pass to the next round, while 16 were eliminated. The remaining 42 hopefuls now face the head-to-head round, where they’ll battle it out for the remaining 20 spots.
Let’s dive into the best moments from the Showstopper round and see who wowed the judges and earned their spot in the Top 24.
Victor Solomon: Opening With a Bang! Victor Solomon kicked off the night with an unforgettable performance of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” His vocals weren’t the only thing that caught attention—his stage presence was on point. “Somebody was practicing in his mirror last night!” Underwood quipped, with Richie adding, “That was fantastic.”
Mattie Pruitt: The Young Star Shines Bright At just 15 years old, Mattie Pruitt proved she’s more than just a young contestant. With a powerhouse rendition of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World,” the judges were left in awe. “She’s probably a massive star. Like, sneaky star,” Bryan remarked, while Richie agreed, “We just got a show right there.”
Kolbi Jordan: Overcoming Challenges Platinum ticket holder Kolbi Jordan faced extra pressure after battling sinus issues leading up to the performance. Despite feeling unsure about her rendition of “River Deep – Mountain High,” the judges recognized her determination. “There was a lot going on, but we saw her potential,” Bryan noted.
Gabby Samone: Stepping Up Her Game Gabby Samone delivered an emotional performance of Nina Simone’s “Four Women,” and all four judges gave her a standing ovation. “She just came roaring to the front of the competition,” Bryan praised. With this performance, Gabby cemented herself as a major contender.
Zaylie Windsor: A Star is Born Zaylie Windsor had the judges on their feet before her performance of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” even ended. Her commanding stage presence earned her instant recognition. “Welcome to the Zaylie show!” Underwood exclaimed, with Bryan declaring, “She’s top 10 for sure!”
The Top 24 is Set: Who’s In? The four lucky artists to automatically move on to the Top 24 are: Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Gabby Samone, and Zaylie Windsor.
Who Didn’t Make the Cut? Unfortunately, 16 contestants, including JMarie, Will Carter, Santina Madden, and Jazzy Mae, were eliminated. The remaining hopefuls now face a crucial head-to-head round in the next episode to fight for a chance to advance.
Stay tuned for more drama and fierce competition on the next episode of American Idol!
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