‘American Idol’ recap: 6 eliminated on ‘Songs of Faith’ night — but final results halted in shocking twist
Real-time voting debuts as the Top 14 perform live — six contestants are eliminated, but the final results are unexpectedly pushed to next week. Watch every performance and vote for your favorite.
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20 ImagesDim the lights! American Idol is going live for the first time this season as the Top 14 take the stage for the second annual “Songs of Faith” night — and it’s about to be a bloodbath. By the end of the night, eight contestants will see their dreams of becoming the next American Idol go up in smoke.
The live episode kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC and Disney+.
The Top 14 will be revealed one by one, with each contestant taking the stage to perform for America’s vote. The six contestants who weren’t called will be instantly eliminated based on the previous votes from Hawaii.
But the cuts don’t stop there. America will be voting live coast-to-coast throughout the Top 14 performances, and the two lowest vote-getters of the night will also be sent home — revealing the Top 12 by the end of the episode.
Dim the lights! American Idol is going live for the first time this season as the Top 14 take the stage for the second annual “Songs of Faith” night — and it’s about to be a bloodbath. By the end of the night, eight contestants will see their dreams of becoming the next American Idol go up in smoke.
The live episode kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC and Disney+.
The Top 14 will be revealed one by one, with each contestant taking the stage to perform for America’s vote. The six contestants who weren’t called will be instantly eliminated based on the previous votes from Hawaii.
But the cuts don’t stop there. America will be voting live coast-to-coast throughout the Top 14 performances, and the two lowest vote-getters of the night will also be sent home — revealing the Top 12 by the end of the episode.
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Adding to the excitement, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan won’t just be offering critiques — they’ll also take the stage. Bryan and Richie will open the show alongside the Top 20 with “Jesus Is Love,” while Underwood performs “How Great Thou Art” with last season’s platinum ticket winners.
Follow along with our live blog below, watch all the performances, and once they’re in, vote for your favorite in our poll
8 p.m. — Previously, on American Idol: The Top 20 finalists were divided into two groups of 10 and — for the first time — performed for America’s vote from Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. At the end of Night 1, Hannah Harper, Braden Rumfelt, and Brooks won Gold Derby’s poll as your favorite performers. At the end of Night 2, Keyla Richardson, Julian Kalel, and Rae were voted the top singers.
First 6 eliminated
Five women and one man were among the first six contestants sent home on Monday: Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Kutter Bradley from Hawaii Night 1, along with Abayomi, Madison Moon, and Ruby Rae from Hawaii Night 2.
Abayomi, Genevieve Heyward, Kutter Bradley, Madison Moon, Makiyah, and Ruby RaeDisney/Yellowshoes
Watch the Top 14 performances and find out who else was eliminated below.
Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Jireh” by Elevation Worship & Maverick City
Carrie’s comments: “What a way to kick off the show. You put us right in the mind frame of being grateful. Just amazing.”
Luke’s comments: “You’ve touched me in a lot of ways since your audition. Watching you come out here and command the stage — you’re making this your moment and I love that.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have that star look, that star sound, and more importantly, that star strut.”
Jesse Findling
Age: 19
Hometown: Massapequa Park, N.Y.
Performance: “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
Carrie’s comments: “That was great. You really did make that your own.”
Luke’s comments: “Your voice is controlled and perfect, but keep pushing too. Dig, dig, dig.”
Lionel’s comments: “There’s a purity and sincerity about your voice that comes out in the first note. But remember, it’s down to 14 — give it to us!”
Lucas Leon
Age: 18
Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.
Performance: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake
Carrie’s comments: “I felt the holy spirit in the room. I also felt some nerves from you, but just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Luke’s comments: “That was my favorite performance I’ve seen you do. You’re ready to be a star.”
Lionel’s comments: “Take this as the big step — take us to the next level of that performance right there.”
Daniel Stallworth
Age: 27
Hometown: Moss Point, Miss.
Performance: “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor
Carrie’s comments: “I feel like we’re watching you get into a more comfortable, fun space. I love that you picked an uptempo song. That’s going to differentiate you tonight.”
Luke’s comments: “Have fun with all this! You got me in the spirit — keep growing.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have the ability to tell as story and then move the crowd. That was a great performance.”
Philmon Lee
Age: 25
Hometown: Lagrange, Ga.
Performance: “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Carrie’s comments: “I think this was your moment.”
Luke’s comments: “Where has this guy been?”
Lionel’s comments: “You are clearly stepping up. Give me more!”
Rae
Age: 24
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
Performance: “Up to the Mountain” by Patti Griffin
Carrie’s comments: “Dynamics are on point, your voice was on point. It was the perfect song for you.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re a pro. I don’t know what y’all drank today, but can I have some?”
Lionel’s comments: “Shut everything down, take the prize home. From beginning to end a perfect performance.”
Jake Thistle
Age: 21
Hometown: Paramus, N.J.
Performance: “Have a Little Faith in Me” by John Hiatt
Carrie’s comments: “I felt like I was at your show. It flows out of you like nothing.”
Luke’s comments: “You are so comfortable. You look like a seasoned entertainer.”
Lionel’s comments: “The competition is right up in your face — make sure you knock them out.”
Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake
Carrie’s comments: “You are here because you have an incredible voice. It was great.”
Luke’s comments: “Don’t let the moment feel like it’s overwhelming you. You sang great, but you’ve got to get wrapped up in it.”
Lionel’s comments: “Don’t let it freak you out! You’ve got the tools, all you need to do now is step into the light.”
Julian Kalel
Age: 19
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Performance: “Fix You” by Coldplay
Carrie’s comments: “You’re on your way to establishing your own sound. It’s really refreshing.”
Luke’s comments: “You have so much star potential and star quality. Great song choice.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was your lane. Build on it. Carve out your part that’s memorable to listeners out there.”
Kyndal
Age: 29
Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
Performance: “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”
Carrie’s comments: “You are such an artist. I don’t know how you’re not super-duper famous already.”
Luke’s comments: “I was happy to see the song flow through your body and your soul.”
Lionel’s comments: “You are so contained. Let it out! Let it go!”
Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
Carrie’s comments: “Praise God! Praise God! Thank you. That’s all I have to say. Thank you.”
Luke’s comments: “You have the ability to bring it up another notch every time. When’s this guy gonna run out of notches?”
Lionel’s comments: “Will the congregation please say Amen!”
Brooks
Age: 22
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Performance: “Imagine” by John Lennon
Carrie’s comments: “You keep us guessing. We’re always excited and curious to see what you’re going to do. You put your stamp on everything.”
Luke’s comments: “I just love your voice. I want you to write a million songs and record them so I can buy all of them.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your voice is amazing. The most important thing you have is your uniqueness.”
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin
Carrie’s comments: “From the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favorites. I could feel your heart in it.”
Luke’s comments: “It was perfection.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was so spectacular in terms of your delivery and voice. Love that performance.”
Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “By Your Grace” by Cody Johnson
Carrie’s comments: “That was a big ol’ reminder of why we loved you at your audition. Your voice is so special and unique.”
Luke’s comments: “That song was you from top to bottom — great song choice and what a delivery.”
Lionel’s comments: “America, I can’t make up my mind. America, take the wheel! You are amazing.”
“How Great Thou Art”
It’s become a tradition for Carrie to perform this anthem each season. This year, she’s joined by last year’s platinum ticket winners Filo, Canaan, and Kolbi.
A shocking twist
Just as Ryan Seacrest was about to reveal the final results and eliminate two more contestants, he told viewers that, to ensure the integrity of the vote, the results would be held until next week. Instead, two contestants will be eliminated at the start of next week’s show.
Next week
The Top 12 sing songs from the 90s in the annual Judges’ Song Contest.
First 6 eliminated
Five women and one man were among the first six contestants sent home on Monday: Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Kutter Bradley from Hawaii Night 1, along with Abayomi, Madison Moon, and Ruby Rae from Hawaii Night 2.
Abayomi, Genevieve Heyward, Kutter Bradley, Madison Moon, Makiyah, and Ruby RaeDisney/Yellowshoes
Watch the Top 14 performances and find out who else was eliminated below.
Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Jireh” by Elevation Worship & Maverick City
Carrie’s comments: “What a way to kick off the show. You put us right in the mind frame of being grateful. Just amazing.”
Luke’s comments: “You’ve touched me in a lot of ways since your audition. Watching you come out here and command the stage — you’re making this your moment and I love that.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have that star look, that star sound, and more importantly, that star strut.”
Jesse Findling
Age: 19
Hometown: Massapequa Park, N.Y.
Performance: “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
Carrie’s comments: “That was great. You really did make that your own.”
Luke’s comments: “Your voice is controlled and perfect, but keep pushing too. Dig, dig, dig.”
Lionel’s comments: “There’s a purity and sincerity about your voice that comes out in the first note. But remember, it’s down to 14 — give it to us!”
Lucas Leon
Age: 18
Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.
Performance: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake
Carrie’s comments: “I felt the holy spirit in the room. I also felt some nerves from you, but just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Luke’s comments: “That was my favorite performance I’ve seen you do. You’re ready to be a star.”
Lionel’s comments: “Take this as the big step — take us to the next level of that performance right there.”
Daniel Stallworth
Age: 27
Hometown: Moss Point, Miss.
Performance: “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor
Carrie’s comments: “I feel like we’re watching you get into a more comfortable, fun space. I love that you picked an uptempo song. That’s going to differentiate you tonight.”
Luke’s comments: “Have fun with all this! You got me in the spirit — keep growing.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have the ability to tell as story and then move the crowd. That was a great performance.”
Philmon Lee
Age: 25
Hometown: Lagrange, Ga.
Performance: “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Carrie’s comments: “I think this was your moment.”
Luke’s comments: “Where has this guy been?”
Lionel’s comments: “You are clearly stepping up. Give me more!”
Rae
Age: 24
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
Performance: “Up to the Mountain” by Patti Griffin
Carrie’s comments: “Dynamics are on point, your voice was on point. It was the perfect song for you.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re a pro. I don’t know what y’all drank today, but can I have some?”
Lionel’s comments: “Shut everything down, take the prize home. From beginning to end a perfect performance.”
Jake Thistle
Age: 21
Hometown: Paramus, N.J.
Performance: “Have a Little Faith in Me” by John Hiatt
Carrie’s comments: “I felt like I was at your show. It flows out of you like nothing.”
Luke’s comments: “You are so comfortable. You look like a seasoned entertainer.”
Lionel’s comments: “The competition is right up in your face — make sure you knock them out.”
Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake
Carrie’s comments: “You are here because you have an incredible voice. It was great.”
Luke’s comments: “Don’t let the moment feel like it’s overwhelming you. You sang great, but you’ve got to get wrapped up in it.”
Lionel’s comments: “Don’t let it freak you out! You’ve got the tools, all you need to do now is step into the light.”
Julian Kalel
Age: 19
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Performance: “Fix You” by Coldplay
Carrie’s comments: “You’re on your way to establishing your own sound. It’s really refreshing.”
Luke’s comments: “You have so much star potential and star quality. Great song choice.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was your lane. Build on it. Carve out your part that’s memorable to listeners out there.”
Kyndal
Age: 29
Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
Performance: “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”
Carrie’s comments: “You are such an artist. I don’t know how you’re not super-duper famous already.”
Luke’s comments: “I was happy to see the song flow through your body and your soul.”
Lionel’s comments: “You are so contained. Let it out! Let it go!”
Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
Carrie’s comments: “Praise God! Praise God! Thank you. That’s all I have to say. Thank you.”
Luke’s comments: “You have the ability to bring it up another notch every time. When’s this guy gonna run out of notches?”
Lionel’s comments: “Will the congregation please say Amen!”
Brooks
Age: 22
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Performance: “Imagine” by John Lennon
Carrie’s comments: “You keep us guessing. We’re always excited and curious to see what you’re going to do. You put your stamp on everything.”
Luke’s comments: “I just love your voice. I want you to write a million songs and record them so I can buy all of them.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your voice is amazing. The most important thing you have is your uniqueness.”
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin
Carrie’s comments: “From the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favorites. I could feel your heart in it.”
Luke’s comments: “It was perfection.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was so spectacular in terms of your delivery and voice. Love that performance.”
Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “By Your Grace” by Cody Johnson
Carrie’s comments: “That was a big ol’ reminder of why we loved you at your audition. Your voice is so special and unique.”
Luke’s comments: “That song was you from top to bottom — great song choice and what a delivery.”
Lionel’s comments: “America, I can’t make up my mind. America, take the wheel! You are amazing.”
“How Great Thou Art”
It’s become a tradition for Carrie to perform this anthem each season. This year, she’s joined by last year’s platinum ticket winners Filo, Canaan, and Kolbi.
A shocking twist
Just as Ryan Seacrest was about to reveal the final results and eliminate two more contestants, he told viewers that, to ensure the integrity of the vote, the results would be held until next week. Instead, two contestants will be eliminated at the start of next week’s show.
Next week
The Top 12 sing songs from the 90s in the annua
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