“American Idol” narrowed down the competition to its top 24. But which singers made the final judging cut to move on and sing for the American vote?
One singer who left it all on stage during Showstopper’s Round was Lady K. In her audition episode, the 35-year-old musician from Tuskegee, Alabama opened up about her past struggles, including a period of homelessness.
“Growing up in poverty was definitely a challenge,” Lady K said in Monday’s episode. “I mean, I’ve been homeless, I’ve been carless, I’ve been jobless, all at once, so I’m used to the good, the bad and the ugly.
She added, “I’m at that breaking point where hopefully it changes everything, and it’s worth it.”
The singer gave a moving rendition of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and a live audience of fans. This put all three judges on their feet – but did he convince them to give him a spot in the top 24?
“After you reach a certain point, the real competition isn’t whether you can sing, it’s whether you can handle the competition,” Richie told the singer. “We’re at that stage right now, where we have to make hard, hard cuts.”
But Lady K will not be part of these cuts. She entered the top 24.
“I feel like I’m at a fast turning point in my life,” she told the cameras, after hearing the judges’ decision. “I don’t think it will be the only moment like this in my life. This is just the beginning of many moments like this in my life.”
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But not all the singers were able to make it – and some had to fight for their place even after losing their Showstopper’s Performance.
Two of those singers were Ava Maybee and Yoli Mayor, who had judges torn over who to send and who to eliminate. Maybee, a 20-year-old college student from Los Angeles, and Mayor, a 26-year-old musician from Miami, performed their own versions of Harry Styles’ “Falling” and rum.gold’s “Human,” respectively.
“You both have similar vibes,” Perry told the talented singers. “We came up with an idea to satisfy our three needs. We would like to do a little song on the spot.”
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Then and there in the deliberation room, Maybee sang “Roxanne” by The Police, followed by Mayor who sang “Honey” by Kehlani.
In the end, Maybee won out.
“It was one of my favorite experiences of my life,” said the mayor after congratulating her competitor. “It’s a family. All I want is their success, because, man, it’s a nice group of humans.”
It wasn’t the only singing on the spot. The judges also pitted country cowboy crooners Dakota Hayden, 17, against Dan Marshall, 24.
After the performances, it felt like a toss up.
“Dan is more developed, but I like Dakota’s attitude,” Perry said. “Dakota feels hopeful and young and like he just needs some really good direction.”
But in the end, Marshall’s experience won out.
“Dakota, everything you give us at 17 telegraphs a big star on the rise,” Bryan said. “But at 17, you’re still a bit young. You’re not going to make our top 24.”
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So who else has succeeded? Kenedi Anderson, Huntergirl, no longer in the top 24
Lady K, Maybee and Marshall certainly have their work cut out for them in the top 24.
The competition in the next round is sure to be tough, with all three platinum ticket winners (Kenedi Anderson, Jay Copeland and Huntergirl) qualifying, along with other impressive personalities.
These singers include Leah Marlene, Nicolina, Emyrson Flora, Katyrah Love, Fritz Hager, Sir Blayke, Mike Parker, Ellie Rowe, Tristen Gressett, Christian Guardino, Cadence Baker, Scarlet, Noah Thompson, Sage, Danielle Finn, Cameron Whitcomb, Jacob Moran and Allegra Miles.
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