The results of the first 30 million public votes of American Idol Season 22 were revealed over the course of three hours Sunday, as the top 24 became the top 20. And I'd predicted, KBlocks, Elleigh Marie, Blake Proehl, and Hailey Mia were eliminated — mostly due to song choice, or, in the case of poor KBlocks, due to being just a bit too weird for prime time. Sixteen-year-old Hailey took the rejection the hardest, fighting back tears even before host Ryan Seacrest revealed her fate. But on what was the weepiest Idol episode I can remember, the biggest tears were spilled by many of contestants who actually made it to the next round.
Jayne Elise, a returning contestant who was cut right before Hawaii last year, cried over how far she has come. Nya cried when she dedicated "Georgia on My Mind" to her late father, who actually died in Georgia. Kennedy Reid nearly cried over mean comments she has received from internet trolls. Odell Bunton Jr. cried as he vowed to make a better life for his wife and kids. Two contestants cried so hard mid-song that they had to pause their performances. And Katy Perry even cried over a My Chemical Romance cover.
Those last two scenarios need to be explained, because they were actually the most magical moments of the long and emotional evening. First there was Kaibrienne "KB" Richins, singing her first self-penned song of the season, "Girl I Am Now" — a "love letter" to her tomboy "younger self" who used to wrestle boys and ride dirt bikes before life beat her down and shattered her self-esteem. As KB, who has been open about her mental struggles, crooned, "I should've loved the girl that I was/But I was so young/And the weight was too much/Picking up the pieces to stop all the bleeding/I still can't believe it/But I made it out," her lip began to quiver, and she had to stop and regain her composure before she could power through the five-hanky ballad." And she paused and gulped back her tears two more times after that.
KB was showing her softness, but she was not showing weakness — this was a display of resilience, of triumph, of raw courage. It was reminiscent of her absolutely heart-stopping/breaking "How Could You" performance from Hollywood Week, or even of original Idol champ Kelly Clarkson's historic, hormonal "Piece by Piece" tour de force when Kelly was a guest on American Idol's Fox farewell season. By the end of her song, Kaibrienne wasn't only person in the room in tears.
"You are a fighter... and you fought and stayed on track with emotion that we can all feel and see," Ryan assured KB. "I feel it's kind of boring when somebody's perfect. ... There's humanity in that performance. Don't worry about falling apart in front of our eyes. I think American Idol is a safe place to fall apart," Katy told her. And judge Luke Bryan even theorized that Kaibrienne's near-breakdown had effectively cemented her place in the top 14, telling her, "You really took yourself to another level in my eyes."
And then there was Abi Carter — who'd had a rocky time, due to a bout of Hollywood Week bronchitis, since receiving a Platinum Ticket for her spectacular audition — finally living up to her early promise. She turned the top 20 night into Emo Nite with an especially emotive piano cover of MCR's "Welcome to the Black Parade," an epic hero's-journey story-song that I have long considered the "Bohemian Rhapsody" of the millennial generation. Now that it's a nearly 20-year-old classic, I've hoped for it to get the proper Idol treatment, and Abi was the sad-girl for the job. Sitting at her piano with glistening eyes and thinking of her dearly departed grandparents, Abi evoked another one of the series' all-time greatest piano performances, Jena Irene's "Can't Help Falling in Love." Lionel Richie observed that "no one was breathing" in the audience while Abi performed. Ryan, seemingly not wanting to break the spell Abi had cast, marveled, "I don't even want to speak after that."
Former Warped Tour artist and known punk/pop fan Katy was massaging her temples, as if she could not even process what she'd just witnessed, eventually reaching for the Kleenex so she wouldn't get too emo and ruin her eyeliner. "When I cheated and looked down and saw that you were singing a My Chem song, I was like, 'What's happening?'" Katy gasped. "I'm literally crying here, listening to you. You transported me into a whole different realm, a whole different energy, a whole different dimension."
Welcome tothe top 14 parade, Abi. But who else will join her and Kaibrienne, and who will leave the competition in tears Monday? Let's look at the rest of Sunday's performances and make some more tough predictions.
Jack Blocker, "You Don't Mess With Jim"
Was Jim Croce's feelgood bar-band jam too lightweight and silly to connect with viewers, after Jack had resonated so deeply with his tender and heartfelt Kacey Musgraves "Rainbow" cover just last week? That is my fear. The once-doubting Lionel loved that Jack's "personality is now coming out," but that personality was always there, from the start, all over Jack's face. Jack shouldn't have messed with what was working for him.
Mia Matthews, "Wildflowers and Wild Horses"
Just as Katy and Lionel once underestimated Jack, I admit I initially misjudged Mia. Maybe it was because I wasn't a fan of her family trio Worth the Wait when they competed on The Voice, or because I thought Mia's joint audition with little sister Jacy was some sort of television stunt. But I'm intrigued by solo Mia now, after her second compelling performance in a row. And it's been, well, worth the wait. "It looks like some serious artist action is about to happen here," Lionel predicted.
Mackenzie Sol, "I'll Never Love Again"
Mackenzie recalled this week that he "hijacked" his mother's X Factor audition when he was 4 years old, but now he's definitely ready for his closeup. We are witnessing a star being born — this week, Mac even rocked some pearls! The judges had mixed opinions about his A Star Is Born cover (Katy wanted better enunciation), but Luke told him, "You feel like a guy that I want to cheer for." I'm cheering and rooting for Mackenzie as well.
Roman Collins, "Never Would Have Made It"
Wow. Wowwwww. This week we learned that Roman suffered a diabetic coma at age 3 that doctors thought would leave him either brain-dead or literally dead. So, this guy is basically a walking, singing miracle. Roman gives himself over wholly to God and to the audience every time he is onstage, and now I understand why. Luke called his Marvin Sapp cover "spiritually beautiful" and "one of the most powerful things I've ever seen on this show." Amen. I am glad that viewers, and possibly a higher power, have chosen Roman.
Kennedy Reid, "Love Can Build a Bridge"
Kennedy — whose signature style up until now has been all about big Trixie Mattel wigs (which she wears because of a recent "bleach fail") and spackled-on Tammy Faye Bakker mortician makeup — admitted that she's been hurt by cruel social media comments about her appearance since she came on this show. This week, she vowed to "take back her power" while looking virtually unrecognizable, but I missed the old feisty, "Fancy" Kennedy. And ironically, after her drastic makeunder, she seemed less powerful. Her energy was so muted, her light so dimmed. Even her vocals sounded quieter. She seemed... ordinary, and I wasn't convinced when she claimed, "I have learned to love myself." I hope if she makes it to the top 14, she shows up wearing entire contents of her local Sephora (and a smile) plastered on her face, along with her closest-to-God lacefront bouffant.
Ajii, "Like a Stone"
Ajii has a distinctively growly tone, but he's not a Chris Cornell-esque powerhouse, so I don't know if this Audioslave AOR ballad was the best choice for his limited style. (Katy loved that he pushed himself vocally, but Luke warned him hot to get "too yell-y.") However, I think it's a smart strategy, if that even what he is consciously doing, for Ajii to position himself with this show's older viewership as Season 22's sole flag-flyer for classic rock. He certainly has the energy for it: Katy actually called him a "one-man moshpit."
Jennifer Jeffries, "Grave Digger"
Jennifer is one of my favorites this season — she's all true grit and pure, raw talent — but I worry that brooding, spooky song choices like this, delivered so stoically and unsmilingly, will alienate viewers. Katy noticed Jennifer's disconnect this week, theorizing that the teen's thousand-yard stare was because she was too in her head, second-guessing and overthinking her performance. Lionel assured Jennifer that she had zero reason to lack self-belief, telling her, "What you have is a style, and that is more important than being a singer. You have that thing that is identifiable only to you." I hope America gives Jennifer the time she needs to grow in this competition and in her confidence.
Emmy Russell, "Want You"
For the first time this season, the shy and mousy Emmy looked like a star — and looked like a bit her famous grandma, Loretta Lynn — in her vintage coalminer's-great-granddaughter frock and auburn curls. And while she was still clearly nervous (Katy wanted more vocal power and bigger, longer notes), she continued to establish her own identity, doing her third original song of the season. While "Want To" wasn't an instant an earworm as her previous two originals, "Skinny" and "Like That," Lionel said it was a "hit" and "a moment," and it made Luke (who declared this Emmy's best performance yet) and even the usually unflappable Ryan get all up in their feels. "I loved that that was so you. I loved it because it was so real," Luke gushed.
Triston Harper, "H-O-P-E"
Triston has seen a lot of darkness and experienced a lot of pain in his 15 years, but I didn't know he has this in him. Showcasing his own songwriting skills for the first time this season, he dug deep and hit hard. I think Triston, like recent country chart-topper and Season 19 star Chayce Beckham, could win this whole show. But whatever happens, this kid will — like Chayce — have a long career. "I believe this is what you'll do for the rest of your life. ... It will change you and your mother's lives forever, too," Luke told Triston.
Odell Bunton Jr., "The Door"
This Platinum Ticket contestant was the final singer from last week's Jelly Roll-mentored Hawaii group to be called to safety by Seacrest, and while Ryan stressed that he'd announced the results in no particular order, I had worried that Odell's goofy, wedding-band-style top 24 performance of "Uptown Funk" might put him in jeopardy. This week's Teddy Swims cover had a lot more gravitas and natural swag — Teddy himself, one of Sunday's guest performers, was grooving in approval, even joking that he was going to retire this song from his own setlist. I'm still waiting to hear another ballad from this born belter, but luckily, I think America will keep giving Odell chances to show more sides of his personality and what Katy called his "artist flavor." Lionel told Odell, "You have the ability to move people."
Kayko, "Over You"
Doing the 45th song he wrote during his particularly prolific pandemic era, Kayko seemed more like one of the night's guest celebrity performers, like Teddy Swims, than some unknown contestant. And there was a certain clean-cut retro quality to his performance too, a Richard Marx/REO Speedwagon vibe, when he whipped out that unexpected pop/rock electric guitar solo. "As a songwriter, I'm telling you, you are sitting on a goldmine," Lionel told Kayko. "You're gonna be a megastar! I'm excited for the next five years of your life," Katy told him. I'm excited for, hopefully, the next five weeks of Kayko on this show.
Jordan Anthony, "When the Party's Over"
Fighting fit and newly confident after taking up boxing and losing 150 pounds, Jordan didn't let a little microphone snafu rattle him or throw off his falsetto. He stayed in the game, eyes on the prize, and nailed this tricky Billie ballad. And on a night of screamers, belters, and criers, he stood out. Katy declared this one of her favorite performances of the evening, explaining, "Some people have been swallowed up by the stage tonight and not stayed true to themselves. ... You just brought us in, as an artist."
Quintavious, "Hollow"
After disappointing Hawaii mentor Tori Kelly last week by deciding at the last minute to not cover her "love song to God," this week Quintavious made good on his old promise and attempted it. To be honest, I understand why he thought Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water" was a better choice for him than "Hollow" during the top 24 rounds. But this electric performer can tackle just about any song, and as Katy noted, he has a knack for making religious music sound "pop" and "accessible." Luke told him, "You had purpose, and you had vision through it all," and Lionel said this was an "amazing" performance. I am sure Tori was delighted.
Nya, "Georgia on My Mind"
Dedicating this Ray Charles staple to her late father, who was the only member of her strict Nigerian family that supported her musical dreams but never actually got to hear her sing, Nya gave a classy, classic performance that Lionel called "undeniable." Katy even compared Nya to Idol great Jennifer Hudson. I am not sure if the old-fashioned song choice will help or hurt Nya's chances on a night filled with cool originals and hits by MCR, Lady Gaga, Teddy Swims, and Billie Eilish, but regardless, Nya made her papa proud. "Your father's standing right next to you. He's always going to be with you. He's now your guardian angel," Lionel sweetly told her.
Jayna Elise, "My All"
Jayna belted the Mariah Carey power-ballad that Season 22 villainess Alyssa, who'd already competed on the show twice and made it all the way to the top eight, sang "just for giggles" when she controversially crashed her supposed best friend's audition this season. So, that made this moment from Jayna, who'd been cut last season before the top 24, all the more victorious — because she gave her all and slayed, killed, ate, etc. The judges gave her a standing ovation as Lionel realized that the weepy diva had been "waiting for this moment her whole life. ... And it's now." Katy told Jayna, "You deserve this. I am so happy America voted for you."
Will Moseley, "Makin' Me Look Again"
After earning a college degree in biology, Will gave himself one year post-graduation to pursue music. And with the way things are going so far, he may never need to rely on that diploma to earn a living, and he'll probably never have time to become a biologist. He's at least about to "give year two a shot," since his original Idol audition song, "Gone for Good," has already peaked at No. 2 on the iTunes Country Chart between Beyoncé and Luke Combs, which ain't too shabby. Will is such a pro that he doesn't need to do much to connect with viewers/listeners, and with this humble Drake White cover, he stayed the course. "You are always just solid. It was perfect, right on the money," Luke gushed. Luke also predicted that Will will be in next month's finale... which just so happens to coincide with the one-year anniversary of Will's decision to give music a try. What a difference a year makes.
McKenna Faith Breinholt, "Both Sides Now"
Last week, Lionel made the bold statement of comparing McKenna to the almighty Joni Mitchell, so McKenna was especially bold to pull a Judy Collins and (masterfully) cover one of Joni's most iconic tunes this week. Lionel admitted it was "a big, tall order, what you just did," but as a longtime friend of Joni's, he insisted that Joni would be "so proud that you took her song and made it into your song. ... I'm going to phone her up and tell her, 'You need to see this!'" Luke told McKenna that this performance "puts you in a category of winning this thing." But getting Joni's approval — after getting Dolly Parton's approval in a viral video reacting to McKenna's audition of her song — would make McKenna a winner no matter what.
Julia Gagnon, "I Believe"
For a moment it seemed like Julia, the third Platinum Ticket contestant of the season, was about to go home. And I was about to nominate her for some sort of RuPaul's Drag Race-style Miss Congeniality consolation prize, because she'd been so damn likable all night as she congratulated her peers when they made the top 20, dropping F-bombs and even seeming more excited than they were. When her name was finally called, she was sitting next to despondent eliminees Blake and Hailey, so the mood wasn't as celebratory, but hopefully America was rooting for her by this point. During the last chorus of Season 3 winner Fantasia's coronation song, she had to pause — and it was quite a long pause — to sob. But as Ryan handed her a tissue (this show needs a bigger Kleenex budget), he told her, "I think you're going to like what Katy has to say!" Katy then told Julia, "I guess America believes that you belong." We'll see if America keeps believing when they have to vote off six more singers tomorrow.
Yes, on Monday's live two-hour broadcast, the top 20 will become the top 14, already. We are losing too much good talent, too fast! It's so hard to predict what will happen, just as it's hard to predict who might win when there are so many singers — Abi, KB, Triston, Kayko, Roman, Mia, Will, McKenna — who seem to, as they say in the biz, at least be "top 10 material." But I think the contestants most at risk this week are Jack, Mackenzie, Kennedy, Jennifer, Quintavious, and Nya. Tune in Monday for 14 amazing performances, six sad goodbyes, and probably many more tears.
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