'American Idol' recap: Hollywood Week finale whittles competition to 40, ends some dreams

On Monday’s “American Idol,” Hollywood Week came to a dramatic close with plenty of tears and a performance that sent one contestant to the hospital.

The final night of this round's performances had contestants performing solo with a live band, hoping to make an impression with the judges that moved them to the top 40.

Makayla Brownlee, 17, was about to sing a cover of “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves when she choked up and left the stage. Backstage, Brownlee collapsed and had a seizure as medical workers and the judges ran to her aid.

Brownlee has a condition called Vasovagal syncope that can cause a sudden rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to fainting. Common triggers include stress. After being taken to the hospital to get checked out, Brownlee returned and delivered a tender performance that left judge Katy Perry bawling.

“When we’re like, 'I’m tired,' perspective, right?” Perry said to the other judges, underscoring how fortunate they are. Brownlee moved to the top 40.

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The pressure of Hollywood week started to get to other contestants as well. Marcus Tinsley, 28, flubbed his performance, forgetting the lyrics to OneRepublic's “If I Lose Myself.” Turning in off-key performances: Sheniel Maisonet, 23, on Sam Smith’s “How Do You Sleep?” and Talin Everett, 20, on Sia’s “Bird Set Free.” For all three, it was the end of the road.

“It’s Hollywood Week. You’re tired. Don’t go crazy,” judge Luke Bryan said “Are they just chugging coffee back there? Everyone’s coming out freaking out.”

Both 17-year-old Kimmy Gabriela, who sang “I’m Here” by Cynthia Erivo, and 20-year-old Genavieve Linkowski, who sang “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes, earned standing ovations from Perry and spots forward in the competition. It was a particular relief for Linkowski, who was kicked from the competition during Hollywood Week two years ago.

During the episode, the “Idol” hopefuls got advice from Season 17 runner-up Alejandro Aranda, who made a surprise appearance. Several hoped to capture his lightning-in-a-bottle approach of singing an original song, though the judges advised against it.

Among them was 26-year-old Dillon James, who cemented his place in the top 40 as the competition’s Bob Dylan with an original that mixed country, folk and indie rock. Joining James was 27-year-old country singer Lauren Mascitti, who sang “God Made a Woman,” inspired by her grandmother.

Not all original songs were created equal. Robert Taylor, 27, Amelia, 23, and Jimmy Levy, 21, failed to impress. Taylor and Amelia get another chance to prove themselves, but it was the end of the road for Levy.

'American Idol' goes to Hollywood Week: See who made the cut

While he didn’t sing an original, 21-year-old Arthur Gunn put his own spin on “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by the Creedence Clearwater Revival. Gunn's composition was too complicated for the band to learn on such short notice so he was forced to perform with just his guitar.

But Gunn made the song his own, bringing the intensity that made judge Lionel Richie tear up, and earned earning Gunn a spot in the top 40.

The tears continued with 19-year-old Louis Knight’s performance of “Hold Me While You Wait” by Lewis Capaldi, which made his parents cry. Knight had additional emotions to deal with. It was the birthday of his best friend, who had committed suicide. Coach Bobby Bones comforted the singer and advised him to use his emotions in his performance.

“I don’t think it’s the time to put it out of your mind,” Bones said. “There’s nothing wrong with thinking about your friend.”

Knight moved forward, as did 20-year-old Just Sam, who sang “I’m Here” by Fantasia. Sam delivered a powerhouse performance despite dealing with a sore throat.

“These past couple of days I was bringing my (collection) box for luck,” the former(?) busker said. “And after Hollywood Week, I don’t think I’m ever going to need that box again and I don’t think I’m ever going to need to sing on the train again.”

Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” proved to be a winner for 27-year-old Geena and 17-year-olds Cyniah Elise and Olivia Ximines, but Yzthasinger, 19, couldn’t compare and didn’t make the cut.

Camryn Leigh Smith, 16, stepped out of her comfort zone with “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga. And Makayla Phillips, 17, did so with less success on “Cuz I Love You” by Lizzo. But both still made it to the next round.

The final round of Hollywood Week broke up real life college roommates Sophia Wackerman, 20, who sang “Somewhere” by Barbra Streisand and Sarah Isen, also 20, who sang “Light On” by Maggie Rogers. Only Wackerman moved forward.

The round also separated “Idol” couple Jonny West, 23, who sang an original, and Margie Mays, 26, who sang “Lost Without You” by Freya Ridings. A saddened West realized only he was moving forward in the competition. Mays, who had been on “Idol” last season, did her best to support her boyfriend even as she realized her own dream was over.

"American Idol" shut down rehearsals March 19 because of the coronavirus, so the timing of the rest of this season is uncertain. A previously taped episode featuring the top 40 contestants airs March 29, followed by a hiatus until live shows begin.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Idol': Hollywood Week finale whittles the competition to 40