'American Idol's Top 26 Perform for America's First Vote of the Season
Thirteen of the Top 26 'American Idol' hopefuls take the stage in Hawaii to earn a spot in the Top 20.
In picking the Top 26, the judges have had their final say on American Idol. As of tonight, it’s America’s votes that will pick who goes through and who goes home.
Tonight, 13 artists from the Top 26 performed at the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where they were mentored by soul and R&B singer/songwriter Allen Stone, who also performed a cover of Bob Marley's "Is This Love."
Related: American Idol Mentor Allen Stone Reveals the Judge Who Made Him Nervous
Only 10 of the 13 will make it into the Top 20 when they are revealed next Sunday night.
Here's the breakdown for the first 13 of American Idol's Top 26:
Elise Kristine
Song: “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler
Lionel: “That’s the way to start the show. You killed it.”
Related: See the 'Mighty Mouse' Who Aces One of the Final American Idol Auditions
Oliver Steele
Song: “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
Katy: “Way to know your audience. Way to pick a cool song that has the audience lean in to who you are as an artist."
Matt Wilson
Song: “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
Luke: “You have always been one of my favorite singers, but tonight you have this look thing going, too.”
Kaeyra
Song: “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue
Lionel: “I love your voice and you just settled in, took the ride, and owned your voice.”
Pjae
Song: “Golden” by Jill Scott
Katy: “Great song choice. By the end, you were preaching. You needed to do this song tonight to prove you are golden, and you are.”
Related: Watch the American Idol Contestant Who Lost 150 Pounds Get a Golden Ticket to Hollywood
Zachariah Smith
Song: “Lucille” by Little Richard
Luke: “You’re crazy! I can’t take my eyes off of you.”
Katy: “You’re crazy talented.”
Mariah Faith
Song: “You Should Probably Leave” by Chris Stapleton
Lionel: “You have rasp in your voice. That rasp is your signature to stardom.”
Emma Busse
Song: “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
Katy: “Emma busts through! You sing all the hidden colors, the notes we don’t know exist.”
Related: Lionel Richie Takes Serious Tone With American Idol Hopeful from Vancouver
Warren Peay
Song: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele
Luke: “The best thing about this competition is when you sing a song we don’t expect. Great job.”
Nailyah Serenity
Song: “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton
Lionel: “What was that? I had the pleasure of knowing Minnie when she put that out. It’s impossible to improve without going to the next level. You went to the next level.”
Haven Madison
Song: “The Middle” by Zodd, Maren Morris, Grey
Katy: “You’ve got such incredible style and incredible talent. Hold on to your vibe, but I want more.”
Lucy Love
Song: “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner
Luke: “What I love about you is nobody wants it more than you do.”
Katy: “You put it all out every time. Keep bringing it.”
Iam Tongi
Song: “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie
Lionel: “I think I had a spiritual experience. Look at your hometown folks looking at their hometown hero.
Katy: “You are authentic through and through. Your voice is like butter.”
The second 13 members of American Idol’s Top 26 will perform on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Next, Make Your Vote Count! How to Vote Online or By Text on American Idol 2023
