Is calling this unveiling ofAmerican Idols Top 24 final judgment a little dramatic?
But, you guys, thisisdramatic.
Fan favorites go home!
Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC
Journeys come to an end!
Remember when they would just get off the elevator and sit in some folding chairs?
Those were the days!
First up is, per Luke Bryan, the little spark plugLayla Spring.
Proud Mary is a big song for a 16-year-old to tackle, but the judges are into it.
Little Layla Spring from Kentucky takes the first spot in the Top 24.
Are you still thinking aboutMichael J. Woodards Maybe This Time performance from the solo round?
You are not alone.
He claims the second spot.
The awkward part comes when they tell Trevor no and Katy continues to play up their fake relationship.
The mans dreams were just crushed, give him some room!
Katy Perry gets tough on stand-outGabby Barrett.
Katy doesnt think Gabby is ready, but Luke and Lionel disagree.
Gabby makes it in.
The biggest surprise for me was the fate ofThaddeus Johnson.
The judges were not as into it as I was.
They tell Thaddeus that this just isnt his time…for the second time.
This one hurts, but he seems to take it well.
May you get more camera time next week!
Of course, all those yeses means there are less and less spots for the remaining contestants.
One contestant taking that reality pretty hard isCatie Turner.
This is season 16,Idol.
We know your editing tricks by now.
There is a whole slew of folks who are not as lucky as Catie.
and, even better, her wife is there for both her Showcase and the big news.
Jurnee is easily in the Top 10, right?
Shannon OHaratakes a risk and does a stripped down version of Katy Perrys Unconditionally.
Thankfully, it pays off because Shannon is a dark horse.
Thats another Katy Perry song!
Everythings coming up Katy!
For shame, show!
), andBrandon Diazall make it to the next round.
(Recap continues on next page)
Next up isNoah Davis.
Alpaca lover, wig master.
Hes very lovable, but the judges have warned him that hes always better when he plays the piano.
Noah will not being going through but he promises hell take what hes learned and hell be back.
But we cant really talk about fan favorites without mentioningAda Vox.
Ada sings a chill-inducing version of Radioheads Creep for the Showcase and I am a changed woman.
It is so stinkin good.
As if there was any doubt Ada Vox or Adam Sanders wouldnt be snagging a Top 24 spot.
Another shoe-in isJonny Brenns.
Oh, and guess who shows up?
Jonnys entire family includinghis dad!
Mr. Brenns tells Johnny that hes a winner in his eyes.
There is too much frosting on an already beautiful cake, says Katy.
and wins his place in the Top 24 after belting out Chris Stapletons I Was Wrong.
Its tough to watch Garretts dreams come true while Laines are crushed.
Such is the world we live in.
Rock god-in-trainingCade Foehnergets a spot as well, as if there was ever any doubt.
That leaves four contestants.Maddie ZahnandEffie Passeroare told there is only one spot left between the two of them.
Effie leaves her big belting voice at home to perform a more tender number, Garth Brooks The Dance.
The judges arent really wowed.
In the end, they just dont think Maddie is ready yet, so Effie moves forward.
She cant even celebrate her win because she knows it means Maddie is going home.
Bonds are being formed, people!
Both also kill it in their Showcase.
Dennis sings Donny Hathaways A Song For You while Marcio does Stevie Wonders If You Really Love Me.
Both wear excellent suits.
How can you pick between these two?
Good news, you cant!
For those counting, there are still two spots left, and Dennis and Marcio are claiming them.
Next stop: top 14.
How are we feeling?
What was the biggest surprise of the evening?
Should all male performers have to wear a red velvet blazer like Marcio did?
Just kidding; thats not a real question.
The only answer is yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
