The day after American Idol celebrated its first-ever “Songs of Faith” episode and revealed the Top 20 contestants, six more hopefuls were sent home.
Only four weeks of American Idol‘s 23rd Season are left, and the competition is dwindling fast. On Sunday night (April 20), four hopefuls were sent home. The remaining 20 sang an inspirational song in hopes of earning enough of America’s votes to advance to the Top 14 on Monday night.
During Monday’s show, 10 singers advanced based on votes that were cast overnight. The judges had the power to choose four of the remaining 10 as wildcard picks to round out the Top 14.
Among the Top 20 were fan favorites Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix, PE teacher Jamal Roberts, and the season’s youngest contestant, 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt.
Emotions were running high for all of the contestants as host Ryan Seacrest called each contestant to the stage one by one. He then told each hopeful if they were safe or if they were in danger of elimination.
The 10 who advanced based on America’s votes were:
Kolbi Jordan
Thunderstorm Artis
Filo
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt
Canaan James Smith
Breanna Nix
Jamal Roberts
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Leaving the following 10 eligible for a judge’s wildcard spot:
Isaiah Misailegalu
Drew Ryn
Olivier Bergeron
Josh King
Baylee Littrell
Desmond Roberts
Zaylie Windsor
Victor Solomon
Amanda Barise
Che
After some intense deliberation, judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, revealed that Desmond Roberts, Josh King, Che, and Amanda Barise earned wildcard spots and would be advancing.
Those who survived the cuts will perform during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode on Sunday, April 27, where they will be mentored by the legendary James Taylor. The Top 12 will then advance to Iconic Idol Moments on Monday, April 28, where Fantasia will be on hand to guide them.