American Idol Season 21: Lots of Shockers, 20 to 12

1SAFE! We Ani sang This is Me from The Greatest Showman-- We looks like a star, she is stunning and her voice is beautiful. She always makes such great song choices. 

Singing for Survival :'( Michael Williams sang Golden Hour by JVKE-- Wow, I am shocked that he is in this position. He has such a great voice, and he is such a star. 

Singing for Survival: Hannah Nicolaisen sang Royals by Lorde-- Also surprised Hannah is in the bottom. I want to know who America chose because this young woman is phenomenal. All the judges were standing. Lionel said you're a star. 

2SAFE! Warren Peay sang It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down-- Such a great artist and such a great song choice. I am so happy for Warren and excited to hear that he was chosen for the top 12. 

Singing for Survival: Mariah Faith sang If It Hadn't Been for Love by The Steeldrivers-- Luke felt song choice may have gotten her last night, but he thought that tonight was a perfect song choice. I agree. She sounded strong tonight. 

3SAFE! Haven Madison sang What If I Want it Now-- She sounded the best I have heard her sound. I've had my doubts about her, lots of them, and she sounded so sound. 

Singing for Survival:'(  Nailyah Serenity sang Alive by Sia-- This is the biggest shock of the night, she is so awesome, come through judges, come through! She is electrifying every time. Katy said you bring the soul to this show. 

Singing for Survival Paige Anne sang I Am Here by Pink!-- Lionel praised her ability to continue fighting and to come back. 

Singing for Survival:'( Matt Wilson sang For Tonight by Giveon-- Wow, I take it back, this shocks me the most. Matt is essential to this competition. His story cannot be over here. Luke said I love the smoothness of your voice, and I am sorry you're here. 

4SAFE! Tyson Venegas sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John and George Michael-- Tyson is always so uplifting and inspiring. 

5SAFE! Colin Stough sang Dancing On My Own by Robyn-- Glad Colin made it, and this is one of my fave songs. This may have been his breakthrough performance. 

6SAFE! Marybeth Byrd sang Cover Me Up by Jason Isbell-- Didn't love that song, but she was wonderful last night with her original song. I am so happy she made it to the top ten. 

Singing for Survival:'( Kaeyra sang If I Were Your Woman by Gladys Knight-- She is so good. I just don't understand why she didn't make it. A+!!! Katy said I hope you vote for her if she gets to sing next time. 

7SAFE! Oliver Steele sang You're Still the One by Shania Twain-- Oliver always makes cool song choices. I think he is very unique

Singing for Survival :'(  Olivia Soli sang God is a Woman by Ariana Grande-- This young woman should not be in this position. She blows me away every time and tonight was no exception. Luke said he couldn't even talk. 

8SAFE! Iam Tongi sang Stuck on You by Lionel Richie-- Lionel was really enjoying the performance. Iam is very deserving of this opportunity. 

9SAFE! Zachariah Smith sang Hold the Line by Toto-- He just has such an impactful voice, and his star quality and charisma is so present and real. This was s standout performance to me. I loved this. 

Singing for Survival :'( Lucy Love sand Radioactive by Imagine Dragons-- I love me some Lucy Love, she is so powerful. Love her voice, love her strength, love her story. Awesome song for her. Lionel said if I'm gonna bet on anybody, I'm gonna bet on you. 

10SAFE! Megan Danielle sang Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle-- I really hope this love gives her some self belief. She really has such a special voice.  

Singing for Survival :( Nutsa sang And I Am Telling You from Dreamgirls-- I hope she knocks this out of the park. She brought it home. Wow! 

First judges pick-- Lucy Love and  second pick is Nutsa

Wow, so many amazing artist going home. I am sad. :'( 

Shocking that so many great people went home. 

American Idol Season 21: From 26 to 20 and My Predictions for the Top 12

The Top 20 Tonight! 

Zachariah Smith sang I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner-- WOW! 19 years old. Come on! This kid is so not a gimmick. People had their doubts, he has proven all of them wrong. This was a great song for him, it is a different sound for him than usual. But I loved the presentation and the arrangement. Katy called him top ten material. Luke said I love how with every song you choose, you put your stamp on it. It's so true. 

Matt Wilson sang Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur-- Matt is one of my very faves this season. I didn't love this song choice for him, but I think he worked it out enough and added his own twist to the song. Katy said I loved seeing your joy, it's so effervescent. 

Nailyah Serenity sang Baby Love by Mother's Finest-- She has the look of a star and I love her strong vocal and retro sound. Her whole style is so swag. I loved her, what an electric performance, I am gonna say she is top ten material for sure. Lionel said that was amazing, your voice is right there. 

Warren Peay sang Up There Down Here by Zach Williams-- What a tremendous song choice for him. I loved that he shared more of his story. Katy talked about him being vulnerable, how she had her own experiences with alcohol as well and how we all just want to relate to each other and be connected. I love how he talked about God and his connection with the church and how that brought him to American Idol. What a beautiful story. Luke praised his song choice and his vocal. I just feel like he gives me such Chris Stapleton vibes and I love his authenticity to himself as an artist. 

Kaeyra sang Bruises by Lewis Capaldi-- What a gorgeous, star quality performance. Katy said that song choice and arrangement smacked me across the face. Katy said how are you not an artist yet? Luke said I loved the way you started on the piano. 

Mariah Faith sang Cry to Me by Solomon Burke from Dirty Dancing -- She has such a great sound. I feel like Katy is absolutely right, she has that Bonnie Raitt sound that just tugs at your heart strings but then there is this fun side as well that sometimes comes out. 

Iam Tongi sang The Winner Takes it All by ABBA-- One of the judges said it, but his voice is just timeless. Lionel said I had a lot to say but the audience said it for me. Katy said this is called the Iam Tongi show. Luke said God gave you the magic, enjoy it. 

Haven Madison sang Mean Girls by Leanna Crawford-- I love her sound and her image. I don't love this song, but she carved out some shining moments to showcase her vocals. Lionel said you are such a seasoned pro at 17. It is so exciting to watch where you are going. Well said Lionel! 

Oliver Steele sang Too Soon an Original Song-- What a risk to do an original song, such beautiful lyrics. Luke said 10 out of 10 on that one. Lionel said your dad was being a great dad, your talent is on fire, enjoy this ride. Katy said that was really great, we're so proud of you. 

Lucy Love sang Boulders an Original Song-- I am really in awe of her talent. That was a stunning and vulnerable performance. Lionel said you came into this world invisible, but you will leave this world as Lucy Love. Katy said you're the survivor of your story, you are going to thrive. Luke said I love the way you attack and you captured my heart, way to show up. 

Hannah Nicolaisen sang Somebody to Love by Queen-- I love her authenticity and how she is always confidently herself. Luke said way to show us another dynamic. Lionel admires her guts, and what you put on that stage is a demonstration that you believe in where you are mind and body and you have to have that naturally and you have that in spades. Katy compared her to a Jennifer Lawrence going from a tomboy to a sultry woman. 

Olivia Soli sang I Surrender by Celine Dion-- She sang the heck out of it. She challenges herself all the time which is what I really love about her. Lionel said you have so much confidence and power behind you. Katy said I am so glad America got this right. Keep playing the power card. 

Marybeth Byrd sang People Pleaser an Original Song-- Wow! All the original songs tonight. She is going to be a star, oh my goodness. Lionel loved her falsetto and story telling skills, and said she is going to be a star. Katy said you're a star. Luke said this was a big moment for you. 

Michael Williams sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I love how he turned that into a power ballad. What an awesome rendition of that song. Luke said you crushed that. Lionel said everyone came here as singer, you're turning into a real artist. 

Paige Anne sang Say Something by Great Big World-- I did not love the song for her. With that being said, I liked when she took it up a few octaves. It made the performance more interesting. Luke said you earned your spot, enjoy it. Lionel said this is not a consolation prize, this is exactly where you're meant to be. Katy said, we got it wrong, Jesus took the wheel.  

Nutsa sang Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton-- She always takes the judges notes well. I appreciate that about her. She sounded great tonight, she looked strong and regal. Lionel said she is the hardest worker and a force to be reckoned with. Katy said when I said no glitter, this is what I meant. Luke said you came from half way across the world and you have come so far. 

Tyson Venegas sang 180 an Original Song-- That was so gutsy, especially coming from a 17 year old. I loved it and loved how he was playing on the piano. Tyson is just so talented. Katy said she understands him more from his original. Luke said delivering messages from the world and helping people, the way you're able to hold the room, far beyond your years. Lionel said being a singer/ songwriter, you can write your future. 

Megan Danielle sang Holy Water by We the Kingdom-- I felt her become more confident and I think this is a great song choice for her. Luke said it was the best he has heard her sound. 

Colin Stough sang Pretty Heart by Parker McCollum-- I love his humility and he does stay true to him at all times. I think the judges are right though. He has to push himself out of his comfort zone and grow. Lionel said you come on here every night and say I love my mama, you're doing great. Katy said you're always going to be authentic, I want you to push yourself and really shine. Luke said I know your every emotion going on in your head. Luke said you gotta give it to us all the time, you're a big star. 

We Ani sang Skyfall by Adele-- That was so good, she is such a strong and powerful singer, performer, and artist in this competition. Katy said I am shook by the results, and that song is so dramatic. I need a nap. Luke said you crush it every night. Lionel said I love you, the amount of talent you have is undeniable. 

**THIS IS A PREDICTION**

Here's my Top 12-- 

We Ani

Nailyah Serenity

Tyson Venegas

Michael Williams

Marybeth Byrd

Hannah Nicolaisen

Matt Wilson

Warren Peay

Kaeyra 

Olivia Soli

Iam Tongi

last spot is a toss up between Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith and maybe Oliver Steele gets in on that too. 

Half of the Top 26 Take the Stage on American Idol

 Allen Stone is the mentor tonight. 

Elise Kristine sang Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler-- I did not think this was the best song for her to showcase her vocals. I like what she did with the second part of the song but I still felt like she did herself a disservice and to be honest, the arrangement was a bit of a mess. 

Oliver Steele sang Better Together by Jack Johnson-- Great song choice for him, and he sounds great. I loved his laid back vibe throughout the performance. Luke said it felt like you were your own artist. Lionel said you showed us your vocal identity. 

Matt Wilson sang Speechless by Dan and Shay-- Loved that, and I loved the small changes that he made that made the song his own. He is one of my favorites this year, super consistent. Luke said you have always been one of my favorite voices since day one. Lionel said I forget sometimes how silky that voice is. Katy said it is so great to see that journey, how confident you are now, that was gorgeous. 

Kaeyra sang Don't Let Go by En Vogue-- Epic performance. She needs to get into the top 20. Her vocals were awesome, and like Allen Stone, I also love that song. Lionel loves her voice, he said she owned the song. Katy said that song and the way you delivered it gave me frozen stank face. Luke said you presented yourself like a legitimate star. 

Pjae sang Golden by Jill Scott-- This was a smart and cool song choice for him. I agree with Luke in that towards the second half of the song he was so comfortable. It totally had a gospel feel. Lionel said everyone is stepping up tonight and sounding amazing. Katy loved the song choice for him. 

Zachariah Smith sang Lucille by Little Richard-- Wow, talk about having the whole package. He sings, he dances, his personality is just everything. At 19, I cannot believe it. Luke said you're crazy, and stars are crazy, I can't take my eyes off you. Lionel said that's show business. Katy said you're crazy talented. Allen Stone said your grandmother would be elated. 

Mariah Faith sang You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton-- She sounded great, this was a perfect choice for her. Luke commented about how country she is but she has a bluesy soulful sound as well. 

Emma Busse sang Lay Me Down by Sam Smith-- I wanted her to sing it a little bit differently but I loved that she did this particular song. Lionel was impressed with her phrasing. 

Warren Peay sang Set Fire to the Rain by Adele-- I dig his interpretation of this song. He turned Adele into a country rock song. Lionel said give us more of that switch up. Katy said I appreciate that make it your own moment. 

Nailyah Serenity sang Loving You Minnie Riperton-- Wow, I am a fan. She did that song justice. That was amazing. Lionel said you went to the next level with that song. Katy said that was an Olympic voice, that was effortless, you're extra terrestrial. Luke said you have stardust all over you. 

Haven Madison sang The Middle by Zedd and Maren Morris-- I loved the advice Allen gave her.  Katy loved her youthful vibe. Luke wanted her to push further and turn it into a dance party but he thought she did a great job. Lionel said enjoy the stage and the moment. 

Lucy Love sang What's Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner-- I thought she did great. Luke said no one wants it more than her. Katy called her a wild girl. 

Iam Tongi sang Don't Let Go by Spawnbreezie-- That was so awesome, and such a moment. He was really authentic and true to himself as an artist. Lionel loved witnessing this. Katy said your voice is like "buttah". Luke said I felt so much love. 

My Predictions

Top 3

Nailyah Serenity

Kaeyra

Matt, Iam, and Zachariah

Bottom 3

Elise Kristine

Emma Busse

Pjae or Haven Madison