We’re down to the Top 5 on Season 24 of American Idol! The remaining artists returned to the stage during the live May 4 episode for two more performances. For one, they were joined by Dancing With the Stars pros, and for the other, they each teamed up with a Season 5 contestant for duet.
The episode was a 20-year reunion for the Season 5 alum, and also featured the return of original Idol judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Jackson mentored the Top 5 contestants, and Abdul served as a guest judge, offering commentary on the panel with Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
Scroll down for live updates of the performances from throughout the evening and make sure to check back at the end of the night to find out which three singers are moving on and which two will be eliminated!
Hannah Harper
Hannah Harper hit the stage to sing “Fever” by Peggy Lee, which is quite different from the songs she normally performs. Arnold and Ravnik joined her in the background.
ABC
It was hard for the judges to get their commentary in amid the screaming crowd. “I thought it was incredible,” Bryan gushed. “I thought it was so uniquely different for you. It was sexy, it was sultry. I love that it was not what we expected from you.”
Richie said the performance was “exactly what we needed” and applauded Hannah for surprising them.
Keyla Richardson
Keyla Richardson kicked off the night with her own rendition of Tina Turner‘s “River Deep – Mountain High.” She was joined by DWTS stars Gleb Savchenko, Rylee Arnold, Jan Ravnik, and Witney Carson.
ABC
“That’s the way you start a show off,” Richie promised. “What I love the most though, the attitude. Always remember, don’t work too hard, but what you sounded like was everything. I love the way you do your thing!”
Abdul said it was an “honor and pleasure” to meet Keyla. “Your vocal range is like a weapon,” she assured her. “It feels like every moment is inevitable and that’s the mark of a true performer.”
She did offer some constructive criticism, though: “Your whisper has to be equally as dangerous as your top note.”
Chris Tungseth
For his first performance of the night, Chris Tungseth sang “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan, and he was accompanied by Savchenko and Arnold.
ABC
Abdul told Chris that he has a “gorgeousness” to his voice and Underwood said it was a “really good vocal choice” for the hopeful.
“You were on point. The fact is, when the dancers came out, it distracted you a little bit, but it was great,” Richie added.
Braden Rumfelt
Braden Rumfelt took the stage with dancers Ravnik and Carson. His first song was “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.
ABC
Underwood urged Braden not to be afraid to bring out his “sexy” side in the future, and Bryan agreed: “Swag it up,” he said. “Love the performance. Loving this night, it’s fun. This is like sensory overload.”
Richie told Braden not to “think too much” and “just relax, enjoy it, and be in the moment.” Abdul concluded the critiques by telling Braden that she “absolutely loved” his voice, but added, “Own the stage. Your voice can fill arenas, but I feel like you’re out there standing in the wings. I need you to believe in yourself.”
Jordan McCullough
Closing out the first round was Jordan McCullough, who sang “Footprints in the Sand,” while Carson and Savchenko danced a rumba.
ABC
“I love you. Your gift, what you have, I don’t know where it comes from, but it’s not from here. It’s otherworldly,” Abdul raved. “It’s not normal.”
Underwood applauded Jordan for not “overdoing it” and gushed over his “natural stage presence.”
Keep refreshing because we’ll be updating this post all episode long.
American Idol, Season 24 Finale, Monday, 8/7c, ABC
SOurce: tvinsider.com
