American Idol contestant Hannah Harper took a bold risk during the live Top 5 episode, stepping away from her usual style to perform Peggy Lee’s classic “Fever” — a performance that immediately divided expectations but ultimately drew strong praise from the judges as the race toward the Top 3 intensified.

Known for her emotional, country-leaning performances throughout the season, Hannah surprised both the audience and the panel with a stripped-back, sultry arrangement of the jazz standard, joined onstage by Arnold and Ravnik for added atmosphere.

The reaction in the arena was instant and overwhelming, with the live crowd screaming so loudly that the judges struggled to get their comments in afterward.

Luke Bryan was among the first to respond, clearly impressed by the unexpected direction. “I thought it was incredible,” he said. “It was so uniquely different for you. It was sexy, it was sultry. I love that it was not what we expected from you.”

Lionel Richie echoed that sentiment, calling the performance exactly what the competition needed at this stage. “That was exactly what was needed,” he said. “Surprise us — you did just that.”

Even amid the chaos of the roaring audience, Carrie Underwood praised Hannah’s continued growth, telling her, “I’m so proud of you. You’re growing more and more every single week. Keep bringin’ it.”

Guest judge Paula Abdul also highlighted Hannah’s individuality in the competition, noting that her tone and artistry continue to stand out. “There is nobody that sounds like you in this competition,” she said. “It’s beautiful to see how America has become so invested in you.”

The performance marked one of Hannah’s biggest stylistic departures of the season, and early reactions suggest the gamble may have paid off at exactly the right moment, just before the Top 3 finalists were revealed.

With the competition narrowing and every performance carrying major weight, Hannah’s unexpected turn with “Fever” didn’t just show versatility — it positioned her as one of the most unpredictable and talked-about contenders heading into the final stage of the season.