#12 of the Top 24 Make It Through the First Half of a New Round (RECAP)

Katy and Luke break the news to Idol hopefuls during Final Judgement, while Richie shares his results through the set of video walls contestants step into, cleverly dubbed “Lionel’s Den.” Who were the first to move on over the course of the two-night? Find out below.

Alyssa Wray Has Arrived

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_giKl2z98gQ

The powerhouse performed “I’m Here” from The Color Purple to kick off the performances for the evening. The 18-year-old brought the judges to their feet. Though Katy thought this was vocal gymnastics and maybe too much. During the Final Judgement, Luke and Katy were concerned about Alyssa overdoing it. That said they put her through to the next round.

The Fight of a Warrior

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkq3DxhRcuI

Jason Warrior felt he took a risk by choosing to perform “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. One that paid off for the 25-year-old music teacher as Lionel welcomed him to the “Class of 24.” The star in the making broke down to tears given the good news.

Seeing the Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2YnuV2DNS0

At age 9, Andrea Valles drew herself on an American Idol stage. She saw that visual realized, performing “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. Katy thought it was the wrong song choice, but that the 23-year-old was still good. Lionel told her they don’t think she is ready….to go home.

One More Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2EN5CDRyfY

Chayce Beckham’s life was spiraling before rebounding leading into his Idol journey. The heavy machine operator is motivated to do well to make the family proud. His mom was actually the one to sign him up for the show in the first place. Chayce decided on Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave.” Despite feeling the outing was not the 24-year-old’s finest moment, they decided to give him one more shot in the next round.

Country Crooner Bets on Himself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FktMeV7zzY4

Caleb Kennedy decided to change his song at the last minute from Travis Tritt to an original he wrote called “When You Leave Tonight.” He thought it was the right move considering another song of his got him this far. The 16-year-old had the right instincts as Katy and Luke sent the country boy through.

Judges Feel Authenticity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UucrGoKJpE

Wyatt Pike went from entertaining resort goers at the ski lift to the Idol stage. Katy could feel the 19-year-old’s growth while he performed George Ezar’s “Blame It On Me.” Katy and Luke felt he earned a spot in the Top 24 by being himself.

Confidence Is Key

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9hX6c8sZw

Wyatt’s Hollywood Duet partner Cassandra Coleman had some jitters in rehearsal and got some support from in-house mentor Bobby Bones. The 24-year-old performed “Running with the Wolves” by Aurora, which impressed Katy. She reminds her of Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. The coffee shop barista also got the green light to the next stage.

Idol’s Mr. Rogers Brings Down the Neighborhood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XLAuSwOOxk

Beane got the judges feeling his showmanship in a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” The performance got a standing ovation. Given the reaction, no surprise Lionel let the 23-year-old wedding singer know it would be a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Mr. Beane continues on.

Bandana Hannah Rocks Out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6tP3h32V1E

The gas station BBQ eating Hannah Everhart performed with a band for the first time. The 17-year-old choose “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. Katy’s Mississippi doppelganger won over the judges with her singing ability, sass and the promise of some ribs. She celebrated the Top 24 slot with a jump in a pool.

Dedicated to Dad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OtbyUvvjP0

Graham DeFranco revealed his father was supposed to go to his audition with him. However, the day before was told he had stomach cancer. The 27-year-old pilot dedicated the performance of “Beautiful War” by Kings of Leon to dad. Graham was able to give his family the news he was going through. Heart-warming.

You Oughta Know About This One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0lPeQ8KDDQ

The final showdown of the evening: Alanis Sophia and Casey Bishop. Alanis missed mom this round, but was happy to perform her favorite artist Alani Morrissette’s “Uninvited.” The 19-year-old is actually named after the singer-songwriter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YUCwpD2FDY

Casey Bishop let loose with The Black Crowes hit “She Talks to Angels.” Katy was impressed at her skills, especially at only 15. Just before giving the news, they leave us with the cliffhanger. Who do you think they choose?

American Idol Final Judgement Night 2, March 29, 8/7c, ABC