#The Top 24 Are Here

Night one of the round was left with a cliffhanger, as viewers waited to see whether Alanis Sophia or Casey Bishop would make it through. And…they both do, joining other deserving picks who will sing alongside celebrity guests (Jason Aldean, Josh Groban, Tori Kelly, and Idol alum Katharine McPhee to name a few), before a live studio audience. Check out the standouts from night two and find out who also survived the “Final judgement.”

Willie Is Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN_cSLBH0_o

Willie Spence walks out in a black suit and kills it with his take on Beyoncé’s “I Was Here.” The 21-year-old feels he has a second chance at life after battling weight and health issues. A walking inspiration. Katy feels Willie is at a crossroads, encouraging him to do the work and cancel out the noise. He’ll get a chance to do that as a member of the Top 24 club.

Mary Jo Redeems Herself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIDr2SDDYA8

Mary Jo Young admittedly has had some stumbles this season, and the 19-year-old sees her performance of “Us” by James Bay as the comeback. Luke and Katy don’t think she has the stage presence just yet, which is no surprise considering Mary Joe’s experience doesn’t extend much beyond singing in the bedroom. But the judges see a star on the rise and keep her Idol dream alive.

Hunter Is Good Enough

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KimilRQtQh4

Hunter Metts, dealing with self-doubt, has been wondering just where music could take him. The 22-year-old decides to risk everything with a unique cover of “July” by Noah Cyrus. His musicality brings a smile to Katy’s face and Luke tells the software engineer to keep pushing. He is a definite Top 24.

Grace Under Fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANHGp6bqXTM

Grace Kinstler second guesses her song choice after the fact, but it turns out she makes the right decision with “Father” by Demi Lovato. The 20-year-old dedicates the performance to her late dad, which adds an emotional layer. Katy encourages Grace to use any pain as fuel when she sings — then welcomes her to the next round.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jawFynabQI

Deshawn Goncalves puts a modern spin on the Judy Garland classic Lionel, who has been touched by the 19-year-old’s story of overcoming adversity, excitedly gives him the good news about a pot of gold at the end of his rainbow. There’s no place like the Top 24.

Coming Out Swinging

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4u9de6DehI

Katy may be having a flashback to her Warped Tour days with Colin Jamieson’s cover of “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy. The former boy bander decides to take a more challenging route in the song choice and it opens eyes as the judges felt he has been playing it safe for much of the competition. Katy sends the 22-year-old through.

Well Beyond Her Years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w09MmzK4TfQ
Ava August decides to go it alone without a band, depending solely on her guitar and original “Ghost of You.” The youngest in the competition showed a maturity of someone much older. This 15-year-old has the makings of quite the singer-songwriter. Katy believes it wasn’t Ava’s strongest moment, she sees something special about her.

A New Attitude

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukpEPHmI2B0

Liahona Olayan was separated from her brother who was eliminated in “Hollywood Week,” but continues to thrive. The 16-year-old brings the fun for a rendition of “Met Too” by Meaghan Trainor. Katy gives her a standing ovation. A good sign proven when Luke gives the result they’ve found another Top 24 caliber performer.

One for the Ladies

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

Madison Watkins dedicates her performance of “It’s Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown to the ladies. The hair model proceeds to bring the house down. Lionel tells the 25-year-old she did a great job and the judges puts her through.

The A-List

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NNKbGuHZQg

Alana Sherman, 22, puts a little attitude while getting into the mood for “Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan. Anilee List, 20, also cracks the Top 24 by getting funky with “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus & Chaka Khan.

And the final spot goes to…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivnpf-3gi9I

With one spot remaining, it was down to Cecil Ray and Idol alum Drake McCain. Cecil, 20, stays in his wheelhouse with “Beyond” by Leon Bridges. Drake, 19, goes with Luke’s party anthem “Country Girl” (Shake It For Me). Luke breaks the news that Drake didn’t do enough with Cecil getting the shot to keep going.

American Idol “All Star Duet and Solo” Round kicks off April 4, 8/7c, ABC