After a performance by Sofia Carson and the Top 9 of “A Whole New World,” host Ryan Seacrest revealed the results of the Comeback vote in which 10 of the contestants from season 3 on ABC performed for America’s vote—and the winner took up the final position in season 4’s Top 10. The candidates included Cyniah Elise, Nick Merico,Aliana Jester, Franklin Boone, Faith Becnel, Arthur Gunn, DeWayne Crocker Jr., Makayla Phillips, Olivia Ximines or Louis Knight? So, who made the cut? No surprise here, last season’s runner-up Arthur Gunn had the highest number of votes. “I was like, ‘Wow! This is happening again,” Arthur told Ryan. Then, as the Top 10 performed their songs, they got some inspiration from celebrity mentor John Stamos and their time at Walt Disney World in Florida. At the end of the night, the Top 7 were revealed.
Who was eliminated on American Idol last night:
Cassandra Coleman, Deshawn Goncalves, Alyssa Wray, Cyniah Elise, Nick Merico, Aliana Jester, Franklin Boone, Faith Becnel, DeWayne Crocker Jr., Makayla Phillips, Olivia Ximines and Louis Knight
Who made it through to the Top 7 on American Idol in no particular order
Chayce Beckham, Casey Bishop, Willie Spence, Hunter Metts, Caleb Kennedy, Grace Kinstler, Arthur Gunn,
American Idol Top 10 performances:
Caleb Kennedy, 16Roebuck, S.C. High School Student Song: “Real Gone” (Cars) Katy Perry: “I think this thing is really Peter Pan-ing you. Every time I see you, you have more sparkle. Every time you engage us, we lean in, so the energy is infectious.” Luke Bryan: “You have really given us a glimpse of what you will be as an artist. What a way to kick off the show with that energy. That is what live performing is about.” Lionel Richie: “What I loved about it was for just a brief moment, you gave us a smile. Luke is right, it’s about energy and the energy was just radiating off the stage with that performance.” Willie Spence, 21Douglas, Ga. Caretaker Song: “Circle of Life” (The Lion King) Luke: “You made me feel alive. You have the magic. When you hit the big notes, it’s the best thing in the world.” Lionel: “Why am I crying at The Lion King? You have that voice. You could sing the phonebook and make it yours. That means that you are a true artist. Your delivery is so incredible.” Katy: “You’re not a Lost Boy anymore. You are a bona fide Idol. You just climbed the mountain with all of those notes. The arrangement was sparkly and wonderful. It was real spiritual. I love you and I am excited to see you sing again, and again, and again.” DeShawn Goncalves, 19Cleveland, Ohio College Student Song: “When You Wish Upon a Star” (Pinocchio) Lionel: “Who are you really? The question now is the cool factor. The show business part of it, what was that? It takes really digging down to find that character and you nailed it.” Katy: “I don’t know who that was. What you did on stage and how comfortable you felt, it was a whole other level. It was unlike anything I have ever heard and seen from you before. It was real true growth.” Luke: “I was grinning so big watching you. I thought how proud your family must be at home. You are not the same person who showed up at audition. That’s why we sit in these chairs and say this stuff to you guys.” Casey Bishop, 15Estero, Fla. High School Student Song: “When She Loved Me” (Toy Story 2) Katy: “Your voice will take you to infinity and beyond. From last week, you have shown us so many different colors. I love that you can do almost anything. Actually, you can do anything. You just have to believe.” Luke: “I believe you are a superstar in the making. That was truly remarkable to watch.” Lionel: “You are grace beyond your years. Stage presence and poise is something you naturally have, it isn’t taught, and you demonstrated that tonight.” Chayce Beckham, 24Apple Valley, Calif. Heavy Machinery Operator Song: “Baby Mine” (Dumbo) Luke: “That performance is so you and what you’re about. Your artistry is not about overdoing all the stuff, it is about you having an amazing song and delivering it. It was really awesome on the ears.” Lionel: “Stop thinking about, ‘Oh, my God, I am here at American Idol.’ You are still in amazement in your head. You are here because of your voice, your talent, and your style. Enjoy it.” Katy: “Chayce took a lullaby and made it a cool song, like an indie song. That was so imaginative of you. You just need a little faith, trust, and pixie dust.” Alyssa Wray, 18Perryville, Ky. College Student Song: “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella) Lionel: “I will have to go back and watch that movie. I am sure you were in that movie. I was praying that throughout that performance that you would hold it because you were letting us in. The gift was at the end. It was an amazing performance.” Katy: “The control was unlike any other performance. It was elegant and elevated. You are a princess, and you will never turn back into a pumpkin. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.” Luke: “It is so fun to watch you blossom into this work of art. Everything you are presenting is a work of art to watch. Perfect notes at the perfect time.” Arthur Gunn, 23 Wichita, Kansas Last Season Runner-up Song: “Remember Me” (Coco) Katy: “That was one of your best performances. The delivery, the enunciation, it was all there. It was amazing. I love when you do your own thing. You are Arthur Gunn through and through.” Luke: “It was so authentic to what we saw from you last season.” Lionel: “One thing I want you to remember about being a stylist is when you can take any song and make it yours. Welcome back.” Cassandra Coleman, 24Columbia, Tenn. Coffee Shop Manager Song: “Go the Distance” (Hercules) Luke: “That was probably your most solid vocal from top to bottom and the most comfortable we’ve seen you, which showed in the vocal.” Lionel: “I was just sitting here saying, ‘Solid performance.’” Katy: “I love that you leaned into the theme. I think your confidence has gone from zero to hero. And any doubts you have, leave them in the fairy dust.” Hunter Metts, 22Franklin, Tenn. Software Developer Song: “You’ll Be In My Heart” (Tarzan) Lionel: “The thing you were fearing most was getting emotional, and you got emotional.” Katy: “It was great to see you on stage like that singing your mom’s favorite song. You sounded great. You took that big leap. Keep taking them.” Luke: “When you started, you were reluctant to go there, and we got you going there. When you expand your range and go for it, it will make you more undeniable.” Grace Kinstler, 20Chicago, Ill. College Student Song: “Into the Unknown” (Frozen II) Katy: “It was like you had a magic wand in your voice and the smoke was swirling and there was thunder and lightning. It was awesome.” Luke: “You walked to the mic with a look in your eye that said you were going to slay this. The eye of the tiger. You went beyond all that.” Lionel: I think John said it best, “Just do that.” American Idol airs Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Next week the Top 7 will perform songs by Coldplay for Mother’s Day.
