‘American Idol' Top 7 revealed as judges save one contestant from elimination: Who won ‘Judge's Song Contest'?
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Tonight on American Idol, the Top 8 perform songs secretly selected by judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, or Luke Bryan in the 'Judge's Song Contest.' With Jelly Roll as artist in residence, America votes for the Top 6, and the judges save one to complete the Top 7.
After the Top 8 perform, host Ryan Seacrest "dims the lights" as one hopeful is eliminated.
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The "Judge's Song Contest" episode of American Idol airs live coast-to-coast on Monday, May 5 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Follow along with our live blog below to see each performance and find out who went home. Plus, vote for your favorite in our poll once the entire Top 8 has performed!
In the "Judge's Song Contest," Carrie, Lionel, and Luke each submit one song for each hopeful to perform. The contestants, given just three options, choose their favorite to sing. The judge whose songs are selected the most is crowned the winner of this fun and friendly competition.
8 p.m. — Previously, on American Idol: The Top 8 finalists were announced on May 4 after celebrating iconic women in music during "Ladies' Night." John Foster ("Something to Talk About"), Jamal Roberts ("Undo It"), and Gabby Samone ("I Was Here") won Gold Derby's poll as your favorite performers. After 22 million votes were cast, Canaan James Hill ("Love Wins") and Kolbi Jordan ("The Chain") were eliminated. Who will be sent packing next? And who will advance to the Top 7? Let's find out!
Breanna Nix
Age: 25
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Performance: "Independence Day" by Martina McBride (chosen by Luke Bryan)
Carrie's comments: "It was a good song choice. You tripped up...and didn't miss a beat."
Lionel's comments: "You know your voice so well. Those high notes are out of this stratosphere."
Luke's comments: "That is an amazingly challenging song. The ease at which you hit those high notes was tremendous."
Mattie Pruitt
Age: 16
Hometown: Eagleville, Tenn.
Performance: "Always Been You" by Jessie Murph (chosen by Luke Bryan)
Carrie's comments: "We're taking baby steps in the sass department and we just want more."
Lionel's comments: N/A
Luke's comments: "Try to channel that sass, but vocally it was amazing."
8:30 p.m. — Gabby, Josh, and Jamal performed a trio of Lionel's own "Dancing on the Ceiling."
John Foster
Age: 18
Hometown: Addis, La.
Performance: "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait (chosen by Carrie Underwood)
Carrie's comments: "That was absolutely perfect. Hearing you sing that song felt comfortable. That was one of your best performances."
Lionel's comments: N/A
Luke's comments: "It was the perfect song for you. You're singing better and better every week."
Josh King
Age: 24
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Performance: "Home" by Michael Bublé (chosen by Lionel Richie)
Carrie's comments: "You seemed in your element. That was a really strong performance."
Lionel's comments: "You embody that song. The marriage was perfect."
Luke's comments: "That was a perfect song choice for you. You had all the style behind that one — it was perfect."
Gabby Samone
Age: 23
Hometown: Baltimore
Performance: "Hero" by Mariah Carey (chosen by Lionel Richie)
Carrie's comments: "That was a really great song choice and you delivered it beautifully."
Lionel's comments: "You have taken a Mariah song and turned it into your song. You have a stage presence that's undeniable."
Luke's comments: "Where does all this power and air come from? You give me all the star vibes."
9:10 p.m. – Slater, Thunderstorm, and John teamed up for Luke's song "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day."
Jamal Roberts
Age: 27
Hometown: Meridian, Miss.
Performance: "I Believe" by Fantasia (chosen by Lionel Richie)
Carrie's comments: "You delivered it beautifully."
Lionel's comments: "It was the perfect choice, but your execution of that song had me crying. You're a phenomenon."
Luke's comments: "I don't know if I've ever seen anybody connect the heart to the head to the voice like you're able to do. You made tears well up in our eyes. That is God given."
9:30 p.m. – Mattie and Breanna paired up for Carrie's "Something in the Water."
Thunderstorm Artis
Age: 29
Hometown: Haleiwa, Hawaii
Performance: "Faithfully" by Journey (chosen by Carrie Underwood)
Carrie's comments: "You have such a uniqueness to your voice. You have the ability to mold that song and make it fit you."
Lionel's comments: "It was amazing! More important than that, you have instant identity."
Luke's comments: "It's an honor to sit here. You're really brilliant."
Slater Nalley
Age: 18
Hometown: Atlanta
Performance: "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen (chosen by Luke Bryan)
Carrie's comments: "That was great."
Lionel's comments: "You pulled that off with amazing abilities. The fact that you have that shirt on with confidence tells me a lot about your career."
Luke's comments: "I love the way you did bring the energy to it."
Judge's Song Contest
Lionel and Luke tied with three points each to win the Judge's Song Contest. That means they'll have to pair up to decide which contestant will receive their save tonight. Carrie finished in third place with two points.
Judge's Save
The judges chose to save Mattie after she landed in the bottom two.
Elimination
Dim the lights! Based on America's vote, this artist was eliminated on Monday, May 5:
Josh King
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