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America, the fate of this season’s « American Idol » contestants is officially in your hands.
Now that judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have completed the arduous task of narrowing the competition down to the top 26 (because there were too many good singers to pick a top 24), the remaining singers will move forward in the competition based on viewers’ votes.
Fans can vote on the « American Idol » website, the show’s app or by texting each contestant’s corresponding number to 21523.
Thirteen singers took the stage at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, on Sunday’s episode, and the remaining singers perform Monday. Here are the highlights from the first batch of top 26 performances.
‘American Idol’ sends home a frontrunner, platinum ticket winner in shocking top 24 reveal
Elise Kristine kicked off the show with a powerful, rousing rendition of « Holding Out for a Hero » by Bonnie Tyler.
Perry commended her boldness, saying she « didn’t smell one ounce of fear. »
« That’s what performers are, » she continued. « They are fearless, and you’ve got fangs, and that was a fang-ful song. »
If Kristine’s fangs have got you chomping at the bit to keep her on the show, text 1 to 21523.
‘Idol’ shocker: Katy Perry talks sense into contestant who suddenly quit show onstage
Oliver Stone put his smooth, soulful voice to use on « Better Together » by Jack Johnson. Richie praised him on finding his « vocal identity » – something that’s a necessity on « Idol. »
« Congratulations, because the most important part about vocals is that you want to set yourself apart from everybody else,” the judge added.
To let Stone keep showing off his vocal identity in the competition, text 2 to 21523.
Katy Perry weeps on ‘American Idol’ after Fire’s duet partner falls ill, quits show on stage
Matt Wilson melted the hearts of the crowd by singing « Speechless » by Dan + Shay in a performance dedicated to his wife. At one point, he crouched down to touch her hand from the stage.
« You can’t go wrong singing to your love, » Bryan said.
Wilson’s wife cried tears of joy while accompanying her husband on stage after his performance, saying, « It took so much for him to get up here, and I’m just so proud that he didn’t give up on his dreams. »
If Wilson touched your heart too, text 3 to 21523.
Watch ‘American Idol’ contestant who cheated death 9 times in car crash makes Lionel Richie sob
Kaeyra earned high praise for her stunning vocals and smart song choice.
