American Idol season 18 is now down to 11 contestants, and the competition is getting more intense than ever.
From 20 contestants, the American Idol season 18 judges trim the number down last Sunday as the move on to the next stage of the singing competition.
With the global pandemic going around in most countries across the world, shows have been airing via online streaming. With that, American Idol season 18 came up with a stay-at-home segment alternative and it just aired its second show.
American Idol season 18’s Top 11
The competition is now down from 20 contestants to the top 10. Last Sunday’s show revealed the Top 10 contestants who gained the most votes from viewers and fans.
The official tally is solely based on viewers’ votes. But, the judges have a one-time opportunity to save a contestant and add them to the list that moves forward in the competition.
Just minutes before American Idol’s host Ryan Seacrest could wrap up the show, the judges decided to use their one-time power to save one singer from the elimination.
The judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, chose to save Makayla Phillips from the elimination.
Makayla Phillips is a 17-year old contestant from Temecula, California. Phillips is a native who previously joined America’s Got Talent season 13 way back in 2018. Unfortunately, she got eliminated during the semi-finals.
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Judges’ reason behind saving Makayla Phillips
According to Katy Perry, it was difficult for her and her co-judges to come up with that decision. Nevertheless, they saw potential in Phillips and that she has an incredible voice. Perry also mentioned that Phillips checked all the necessary boxes for her to belong on that top singers’ list.
Phillips did an excellent job in the past competition stages. The Firework superstar adds that Phillips will make the competition among the singers even tighter.
Richie also stated that they heard similar genres from the top 10, and so they chose Makayla as she differs from the rest. They had to go for a voice that was missing from the group.
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While on-air, Phillips performed at home with her family around her giving all the support she needs. When the judges gave out their decision to save her, Phillips could not believe it—failing to contain her happiness and relief.
Phillips sang a softer rendition of Miranda Lambert’s The House That Built Me. The right song choice this time around led the judges to firmly believe that she is worth saving.
The Top 7 will be revealed next Sunday on ABC, and the season finale will air on May 17, announcing the next American Idol.
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