♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: Tonight, 10 more of your "Idol" hopefuls
sing for your votes
from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
[ Cheers and applause ]
We're jumping right into the music
with a Grammy-nominated artist
who's carrying on his family legacy. Yeah, baby!
Performing his newly released rendition... Whoo!
...of the Bob Marley classic "One Love"
off his forthcoming album,
give it up for Skip Marley!
Yeah! Skip!
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
Aloha.
♪ One love ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ Let's join together and feel all right ♪
Come on!
♪ One love ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ Give thanks and praise to the Lord ♪
♪ And I will feel all right ♪
♪ Let's join together and feel all right ♪
♪ Let them all pass all their dirty remarks ♪
♪ One love ♪
♪ Now, there is one question I'd really love to ask ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ And is there a place for them hopeless sinners ♪
♪ Who have hurt all mankind just to save their own? ♪
♪ Believe me ♪
♪ One love ♪ ♪ What about one heart? ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ Let's join together and feel all right ♪
♪ Do you hear the children's crying? ♪
♪ One love ♪
♪ Hear the children's cry ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ We give thanks and praise to the Lord ♪
♪ And we will feel ♪
♪ All right ♪ ♪ Again ♪
♪ So let's join together and feel ♪
♪ All right ♪
♪ Well, let us get together to fight the holy Armagiddyon ♪
♪ One love ♪
♪ So when the man comes, there will be no, no doom ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ Oh, let them all pass with all their and them dirty remarks ♪
♪ For there's no hiding place from the Father of Creation ♪
Come on!
♪ One love ♪
Sing out!
♪ One heart ♪ Let's go!
♪ Let's join together and we'll feel ♪
♪ All right ♪
♪ We're pleading to mankind ♪
♪ One love ♪
♪ Lord have mercy ♪
♪ One heart ♪
♪ Well, give thanks and praise to the Lord ♪
♪ And we will feel ♪
♪ All right ♪
♪ Well, let's join together and feel ♪
♪ All right ♪
♪ We give thanks and praise to the Lord ♪
♪ And we will feel all right ♪
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause continues ]
Ryan: The hopefuls looking good tonight.
And Skip Marley!
Good to see you.
Setting the vibes right this evening.
Yeah, we got to, we got to. Love it.
Thank you so much for being here.
Thank you all. [ Cheers and applause ]
And keep it going.
Give it up for our superstar panel.
Say hello to Luke Bryan...
[ Cheers and applause ]
...Lionel Richie... Come on!
...and Carrie Underwood.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Plus, guest mentor and guest judge Keke Palmer
is back with us again.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Now, Keke has a not-to-miss performance later in the show.
Very exciting. But first...
[ Cheers and applause continues ]
Thank you very much.
You got a ways to go, so save some.
Let's talk voting. Yeah.
So many easy ways to do it.
Say goodbye to the "American Idol" app. That is out.
The social vote is in.
All you have to do is head @AmericanIdol on Facebook,
Instagram, and TikTok and comment
on the pinned official voting post with the first name
of the "Idol" hopeful you're voting for.
It's one name and one vote per comment.
You can also vote online or via text.
And you have 10 votes per hopeful
per social platform and voting method.
Got it? Together: Yes!
Here are the 10 amazing singers.
Take a look.
They're vying for your all-important votes tonight.
They're hoping to continue on in the competition
by making it into your top 14.
So make sure you vote for all of your favorites.
This week, they had the awesome experience of being mentored
by country music legend Brad Paisley...
[ Cheers and applause ]
...and singer and award-winning actress Keke Palmer.
Lionel: All right, girl!
Here's how it went down
with LaGrange, Georgia's, Philmon Lee.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Philmon: We're in Hawaii.
It's like something out of a movie.
Fore!
I love golfing.
I'm definitely not the best golfer in the world,
but I just love going out there and strike one down the middle.
Back at home, we definitely got some golf courses,
but this place is amazing.
Let's go.
So it's awesome to be here.
Hey! Nice to meet you, Philmon. Hello. How you doing?
Philmon: It was amazing seeing Keke and Brad.
They were super-cool.
I'm excited to hear what you're gonna be singing.
I know you're very soulful.
So what's the song choice today?
It's "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.
Fabulous. That's cool.
♪ Just a small-town girl ♪
Philmon: My journey so far, each round,
I've gotten more nervous and nervous
'cause I'm chasing my dreams.
My knees are shaking, dude.
Man: How are you holding up?
♪♪
What would you say is the main thing
that makes you nervous? Just trying to be perfect.
I'm a huge critic on myself, so...
I can relate.
I mean, I'm in the top 20 of "American Idol."
From LaGrange, Georgia, a small town --
It's just amazing.
I think my family thinks the same way.
Oh, damn.
♪♪
I think my family thinks the same way.
So hopefully I get to go even further.
I haven't been told no yet, but...
I can't talk right now. I can't even breathe.
Keke: The nerve stuff, you take that energy
and you let it be a part of the performance.
It's kind of like a trick that you could do with your mind.
Brad: The jitters when you're getting up on that stage --
I think the hardest part of the song is the first part. Yes!
Like, the second part's give it all you got, you know?
And you do that.
Let me hear that first verse again.
♪ Living in a lonely world ♪
That's the note -- "lonely."
Those first few falsetto notes are just the ones... Mm-hmm.
...to not get tripped up on. Yes.
'Cause then everybody breathes easy.
I think if Philmon hits those notes in the beginning,
he's got a real chance of going on.
Philmon: It's just a big stage.
I just want to make sure my family's proud.
It would just mean the world to keep going.
I want to keep singing for everybody.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Just a small-town girl ♪
♪ Living in a lonely world ♪
Lionel: Come on, sing it now.
♪ She took the midnight train ♪
♪ Going anywhere ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Just a city boy ♪
♪ Born and raised in South Detroit ♪
♪ He took the midnight train ♪
♪ Going anywhere ♪
♪ A singer in a smoky room ♪
♪ The smell of wine and cheap perfume ♪
Come on now!
♪ For a smile, they can share the night ♪
♪ It goes on and on and on ♪
♪ Strangers waiting ♪
♪ Up and down the boulevard ♪
♪ Shadows searching in the night ♪
[ Audience clapping rhythmically ]
♪ Streetlight people ♪
♪ Living just to find emotion ♪
♪ Hiding somewhere in the night ♪
♪ Don't stop believin' ♪
♪ Hold on to that feeling ♪
♪ Streetlight people ♪
♪ Don't stop believin' ♪
♪ Hold on to that feeling ♪
♪ Streetlight people ♪
♪ Don't stop believin' ♪
♪ Hold on to that feeling ♪
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
There you go.
Philmon kicking off the show. Way to go, buddy.
Thank you, sir.
How'd it feel to kick everything off tonight?
I'm glad I got it out of the way.
Now I can enjoy the rest of the day.
By the way, your hair does not move.
It did not move that entire performance.
My mom will have to give you the secret.
Some type of hair spray.
The thing just does not move, so...
I'm available one minute
after the show is over for that tip.
Let's go to the judges. I got you.
All right, so at the beginning, I said,
"Please don't let this song intimidate you."
You stepped up.
The first half, I was a little scared for you.
And then you leaned in to it. You did a great job, man.
Thank you so much, Mr. Lionel.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Philmon, I was very nervous for a second,
but when I seen you take that mic off that stand,
you started walking,
getting a little swag to your step,
the vocals were hitting every note they needed to hit.
Excellent job. I'm so proud of you.
Thank you so much, Keke. I'm so proud of you. Seriously.
I love that you made it your own.
I mean, everybody knows this song.
It's been done in, like, every karaoke setting
on planet Earth. So true.
But you took it and you put your own spin on it.
If there's one thing that I could tell you to do
a little bit more is just relax.
I kind of felt your brain working a little bit,
and that's not a bad thing, 'cause, you know,
this is a big deal!
But just get into it and try to shut your brain off.
I know it's hard, but try.
Thank you so much.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Man, vocals.
You don't need to worry about vocals.
But now channel that inner, like, tiger, that warrior.
You know, if you could just amp
your performance energy up a little bit, man,
you're gonna surprise yourself.
Thank you, Luke. Thank you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
So relax a little bit.
It is Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa,
if you want to start relaxing right there.
Philmon Lee, everybody! Philmon Lee!
If you believe in him,
vote for him right now online or via text.
You can also visit our "American Idol" account on Facebook,
Instagram, or TikTok and comment below
tonight's official voting post with his first name.
Voting will remain open until 6:00 a.m.
Eastern Time tomorrow. Now -- You can head out.
Philmon Lee, thank you, buddy.
[ Cheers and applause ]
The party on the beach is just getting started.
Much more music on the way.
Rae wants to earn your respect when "Idol" returns.
Do not move. We'll be right back.
[ Cheers and applause ]
-You nailed it. -That was so good.
I'm proud of you, son.
♪♪
Ryan: Welcome back to the show.
The journey for our finalists to this incredible stage
has been an emotional one,
especially for Maryland native Rae.
Here's her time with Brad Paisley
and Keke Palmer.
Rae: Hi! Hi, Rae.
Brad: Hey, Rae. Hi, guys.
Keke is my girl. I love her.
Nice to meet you. I love you so much.
Keke is just unapologetically herself.
And I just want to be just like that.
I'm singing "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.
Oh! R-E-S-P-E-C-T. "Respect." Yeah, that's...
So what makes you say Aretha?
I grew up on Aretha.
My mom just always played Aretha everywhere.
And she just told me, like,
"You're gonna command the stage like her.
You're going to command the stage."
♪ R-E-S-P-E-C-T ♪
♪ Find out what it means to me ♪
So let's talk about what you're gonna do onstage.
I don't have any choreography,
and I do want to have, like, something in mind.
I normally just kind of wing it, but, like, I don't know.
All the other rounds have been super-emotional and I'm crying.
So now I'm having fun
and I think that's what I'm excited for.
It's just markers. Like... Yeah.
...by this point of the song, I'm gonna go to the right.
By this point of the song, I'm gonna go to the left.
All it would take is one of those notes this way... Mm-hmm.
...or this way, and I think that audience will go crazy. Yes.
[ Vocalizing ]
Well done! Yeah!
Well done! Fantastic.
It seemed like you had such ease with it.
Yeah. It's just, the dynamics are so right.
Thank you. I love that you gave us an array
of what your vocals could do in this song.
Keke loved my dynamics?
Okay. Yeah.
Wow. Like, life made.
I'm, like, already -- I've been, like, crying.
[ Chuckles ]
Being able to sing this in front of you is, like...
Oh, my gosh!
Like, I feel like I manifested this moment.
Oh, my gosh!
♪♪
The song means so much to me.
Why I'm singing it means so much to me.
And I feel like this is just a dream come true.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ What you want ♪
♪ Baby, I got it ♪
♪ What you need ♪
♪ Yeah, do you know I got it? ♪
♪ All I'm asking ♪
♪ Is foooor ♪
♪ A little respect ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪
Hey!
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ I said, a little respect now ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ Hey, yeah ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ I ain't gonna do you wrong ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ While you're gone ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ I ain't gonna do you wrong ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ 'Cause I don't want to ♪
♪ All I'm asking ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Is for a little respect when you come home ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪ ♪ Hey, baby ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪ ♪ When you get home ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ Listen, now ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ R-E-S-P-E-C-T ♪
♪ Find out what it means to me ♪
♪ R-E-S-P-E-C-T ♪
♪ Take care, TCB ♪
♪ Ohh, a little respect now ♪
[ Vocalizing ]
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ Ooh, your kisses ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Are sweeter than honey ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ And guess what?
♪ So is my money ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ And all I want you to do for me is to ♪
♪ Give it to me when I get ♪
♪ Ho, ho, home ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Just a little bit ♪
♪ Whoo ♪
♪ Find out what it means to me ♪
♪ R-E-S-P-E-C-T ♪
♪ Take care, TCB ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh ♪
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Well, all right.
Some Aretha there.
She's a blueprint artist for you, huh? Whoo!
Oh, yeah. She is.
Somebody needs to ring the fire alarm
because you just set the whole show on fire.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Girl, I'm not playing. You were singing down.
I even heard a little talking, personality throughout.
When you hit that move at the end,
I mean, it was just -- The performance was fabulous
from top to bottom.
You gave us stage presence, you gave us the outfit.
I mean, it's giving Mary J. Blige!
Ah, whoa, whoa!
Whoa, whoa!
I just live, mama. Whoa! Whoa!
So we've known you for a bit.
And we've been in these, like, much more subdued situations.
I feel like this was the missing ingredient.
We always knew you could sing,
but you can entertain. Like... There you go!
...you were having fun with it. There! There!
You completely made it your own.
You weren't trying to copy anybody. There you go.
You did you. You rearranged the song. Phew!
They had fun. You had fun. We had fun.
That was amazing.
Thank you so much.
Girl, I can't even. That was good.
Whoa. That was Aretha Rae, y'all.
I mean, I'm just telling you.
I don't know what vitamin pill you took...
[ Laughter ]
...but this event, you have to surprise us.
You pulled it out and give it us.
That was amazing. I love it.
Thank you so much.
You got my respect.
Whoo!
And you're one of our best singers,
if not the best singer.
And way to come out and work the crowd.
[ Cheers and applause ]
That didn't get lost on you.
Whoo! Whoo!
Well, look at me dropping nuggets.
[ Laughter ]
Of wisdom, I think.
Anyway, I just loved the whole performance.
It was comfortable. You were entertaining.
Make sure you get America voting for you.
There you go. Right answer. Keke: Yes!
[ Cheers and applause ]
I don't know what more you could ask for from the panel.
That's how you dream of it.
Vote for Rae right now via social media --
on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
You can also find all the voting details.
And vote online at americanidol.com.
Rae, America! Thank you very much.
Great job.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Now, the music continues next
when Lucas Leon takes on a huge Tim McGraw hit.
Plus, Jordan McCullough sings for your votes
for the first time right here from Disney's Aulani Resort.
We'll be right back on "Idol."
Jamie: I love you so much.
♪♪
[ Laughs ]
Back with you on "Idol." We hope you're enjoying
the newest way to show your love for the hopefuls this season.
I'm talking about the social voting.
Look for "American Idol" on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok
and find tonight's official pinned voting post.
Comment the first name of who you want to vote for.
You can comment with one name at a time
and up to 10 times per finalist on each one of those platforms.
Now let's check out Lucas Leon's mentor moment
with Brad and Keke.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Lucas: I'm very excited to be able to share
this experience with my parents.
A vacation in Hawaii doesn't come around every so often.
For them to be able to see all my hard work kind of pay off,
it feels great.
I'm from Gallatin, Tennessee, and hometown support
has been awesome.
You perform all around town.
How does that happen with you being in high school?
Oh, it's just fun.
Teachers and students and my buddies,
and they all come out to shows and all of that.
Oh, my gosh!
And I do play one of your songs at almost every gig.
Oh, really?
I'm a massive Brad Paisley fan.
Both: ♪ Well, I'm gonna miss her ♪
I play the farmers' market a lot in Nashville.
Yeah, yeah. It gets the tips.
Leon: I'm a big fan of Brad just 'cause of his guitar playing,
his singing, his songwriting, and his stage presence,
everything about him.
I'm sure I'll be on the Opry in the next couple months.
Maybe you can come to that
and then we can walk around backstage.
That would be awesome. Thank you so much.
So what song are you doing today?
I'm gonna be doing "Just to See You Smile."
It's one of my favorite songs ever written.
♪ Just to see you smile ♪
♪ I'd do anything ♪
You effortlessly sort of get lost in the song
and then acknowledge there's an audience.
I don't know if you were giving him the eye
you were giving me, but I was loving the eye.
It's a very heartfelt interpretation of Tim's thing.
It doesn't sound like Tim, and it shouldn't.
It sounds like you.
And that's hard to do.
Differentiating yourself is the name of the game
on a show like this, isn't it?
It really is. Absolutely.
You know, they say, "Don't meet your heroes,"
but I'm really glad I met Brad.
So I'm hoping that I can take his advice with me on the stage.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ You always had an eye for things that glittered ♪
♪ And I was far from being made of gold ♪
[ Audience clapping rhythmically ]
♪ I don't know how, but I scraped up the money ♪
♪ I just could never could quite tell you no ♪
♪ Just like when you were leaving Amarillo ♪
♪ And taking that new job in Tennessee ♪
♪ And I quit mine so we could be together ♪
♪ And I can't forget the way you looked at me ♪
♪ But just to see you smile ♪
♪ I'd do anything ♪
♪ That you wanted me to ♪
♪ When all is said and done ♪
♪ I'd never count the cost ♪
♪ It's worth all that's lost ♪
♪ Just to see you smile ♪
♪ Yeah, yesterday I knew just what you wanted ♪
♪ When you came walking up to me with him ♪
♪ And I told you that I was happy for you ♪
♪ And given the chance, I'd lie again ♪
♪ Just to see you smile ♪
♪ I'd do anything ♪
♪ That you wanted me to ♪
♪ When all is said and done ♪
♪ I'd never count the cost ♪
♪ It's worth all that's lost ♪
♪ Just to see you smile ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Just to see you smile ♪
Ryan: Yeah!
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
Lionel: Yeah.
[ Cheers and applause continues ]
Lovely. Lovely.
It was lovely. It was lovely.
Lionel: You know, you made that so comfortable.
Yes.
I almost forgot that you were a contestant.
That's what you want. You want comfort.
You want people to understand
that this is what you do naturally.
And what you just performed there was about as natural
as you're ever gonna get.
It was fantastic. Thank you, thank you.
I agree with everything that Lionel said
because you literally transported us into your world.
I felt like I was at a beach club,
I was at a festival.
You know, I haven't been in love in ages.
I'm single as a Pringle,
and I felt romantic because you set the tone.
You were making me smile. I mean, I just loved it.
You are very much you. And you did a fabulous job.
Thank you so much.
"Single as a Pringle."
Your voice is so -- It is powerful.
It is beautiful.
And there is something really special about the simplicity.
You don't try to oversing. There you go.
You're, like, laid back in the pocket. There you go.
And it's just so easy to listen to you and to watch you.
Thank you so much. I loved it.
Yeah. Ryan: Luke Bryan.
Yeah. Just keep delivering, keep making us feel comfortable,
but also keep adding the pressure and intensity
and pick songs that really pull you outside... Lionel: There you go.
...of your comfort zone,
but you just keep knocking every performance out of the park.
So great job. Thank you so much. Thank you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Luke predicted you would make your hometown's
Wikipedia page at some point, right?
Lucas: Yes, sir. [ Laughter ]
Maybe old Lucas Leon...
Maybe. Maybe. ...has got a spot here on the Wikipedia.
So I was just backstage doing my research.
"Gallatin, Tennessee." [ Lionel laughs ]
And look at this. "Lucas Leon,
'American Idol' Season 24 contestant."
Ahh! Hey!
Carrie: Whoo-hoo! [ Applause ]
Lucas Leon. You got to vote for him right now. Yes, sir.
If you want his "Idol" journey to live on,
there's multiple ways to cast your votes.
Head on over to americanidol.com for all the details.
Lucas Leon, everyone. All right, buddy, thank you.
Congrats. Well done.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Next, worship director Jordan McCullough
takes on a U2 crowd-pleaser.
Here's how he impressed Brad and Keke.
♪♪
How are you liking Hawaii?
Girl, I'm trying to figure out
how I can stay a little longer. Yes!
'Cause my goodness! The sun is nice.
The water is nice. Goofy!
Jordan: I got to meet Goofy.
I honestly felt like a little kid when I saw him.
[ Laughing ] Oh, my gosh!
How did it go in your last performance?
I came in a little unsure. Jordan.
But it landed me the platinum ticket.
The hopefuls voted for me and it was amazing.
I felt so honored.
I feel like the pressure is on, because I feel like
a lot of people are looking at me to see,
"Okay, how can he follow up?"
So what are you singing today?
Today I'm singing
"Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2. Okay.
It's definitely outside of my genre.
I picked this song because it talks about,
"I still haven't found what I'm looking for,"
but honestly, as I'm continuing my journey in "American Idol,"
I've kind of finally found what I'm looking for.
I'm finding my passion.
♪ I have run ♪
♪ Through the fields ♪
I'm kind of known right now for the showstopper experience,
and I want to just show the judges
that I can actually just stand here and sing, too -- just me.
And that's always a risk in itself.
Every imperfection or perfection
will be noticed and acknowledged.
So for him to start that way, that's a crazy choice.
You know what I'm saying? Brad: Yeah.
That's, like, definitely bold and it could be risky.
He's taking a risk, but I think it'll pay off.
You got to swing for that fence.
I mean, for me, it really says, "I'm out here without a net."
That's the energy that I'm looking for.
Me too. Okay?
I can't wait to see how this goes.
Jordan: I'm stepping out of my comfort, for sure,
but my approach will be a little bit different
than what America has seen,
and I hope that they will enjoy it and love it, too.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ I have climbed ♪
♪ The highest mountain ♪
♪ I have run ♪
♪ Through the fields ♪
♪ Only to be with you ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Only to be with you ♪
♪ I have run ♪
♪ I have crawled ♪
♪ I have scaled these city walls ♪
♪ These city walls ♪
[ Vocalizing ]
♪ Only to be with you ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ But I still haven't found ♪
♪ Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh ♪
♪ What I'm looking for ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ Said, I believe in the kingdom come ♪
♪ When all the colors will bleed into one ♪
♪ Bleed into one ♪
♪ But yes, I'm still running ♪
♪ Mm, yeah ♪
♪ You broke the bonds ♪
♪ You loosed the chains ♪
♪ Carried the cross ♪
♪ Of my shame ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, of my shame ♪
♪ You know I believe it ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ But I still haven't found ♪
♪ What I'm looking for ♪
♪ But I still haven't found, oh, oh ♪
♪ What I'm looking for ♪
♪ But I still haven't found ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Whoo!
♪ What I'm looking for ♪
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
Lionel: Mm! Mm! Mm!
Man!
What?!
[ Cheers and applause continues ]
Beautiful job with that U2 song.
You're shaking up here a little bit, huh?
A little bit.
That emotion a little overwhelming.
What were you feeling at the end?
Yeah, man. It's so ironic to sing a song about a man
not finding what you're looking for.
I've done many things. I've tried many things.
But tonight, looking out and seeing all of you guys,
I feel like I finally have found...
Lionel: Man. ...what I'm looking for.
[ Cheers and applause ]
I think that Jordan has used up
all the notes... [ Keke laughs ]
...possible in the music business.
[ Laughter ]
First of all, Jordan,
to take a U2 song and turn it into spiritual...
that's a feat.
And then on top of that,
turn the U2 song into your song
is the way you win competitions.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
I love that Lionel used the word "spiritual"
because I feel like
I just had the most amazing moment listening to you. That's right. Right.
'Cause we're in this heavenly made place,
listening to your anointed voice.
Yes. Yes. Like, praise the Lord
for all of this... Yes. Yes.
...because it was absolutely just mind-blowing.
Yes. Yes. That was incredible, Jordan.
Thank you so much. Amen.
You are so blessed. Killer.
Thank you. Thank you. I receive it. Killer.
Keke: Jordan...
what I have to say is just to everyone,
because when we see a talent like you come up on the stage,
I think the thought is, "Oh, they're safe."
America, you still got to vote.
Know that at the end of the day, no matter how great he is,
we need you to come through and we need you to vote
because you got to be in this competition.
You are incredible. You are incredible.
Thank you so much, Keke. That's all I got to say.
Thank you.
Your vocal command and your presence.
Like, when you hit your first note,
everybody pays attention to you
because you know how to really own that moment,
and your voice is that big.
And to be able to navigate the notes,
to take us on this journey, man, you're a powerhouse singer.
Lionel: Wow. Wow. And you keep surprising me.
You know, the 'ohana rounds, when you came out
and did what you did, I was like, "Who is this guy?
Look at him." Right. That's true.
And that's what it takes to get through each round...
True. ...of this competition and win the thing.
True. So great job.
Jordan: Thank you so much.
So Jordan is here.
America, have you found what you're looking for?
Get him into the top 14. It's time to vote.
Do it now on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
You can also vote online or via text.
Message and data rates may apply.
Jordan McCullough, everyone. Well done, my friend.
Thank you very much.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Have you heard your favorite yet?
[ Audience shouting indistinctly ]
Abayomi is hoping it's her.
She's taking the "Idol" stage next at Disney's Aulani Resort.
Don't miss it. We're coming right back.
Mm! Oh, my God, you did so good.
I'm so proud of you.
You did amazing. You did amazing.
♪♪
[ Chorus singing in Hawaiian ]
♪♪
[ Singing continues ]
♪♪
[ Singing continues ]
♪♪
[ Music ends ] You did it.
Ryan: The incredible voices
of the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus right here.
Great job, you guys.
Amazing. Well done.
Lots of rehearsal.
And you did it on the "American Idol" stage.
Mahalo for being with us tonight.
Who knows? Maybe one of them
will be on "American Idol" Season...35?
[ Laughter ] Whoo!
Only time will tell. Whoo!
Now here is this year's youngest competitor --
16-year-old Abayomi.
Good job, y'all.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
[ Camera shutter clicks ]
Nice to meet you. Oh! Oh!
Whoo! So thrilled to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
So what are you singing today?
I'm singing "Mamma Knows Best" by Jessie J.
Okay.
I'm dedicating this song to my mother.
[ Screaming ] Abayomi: My mom has always been there for me.
She's the reason I started performing.
She's a rapper.
Both: ♪ The area ♪
What? What?
♪ The area ♪
She's a teacher.
And getting her bachelor's degree
all while being a mother, a single mother,
it's insane to me.
I want her to just feel like everything
she's put into me is finally pouring out.
I love you, and you got this.
Cheers.
I'm so excited that I'm gonna get to see you do your thing.
♪ Mama knows best when times get hard ♪
You and I were talented at 16,
but I was failing my third driver's test by now.
[ Laughs ] Yes. Yes. Her focus is really there.
♪ See, Mama, Mama knows best ♪
♪ See, Daddy, Daddy knows best ♪
On those "Mama knows bests," and we hear that boom-boom,
I want to see you step forward, you know. Oh.
Really leaning into the audience on those moments
'cause it's kind of like a direct... Yeah!
You confronting them. Yes.
♪ See, Mama, Mama knows best ♪
♪ See, Daddy, Daddy knows best ♪ Yes!
So you're dedicating this to your mom?
Is she here?
Yes, she is here.
Really? Oh, I think I see her!
Oh, she's here? Here here. Oh, my gosh!
Oh, my God. Oh, you look beautiful.
Brad: This woman was wonderful.
For sure. Mama so sweet.
Now, are you the singer or the rapper?
Or your mom was a rapper? I rap. You sing.
Wait, wait.
Eh! Eh! Eh!
Y'all know that's right, girl! Yeah!
The fact that she's dedicating the song to her mom --
I love the lineage respect.
I want her to be herself.
I just felt like that's all you can bring, is yourself.
And I felt like God ordained this.
This was already predestined.
So regardless of whatever happens,
I feel like she's a winner.
Mama knows best.
Yeah!
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ Well, there is something going down ♪
♪ Like a storm in the sky ♪
♪ I ain't gonna be played by your behavior ♪
♪ How can I trust someone who's lying to me? ♪
♪ And so bow out and go ♪
♪ And I said, "Bow out and leave" ♪
♪ I said, "Take your bags and go ♪
♪ 'Cause you're not for me," no ♪
♪ Mama knows best when times get hard ♪
♪ And Papa always has a joke to make me laugh ♪
♪ Mama knows best when I feel down ♪
♪ To bring me up and always keep my feet ♪
You like it? You like it?
You like it?
[ Screaming ]
♪ "Just be the best," my daddy said to me ♪
♪ "Always use humor as your therapy ♪ Wow!
♪ Don't ever take life too seriously ♪
♪ Just do you 'cause you do you so ♪
♪ Perfectly ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[ Vocalizing ]
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ See, Mama, Mama knows best ♪
♪ See, Daddy, Daddy knows best ♪
♪ See, Mama, Mama knows ♪
[ Scatting ]
♪ See, Mama knows best when times get hard ♪
♪ And Papa always has a joke to make me laugh ♪
♪ Mama knows best when I feel down ♪
♪ To bring me up ♪
♪ And always keep my feet ♪
♪ On the ground ♪
♪ Mama knows best ♪
[ Music ends, cheers and applause ]
Thank you. Abayomi, everyone!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Wow. Incredible.
I spent a couple seconds with your mom and grandma. What?!
Could you hear them screaming while you were singing?
[ Women screaming ] Kind of.
I love you guys.
I love you, too. I think they love you, too.
Lionel Richie. -That's how you do it!
Somebody get some help over to Mama
over here in the corner right here.
So, so, so, listen,
this 16-year-old is driving a steamroller.
All right? Keke: Oh!
That was absolutely in charge,
empowered.
You were rolling down the road, just killing it.
You killed it. That's all. You just killed it. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Killed it.
You were like a Disney star in the making.
I feel like you're so relatable. Absolutely.
Like, you're living your best life on the stage. Oh!
And you are doing so with, like, such a vocal maturity,
but also just the way you're handling yourself. Yep.
I feel like we're just gonna watch you blossom in front of us
throughout this competition,
and I'm excited to see where that takes us... So good.
...'cause you're so stinking good. Thank you.
So good. So good.
It is not easy to command a stage in a competition
like this, especially as a young'un. No.
But you did just that.
I really want you to know, Abayomi,
no matter what happens from here on out,
you belong on that stage. Absolutely.
Thank you so much, Keke.
I'm telling you the truth. You are effervescent.
I love the outfit that you chose. Thank you.
You walked around, you told the story.
And, I mean, I gotta say, Mama knows best.
Yes, she do.
Luke: So many star qualities.
You don't operate like you're a 16-year-old.
Lionel: At all. And don't start any time soon.
Just be confident in what you are
because you have every right to be.
I mean, that was a great performance from top to bottom.
The little scatting thing...
-The scatting! -Yo! What was that?!
Thank you. Lionel: What was that?!
The [Scatting]
[ Scats ] Yeah. Yes, Luke. Just like that.
-Not like that. -Not like that.
No. Not like that.
Abayomi, everyone!
Get your votes in for her right now
online or via text.
You can also vote by commenting her first name
on our official pinned voting post on Facebook,
Instagram, and TikTok.
Once more, Abayomi, thank you so much.
Thank you. Great job.
Bye, Mom.
[ Cheers and applause ]
All right, now, check this out.
Get ready for what's on the other side
because Keke Palmer is about to bring down the house...
[ Cheers and applause ]
...with a very special performance.
You do not want to miss this.
"Idol" is back at Disney's Aulani Resort
right after this quick break.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Abi, Abi, Abi! Oh!
You did amazing. She did amazing.
You did amazing. You killed it.
Thank you. Thank you. You killed it.
You did not play. No.
Girl. An old soul with your 1920s outfit on.
Come on, now. This is beautiful.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Thank you for keeping it locked on "Idol."
We're pausing the competition for a moment
to welcome to the stage someone we've gotten to know
and love these past few weeks.
She is an Emmy award-winning quadruple threat,
and she's here now with her new song "All They Type."
Put your hands together for Keke Palmer.
[ Cheers and applause ]
What's up, "American Idol"?
You know it's your girl.
♪ Oh ♪
♪ You look like you might be out here selling them dreams ♪
♪ Got 'em falling for you all night, all night ♪
♪ I can tell by looking at you, know what I mean? ♪
♪ You can say you don't, that's aight, hey ♪
♪ But that's your problem ♪
♪ You thinking you the man right now, unh ♪
♪ 'Cause you done had all of 'em ♪
♪ But you don't understand right now ♪
♪ Hey, you're looking at a real one ♪
♪ Mm, mm ♪
♪ Don't let it go to your head, unh ♪
♪ Hey, 'cause I might be in your heart ♪
♪ Oh, oh, you gotta know what this is ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ 'Cause all the brothers know ♪
♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm all they type ♪
♪ Mm, mm, mm ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm all they type ♪
♪ And you know that's me ♪
♪ I'm the one that they all wanna keep ♪
♪ Lock it up and throw away the key ♪
♪ Oh, baby, don't be trying to play it coy ♪
♪ Don't you recognize when you see a queen ♪
♪ You can say you don't, that's aight, unh ♪
♪ But that's your problem ♪
♪ You thinking you the man right now ♪
♪ Hey, 'cause you done had all of 'em ♪
♪ But you don't understand right now, unh ♪
♪ You're looking at a real one ♪
♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪
♪ Don't let it go to your head ♪
♪ Unh, 'cause I might be in your heart ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ You gotta know what this is ♪
♪ Hey, hey ♪
♪ 'Cause all the brothers know ♪
♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm all they type ♪
♪ Hey, hey, 'cause I'm all they type ♪
Now wait a minute.
Mickey and Minnie were supposed to be
meeting me here prompt.
Oh!
I thought you guys weren't gonna show up.
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ Oh, yeah, 'cause you don't understand right now ♪
Guys, put your hands together. Hey, here we go.
Unh!
I'm so happy to be here with you
at Disney's Aulani Resort.
This is what heaven looks like.
Thank you, "American Idol."
It's so good to be back.
♪ Hey, hey ♪
♪ Unh, you're looking at a real one ♪
Yeah!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: Keke Palmer! Mickey and Minnie!
Amazing!
So fun.
The best.
Now, hold on for a second.
So, just thinking about Keke --
By the way, thank you for being here for the mentorship
that you're providing, the energy, the guidance.
It's my pleasure. It's my pleasure.
So she can sing, obviously. She can dance.
She can act. You also have a podcast.
And I gotta have you on my podcast.
What is the name of the podcast?
It's called "Baby, this is Keke Palmer."
And what does -- What does Keke Palmer talk about
on "Baby, this is Keke Palmer"?
Well, you know, I'm curious
and I like to talk to icons such as yourself
to learn how you got to be this way.
Thank you.
But the fact that you called me an icon with Mickey
next to me, that was very, very generous.
Keke Palmer, one more time, everybody.
Thank you. That was amazing.
Coming up,
the depth of the talent this year is off the charts
and hoping to prove just that is Madison Moon.
She takes the "Idol" stage after the break
right after this.
Let's go, Mickey.
♪♪
Looking good.
Back with you on "American Idol."
We always love the backdrop here at Disney's Aulani Resort.
What better place to chase the "Idol" dream.
Hoping to shine tonight, it's Madison Moon.
Guys, look at it. Oh, my goodness.
Every time we go somewhere, my family finds a sunset.
Being able to do that in Hawaii means everything.
Did you ever think you would be here?
It literally doesn't even feel real.
My dad got to join me in meeting Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley.
I feel like I kind of got my voice from my daddy.
He is an excellent vocalist
and he pours his heart and soul into it.
He had a high school band.
He got asked to be the lead singer of Pantera,
which was dope.
Would you want to sing a little something?
I'll do it for her.
Ooh.
He wanted to pursue it further,
but he decided to give that up to raise a family.
♪ Don't stop ♪
♪ Believing ♪ ♪ Believing ♪
The world kind of missed out on him as a musician.
Both: ♪ Streetlights ♪
♪ People, oh-oh-oh ♪
Oh, my gosh! You're so good.
My God.
It's a moment I'll never forget.
What are you doing for us today?
"Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson.
Okay. It's very bold.
Especially doing a song by a former Idol.
♪ Since you've been gone ♪
♪ I can breathe for the first time ♪
I'm all about taking risks in this competition.
I haven't played it safe and I'm not going to.
It's pretty crazy what's in the tank.
You were feeling and being fun
and not taking it too seriously,
but also giving in when it was time.
♪ And again and [voice cracks] again ♪
Whoo!
There was a moment with the note
where I was like, "Uh-oh."
How you feeling about the big note?
I wasn't really... Brad: Yeah.
...you know, doing all the warm-ups and stuff today. Yeah.
One thing that always helped me to be -- to lean in,
if I go left, let me go all the way left.
You know, it's never any mistakes
because we don't really know what you was trying to do.
I absolutely feel pressure.
If I don't hit this note, I'm going home.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ Here's the thing, we started out friends ♪
♪ It was cool, but it was all pretend ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Since you been gone ♪
♪ And all you'd ever hear me say ♪
♪ Is how I picture me with you ♪
♪ That's all you'd ever hear me say ♪
♪ Since you been gone ♪
♪ I can breathe for the first time ♪
♪ I'm so movin' on ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Thanks to you, now I get ♪
♪ What I want ♪
♪ Since you been gone ♪
♪ You had your chance, you blew it ♪
♪ Out of sight, out of mind ♪
♪ Shut your mouth, I just can't take it ♪
♪ Again and again and again and again ♪
♪♪
♪ Since you been gone ♪
♪ I can breathe for the first time ♪
♪ I'm so movin' on, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Thanks to you, now I get ♪
♪ I get what I want ♪
♪ I can breathe for the first time ♪
♪ I'm so moving on, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Thanks to you, now I get ♪
♪ You should know that I get ♪
♪ I get what I want ♪
♪ Since you been gone ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Lionel: Wow. Thank you.
Ryan: Taking on one of "Idol's" biggest voices there,
Kelly Clarkson. Wow, wow.
Amazing to watch you.
And then us cut to your father
who was singing every lyric as well down there.
It was brilliant. He was like...
I love you, Daddy.
What was that -- What was that face you did?
There it is.
Carrie: So earlier today, I was like, over in my room,
and I could hear this song kind of being played.
I couldn't see anything, so I didn't really know,
but I was like, "I bet that's Madison."
Like, "She's the only one that I feel like
could go for this and pull it off."
And you did. I love your voice so much.
I love that you're just you.
You've got incredible pipes.
That's a tall-order song.
Like, nobody wants to sing this song
because it's really hard.
And you tackled it, girl.
You just honestly blew my wig off my head, man.
There's no doubt about it.
I mean, when I tell you power,
you have it in spades.
I kept thinking at some point, "Okay,
she's gonna take a breath.
She's gonna come back down.
Give her a moment."
Girl, you stayed FM all the way through the end.
It was amazing. Amazing.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Luke: Keep that mentality.
Keep that rocker energy. Pushing yourself.
Surprising us with what you can do.
You went after that and you nailed it.
And like I said, you're the one that can do it.
Be that person. Be that finalist.
Thank you.
Keke: You have such an incredible voice.
It's so powerful.
And I was nervous for a second.
I'm like, "Is she gonna hit that Kelly note
that we know why don't nobody want to sing this song?"
And you did it.
I've been a fan of "American Idol" since the beginning,
and this season has some of the best singers
I've seen in a really long time. Wow.
And you're one of them.
Thank you.
Ryan: We're excited to see what you do next
after all of that.
What's that? What's going on with that tear there?
What are you feeling? I'm just so happy.
This is everything I want to do
and to see my family watching me and literally sobbing with me.
It's insane.
And I just respect all of you guys in this crowd.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Great job. Madison Moon!
If you want her "Idol" dream to live another week,
vote right now online or via text.
You can also hit up the official "American Idol" voting post
on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
To get those votes for Madison,
you can do one of those ways.
Vote for all your favorites.
Madison Moon, everyone. Thank you very much.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: Alright, check it out.
Coming up, Chris Tungseth has his eye on the prize
as he takes the stage with "Apologize."
More "Idol" coming after this.
Oh, my God.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Your votes are critical tonight
as you decide on who you want to see in your top 14 next week,
so keep them coming.
Next to take the stage is Minnesota's Chris Tungseth.
This morning I woke up early and went to the spa.
This was the first time ever being pampered.
This is the best.
I've been enjoying the princess treatment,
but I don't think it's gonna last very long.
When I'm not here with "American Idol,"
I'm working and I'm trying to pay bills.
I don't really have a whole lot of downtime,
so being in a spa for the first time was so nice.
This round I'll be singing "Apologize" by OneRepublic.
Classic. Chris: Yeah, classic.
When I was about 12 or 13,
I would hop on my bike with my papers and do my paper route,
and I'd listen to the song over and over and over again.
♪ I'm holding on your rope ♪
♪ Got me ten feet off the ground ♪
This is one of the more intimate things somebody's done.
Yeah, I want to make this one a little bit more fun.
A song that people know.
A song that people want to sing along to,
but also with intimacy.
But fun is different for everybody, right? Right.
So we don't have to be everybody's version of fun. Exactly.
But I think letting that hair down... Yeah.
I don't know what you're wearing,
but a little, you know, a little unbuttoned.
You know what I mean? You're very handsome. Yeah, yeah.
So leaning into that appeal,
I think with this song will bring the fun
that you're also looking to. Yeah, absolutely.
Yes.
There you go.
♪ I said it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ It's too late ♪
He wants to make it fun, well, in my mind,
I want to see you lean into your image.
♪ Yeah ♪
Yeah. I'm telling you.
Work it, everything you got.
I wish I could do that. I can't do that.
I might have to take Keke's advice
and let my hair down and drop a button or two.
That's it. That was giving. Yes!
Brad: Yeah.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Ahhhhh ♪
♪ I'm holding on your rope ♪
♪ Got me ten feet off the ground ♪
♪ And I'm hearing what you say ♪
♪ But I just can't make a sound ♪
♪ You tell me that you need me ♪
♪ Then you go and cut me down ♪
♪ But wait ♪
♪ Tell me that you're sorry ♪
♪ Didn't think I'd turn around and say ♪
♪ That it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ It's too late ♪
♪ I said it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ It's too late ♪
♪ Oh, whoa ♪
Go on and sing that song, boy.
♪ I'd take another chance, take a fall ♪
♪ Take a shot for you ♪
♪ And I need you like a heart needs a beat ♪
♪ But it's nothing new ♪
♪ I loved you with a fire red ♪
♪ Now it's burning blue ♪
♪ Sorry like an angel ♪
♪ Heaven let me think was you ♪
♪ 'Cause it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ It's too late ♪
♪ I said it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
Wow.
♪ I said it's too late to apologize ♪
♪ It's too late ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: There he is. Nice work.
So you wanted to create some intimate moments
in that performance, right?
Yeah. Absolutely. Lionel.
So let me just tell you, the first verse,
you were concentrating so hard, you almost blew up.
I'm telling you, you were just in every note.
"I'm thinking about it. I got to make it perfect."
Second verse... [exhales]
...you joined us.
I mean, from that point on,
you just kind of let go and delivered the goods.
Enjoy that stage. You've got the gift.
Thank you, Lionel.
Ryan: Keke.
Chris, you have a great voice,
but you also have a great vibe and the way
that you transformed the song, it was like, "Okay,
I'm getting a crisp version of this song."
And I think for me, I want to hear more of you
to really get into that vibe of what makes Chris Chris.
And so to Lionel's point, I want to see you get more comfortable.
I want to see you get relaxed.
I want to come into your world
because I know that there's a lot there.
Thank you, Keke. Yeah, great job.
Miss Underwood.
I love your voice so much.
Like, you just have this gorgeous,
like, laid-back vibrato.
It doesn't sound like anybody else.
One little thing, and I don't mean this weird,
but you've got this mysterious, sexy vibe going,
and I feel like you need to know that.
You look sad.
I thought I was the only one with the mysterious, sexy vibe.
Oh, no. No. Come on, Luke.
I mean this as a compliment.
It's like one of your kind of, like, superpowers.
And if you own that,
I feel like they will just eat it up.
Keke: I agree. Sorry if that was weird.
Nah, you're good. Sorry.
I love my husband. Yes.
Lionel: I'm just saying.
Man, I want to hear that power you got.
I want -- I want you to partner that voice
with that sexy stuff that Carrie's bringing up.
Which I mean, hey, you know,
I see it, dawg, I see it.
I know what she's talking about.
Am I rambling, Ryan, am I rambling?
Look, he's making you nervous.
He's so cute. I understand.
But the main thing that's really important
is I see you getting right up to the edge and just...
Man, just set yourself free and start singing.
Lionel: Jump on it. Come on, man. Let it go.
Thank you, Luke. Let it go.
Ryan: Jump off the deep end and go for it.
Chris Tungseth.
Here are all the ways you can vote for him tonight.
We've got online, via text and the newest way
to show your love is on social media.
You can check out all the voting details
at americanidol.com.
Chris, give 'em that look one more time.
[ Cheers and applause ]
There you go. Good luck, buddy.
Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
Ryan: Coming up, California's Ruby Rae on some One-D.
"Idol" rolls on at Disney's Aulani Resort right after this.
[ Cheers and applause ]
The other Ryan wanted to say hello here, Ryan Tedder.
Oh, my God, dude. What's up? Ryan T.: What's up, man?
Nice to meet you. Good to meet you.
Aloha. Aloha.
He just did a beautiful rendition of your song, bro.
I can't wait to hear.
I was hearing a little bit of the warm-up earlier today.
Ryan sent me a video. Oh, my word.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you so much.
I mean, this guy's -- This guy's a legend.
Legend, right?
Love you so much. Appreciate you.
Peace. Mahalo.
Awesome. Thanks, bro.
I'll hit you later. Miss you. Bye-bye.
That's freaking crazy. Oh, my word.
Welcome back to "American Idol" from Aulani,
A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
10 of our insanely talented finalists
are lighting up the stage for your votes tonight.
And earlier this week,
they also had the pleasure of kicking back
to enjoy some of their own Aulani time.
Right? Watch this.
Rae: I always dreamed that my voice would bring me
to places like this and it happened.
[ Squeals ]
Man: Being here in Hawaii has been so different
from being back home.
Just to see this part of the world, it hits different.
♪ No matter how your heart is grieving ♪
♪ If you keep on believing, the dream... ♪
If this is a hole in one, it'll be my first hole in one ever.
♪ Come true ♪
Whoo!
We're best buds now.
Man #2: It's just been so fun.
The memories that we're making is just all unforgettable.
Woman: It's really a dream come true.
Hawaii!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Look at that.
You just saw Ruby Rae cruising on the catamaran.
Here she is now,
coming face to face with Brad Paisley and Keke.
Watch.
Ruby: Being here has been great.
I mean, I think I've definitely had some time
to relax and soak up the sun,
and I've gotten to do some really cool things
around the resort with my family.
The Mickey waffles are, like, my favorite things ever.
Cheers. Cheers.
There's characters everywhere.
We saw a Goofy and then Chip and Dale.
It feels absolutely insane to make top 20.
I'm just, like, really excited and proud to be here.
Hey! Hi, there.
What's up, Ruby Rae?
For the beach round,
I'm gonna be singing "Drag Me Down" by One Direction.
Why this song?
I chose this song as kind of a thank you
to my three older brothers,
because they were my biggest supporters
when I was dealing with some mean girls
back in middle school. Uh-oh.
I decided when I was 11
that it would be a fun idea to shave my head,
so I had a buzz cut. I have some photos.
Please show us. That's...
[ Gasps ] Brad: Wow.
I ended up losing a lot of my friends because of it.
Because of that?
Yes. My brothers, they had my back.
And so this is, like, a thank you.
Nobody can drag me down with their love and support.
Okay. Aw, I love that.
♪ All my life, you stood by me ♪
Brad: It's an amazing thing
that one of the most formative events of her life
was a bullying for a really trivial thing.
I think that's actually gonna serve her.
Use that experience to really grab this audience.
It's certainly a song that embodies the hope
and the struggle, and that's great.
Thank you. Use that.
The song does come from kind of a sad place,
but I want to just stand strong
and still give a fun performance to watch.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ I've got fire for a heart ♪
♪ I'm not scared of the dark ♪
♪ You've never seen it look so easy ♪
♪ I got a river for a soul ♪
♪ And, baby, you're a boat ♪
♪ Baby, you're my only reason ♪
♪ If I didn't have you, there would be nothing left ♪
♪ A shell of a man who could never be his best ♪
♪ If I didn't have you, I'd never see the sun ♪
♪ You taught me how to be someone ♪
♪ Hey, all my life, you stood by me ♪
♪ When no one else was ever behind me ♪
♪ All these lights, they can't blind me ♪
♪ With your love, nobody can drag me ♪
♪ All my life, you stood by me ♪
♪ When no one else was ever behind me ♪
♪ All these lights, they can't blind me ♪
♪ With your love, nobody can drag me down ♪
♪ Nobody, nobody, nobody can drag me down ♪
♪ Nobody, nobody, nobody can drag me ♪
♪ All my life, you stood by me ♪
♪ When no one else was ever behind me ♪
♪ All these lights, they can't blind me ♪
♪ With your love, nobody can drag me down ♪
♪ Nobody, nobody, nobody can drag me down ♪
♪ Nobody can drag me down ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Way to go.
The judges on their feet after that.
You are such a ray of sunshine.
You always got this gazillion-watt smile.
And, like, you can't help but smile watching you.
I want to challenge you a little bit to, like, get, like,
find your sassy side.
When you're singing "nobody can drag me down,"
you know, gotta have a little sass in there.
So I just want to challenge you to find that side
of yourself and show it.
Bring it. Let's go. Alright.
So I thought for a moment when she started,
I said, "She's gonna run out of air
because she's moving, I can hear her breathing."
And then she hit that note and held it all evening.
I know you were thinking. You were overthinking.
Don't do it. You've got the goods.
That was amazing that you kind of pulled that one out.
I'm telling you. Thank you.
It's 16, right? Yeah.
That's -- that's -- that's disgusting.
That's just disgusting.
Yeah. First of all, it's incredible
that you have a voice on you like that.
The only thing that I would have wanted was to know
that you were able to take your time with it
and, you know, let the -- let the band catch up to you
instead of you being a little bit in front of them.
But these are small things that'll go towards you
in this competition just to make your performance better.
And, um, incredible job. You did fabulous.
Thank you so much. Luke: Yeah.
Yeah.
It's hard to get out of, like, a 16-year-old mentality,
but you do have a great voice.
It was really, like, a 16-year-old performance
for the first time that we've seen out of you,
which is -- What is it, Lionel?
It's disgusting. Just disgusting.
But what you need to work on is, like,
you know, get in that mentality of like,
"I'm gonna get out here" and, like, almost create
a little alter ego where you --
where you got a little more angst in there.
But I love your voice.
And we know you've got all the goods in there, so thank you.
Thank you so much.
Ryan: It's all good feedback.
And every time you're up on the stage,
you get better and better at all of that.
A lot to think about. Some good stuff there.
Ruby Rae.
You can vote for Ruby online at americanidol.com.
Plus via our social pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Text voting is available to subscribers of all carriers.
Ruby Rae. Thank you very much.
Thank you guys. You're amazing.
Thank you.
Now, we have got more show-stopping
beachside performances heading your way
like Julián Kalel with some Zach Bryan.
"Idol's" back right after this from Hawaii.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Welcome back to "American Idol."
Keep those votes coming in for all your favorites
online, via text, and on social media.
Their lives in the competition depend on it.
And Julián Kalel wants to stick around for a while.
Here's his mentor meet-up with Brad and Keke.
Julián: I was here two summers ago.
My family and I, we're big Hawaii fans.
We're also big Disney fans
and my favorite character is Stitch.
Stitch! What's going on, buddy?
I just think he's a little troublemaker.
I love his voice.
[ Imitating Stitch ] Ohana means family.
Family means nobody gets left behind.
[ Normal voice ] To be back here in Disney's Aulani Resort,
it feels like a blessing.
There is just no such thing as a bad day in Hawaii.
Thank you. Thank you.
Hi. How are you, Julián?
For this round, I'm choosing a song
called "Tourniquet" by Zach Bryan.
♪ There's delays on the planes out of Eastern Montana ♪
♪ Where you told me you were leavin' from ♪
It means a lot to me.
So why is that?
"Tourniquet" to me means picking someone else up
when they're hurting and always telling someone,
"I have your back."
♪ Well, if you need a tourniquet ♪
♪ Or if you wanna turn and quit ♪
♪ Know that I'll be by your side ♪
Julián: What always heals my heart
is thinking about the people that I have in my life.
And what motivates me even more
is hoping that whoever's listening gets that feeling
that "I understand, I see you."
Brad: It felt very authentic.
And so I think you're getting a real sense
of who he is as an artist.
You know, that's magic being this close. Great voice.
Thank you so much. You know, it's really captivating.
Your prowess on the guitar shows, your voice is perfect.
Thank you so much. You're suited for that song.
Sometimes when you're in a competition,
it's like you're thinking about
"What's gonna do my voice the best?"
But if you just sing what's true to you... Yeah.
...it somehow is most perfect.
Music can feel like a hug.
Music can feel like a hand on your back
that tells you you're not alone.
And that's what I'm trying to replicate with my performance.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ There's delays on the planes out of Eastern Montana ♪
♪ Where you told me you were leavin' from ♪
♪ You've been stabbed in the back and the rest of your body ♪
♪ Won't you tell me where you bleedin' from? ♪
♪ Well, if you need a tourniquet or if you wanna turn and quit ♪
♪ Know that I'll be by your side ♪
♪ You bled your whole soul into things you can't control ♪
♪ In a world you'll never satisfy ♪
♪ But I'll bandage up your body ♪
♪ Your bones and your bad days too ♪
♪ Take care of the blood that your love runs through ♪
♪ I know all the damage ♪
♪ Some days in this dark world does ♪
♪ But you laughed last week at something I dreamed of ♪
Come on!
♪♪
♪ Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa ♪
♪ Oh, I'll bandage up your body ♪
♪ Your bones and your bad days too ♪
♪ Take care of the blood that your love runs through ♪
♪ Oh, and I know all the damage ♪
♪ Some days in this dark world does ♪
♪ But you laughed last week at something I dreamed of ♪
♪ Dreamed of ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ There's delays on the planes out of Eastern Montana ♪
♪ Where you told me you were leavin' from ♪
♪ You've been stabbed in the back ♪
♪ And the rest of your body ♪
♪ Won't you tell me where you're bleeding from ♪
♪ Won't you tell me where you're bleedin' from? ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: Yeah, man.
Yeah, man.
[ Cheers and applause continue ]
Well, just listen to that.
Thank you. Thank you.
What'd you connect with in that song?
What message?
Well, to me, I wanted to...
Whenever I listen to a song like this,
I think of unconditional love.
Whether it be for a friend, for someone you love.
And it just means that you're never gonna leave their side
on their worst days and their -- their best days.
Um, I wanted it to feel like a hand on your back,
a hand, you know, that you can hold, a hug.
Just, you know, letting you know that you're never alone,
no matter how down you are.
I love you, that's all I'm gonna say.
I love you.
Keke.
I haven't been a part of the journey like these guys,
but I agree.
I mean, I feel like I've been watching you
in the light of this.
I can tell how much it means to you
and that it's so true to you.
Your voice is beautiful.
I mean, I can listen to you go on and on and on, you know?
And then when you look up, you're talking about tourniquet.
This is a deep and intense song, but you're delivering that hope
when you look up during the performance
and you flash us that smile, it does feel hopeful.
It's beautiful. I loved it. Great job.
Thank you so much, Keke.
Miss Underwood.
You are such an artist.
You're such a poet
and you're so believable when you start singing and playing.
Like, it's just so honest and it's so you.
And it's a joy to get to listen to you.
Like, "This is the best job in the world."
There you go. Thank you so much.
Ryan: Lionel.
To see you at this point in this competition,
confident, stepping right on it.
It is just really exciting as a judge
to see you stand there
in the light of your artistry,
strong and powerful.
Forget everything else.
If we can get you to this point right here,
your future is right in front of you.
Keke: Wow. Thank you, Lionel.
Wow.
You make us happy to be doing this up here.
That was, like, front runner of the competition kind of stuff.
That was like "Star Is Born" kind of moment.
Thank you, Luke. That means the world to me.
Well, it's so fun when somebody's just got it
and you just got it.
Lionel: You got it. Got it.
Thank you so much. Thank you guys.
Ryan: Julián wants your vote.
You can vote for him right now, all your favorites as well,
online or via text, the official
"American Idol" pages
on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
It's 10 votes per finalist per platform and voting method.
So max them out wherever you can
if you want them to stick around.
One more time for Julián Kalel.
Thank you, buddy.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ryan: Now check it out. When we come back,
Keyla Richardson closes out the show here
with a little help from her friends.
Stay with us. We'll be right back.
That was amazing.
You nailed it, mijo.
I'm so proud of you, mijo.
I love you unconditionally and every day.
Baby, that was incredible.
Thank you, Mama.
You killed it, dude.
And welcome back once more to Disney's Aulani Resort.
We have one final performance for you
here on our beachside stage.
It's coming from schoolteacher Keyla Richardson.
Here you go.
Moana! Hello!
My son -- He loves you so much.
What's your son's name? Drew.
Keyla: It's been fun having Drew here.
He has been by my side every step of the way.
Unfortunately, my son couldn't be here for this performance
because he had to go back to school.
Maybe on my next voyage, I can meet him.
Okay. Yes. For sure.
How you doing? Nice to meet you, too.
Huge fan. I'm a big fan of Keke.
To see myself in front of her, I was like, "Mama, I made it."
I love that. Well, Keyla, I'm so excited.
What are you gonna be singing?
"With a Little Help from My Friends." Brad: Alright.
What drew you to this song?
Keyla: There was a time when I didn't feel like I was good enough.
You know, I didn't know where I was going.
I was confused.
God had to place friends around me
that had to really help me.
They were destiny helpers to me,
helped me to my purpose, and they pushed me.
♪ What would you do if I sang ♪
Hearing her sing, I didn't know what to expect.
And when her voice came out, it was just awesome.
It felt so truthful.
♪ Have a little help with my friends ♪
She seemed like, "Oh, this is a perfect singer."
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
Whew. That was a lot.
Oh, no, oh, no.
That's a first. Don't do this to me.
Such a special voice.
♪♪
Wow, that voice was ancestral, girl.
What you're doing is more than just singing.
You're embodying spirit through song.
That's beautiful. Seriously. Thank you.
Keyla: It blew my mind when I sang for the mentors.
I'm humble and I'm grateful because that just lets me know
that no matter what I sing, somebody's gonna feel it.
And I want somebody to feel it.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
♪ What would you do if I sang out of tune? ♪
♪ Would you stand up and walk out on me? ♪
♪ Lend me your ears when I sing you a song ♪
♪ And I'll try not to sing it out of key ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Is it alright if I get by? ♪
♪ Try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Whoa, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ What would you do when my love has gone away? ♪
♪ Does it worry you ♪
♪ Oh, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ To be alone? ♪
♪ And how would I feel at the end of a day? ♪
♪ Are you sad because you're all on your own ♪
♪ Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Is it alright if it's just me and my friend? ♪
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ We'll be getting by ♪
♪ Try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Whoa ♪ Where you going? Where you going?
♪ Try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Yeah, whoa, oh, oh ♪
♪ Do you need anybody? ♪
♪ Oh, I need somebody just to love ♪
♪ Yes, I do, yes ♪
♪ Do you need anybody? ♪
♪ I need me somebody ♪
♪ I want me somebody ♪
♪ Just give me somebody ♪
♪ Ohhhhhhh ♪
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Ohhhh ♪
♪ Try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Try, try ♪
♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ Whoo-hoo-hoo ♪
♪ Get by ♪
♪ By, by ♪
♪ With a little help from my ♪
♪ Friends ♪
♪ Now somebody scream ♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
That was great!
[ Cheers and applause continue ]
Wow!
Wow.
People have come out on their balconies at the hotel.
Marine life is pop--
Sea turtles are popping out up there,
going, "What --"
The fishes are going,
"What's happening up there on that stage?"
Oh, my God.
What did just happen? Lionel, what was that?
Carrie: He's running the stage. I have never --
I have never, ever...
I've been on "American Idol" since I was that big.
[ Laughter ]
I have never
had any contestant walk out on this stage
and tear the place up.
The place got blown up!
Thank you, Lionel. Thank you.
That Janis Joplin sounding,
Tina Turner sounding --
I don't know who you are... Thank you.
...but that right there was the greatest performance
I have ever seen on this stage.
Thank you, thank you. Thank you.
Go on, girl.
That was ridiculous.
Lionel had to bring me back to life, Keyla.
You know what I'm saying.
He had to resuscitate me up in the place.
Yes, ma'am.
But the last time I seen somebody make me feel like this
and get people turned up like this,
her name was Fantasia Barrino.
Watch out, watch out. Watch out.
Wow. And she won "American Idol."
And Ima just leave that there
and tell America there's a lot of favorites.
And y'all need to vote. Watch it. Vote, y'all.
Vote because Keyla, what you just did right there,
girl, you a bad girl, and I'm not touching you.
Thank you, thank you, Keke. Bless you.
Lionel: I ain't never seen this before.
[ Laughs ] Lionel.
The -- The thing that I love about you is I feel
like you don't think about what you're doing as it's happening.
Luke: Boom, boom. Boom, boom, boom.
Like, it just flows out of you.
You were in the moment.
You were having fun with the audience.
Like, it was, like, just pouring out.
It was, like, from the heavens to Keyla and then out to us.
And it was spectacular.
Thank you, Carrie. Thank you so much, Carrie.
[ Cheers and applause ]
And Luke?
I don't know. [ Laughter ]
Do you remember when I kind of gave you a couple
of little singing lessons in the audition?
I do, I do.
Why did you let me do that to you?
You were just being kind to me. Yes, sir, Luke.
Thank you for allowing me that time.
But I hereby relinquish
my vocal lessons to you. Oh, my God.
I don't need to even say nothing to you.
Nothing. You got Lionel.
He done wore a trench in the rug.
I've never seen nothing like that before.
Ever.
When you get us this excited,
what is so special is you ain't thinking about it.
It don't matter if you're in Hawaii.
It don't matter if you're in Pensacola.
It don't matter.
You're just here to let what God has given you
come out. Absolutely!
Thank you so much, Luke. Thank you.
Thank you all so much.
What does that praise feel like?
It feel really good. It's just --
It's just that fire burning on the inside,
it came out.
What is running through your veins
when you're singing like that?
Just...I don't know, man.
Just, my mind just be everywhere.
But I just, you know, I do what I can, Ryan.
Well, well, thank you. Yeah.
Lionel got his steps in today, so very, very good.
Keyla Richardson, everybody.
Get those votes in for her right now. Thank you, thank you.
Let's just keep counting all the ways to vote.
You can do it online, via text,
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
Yeah, yeah. Vote, y'all. It's never been easier.
Just add her first name in the comments section.
One name per comment per vote.
You can vote up to 10 times per finalist
across all platforms and methods.
Thank you very much.
Keyla Richardson, everyone.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Here's one last look at everyone you can vote for tonight.
You have until 6:00 p.m. Eastern tomorrow.
Don't crash out if your favorite doesn't make it
because you have to vote.
Give it up for Kris Pooley and the band here.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Thank you to Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer
for sharing their expertise with the hopefuls.
And a huge mahalo to all the amazing cast members
at Disney's Aulani Resort.
Thank you to our judges.
What a season we got teed up.
And thank you at home for watching and voting.
We'll see you next Monday for your game-changing results
during our songs of faith night,
with not-to-be-missed performances.
And Carrie Underwood takes the stage
with her second-annual performance
of "How Great Thou Art."
Our first real-time vote of the season reveals your top 12.
It's all happening live at 8:00, 7:00 Central
right here on ABC.
Good night, America.
[ Cheers and applause ]