Less than 24 hours after kicking six contestants to the curb, American Idol gave eight more singers the boot on Monday, finalizing the season’s Top 12 as we (apparently) race towards the finale as quickly as humanly possible.
Here’s how the chaos went down: The 20 singers who performed on Sunday returned to the stage to find out whether America had voted them into the Top 12. Depending on their fate, the contestant either sang for America’s votes ahead of Sunday’s show or they sang for the judges’ mercy, hoping to snag two spots specifically reserved for their whims.
And let me tell you, there were some surprises. Several contestants who knocked it out of the park — er, studio — on Sunday found themselves seated uncomfortably in the danger zone tonight. And there were some eliminated contestants I wouldn’t hesitate to swap out for some who were voted into the Top 12.
So, which 12 singers are still in the competition after Monday’s dramatic two-hour event? Which eight have reached the end of their Idol journeys? And did the judges save the right endangered contestants?
Read on for a breakdown of Season 21’s Top 12, along with video of the songs they performed on Monday (if available). When you’re done, vote in our polls for the most surprising eliminations and, of course, which 10 singers you’d like to see back this weekend.
Honestly, I’m surprised it took someone this long for someone in Season 21 to perform “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Overdone as the empowering ballad may be, I’m glad it was chosen by Ani, whose powerhouse vocals proved America right for giving her the first slot in the Top 12.
The first contestant to sing for their life (“and don’t f–k it up!”) was Williams, who attempted to earn the judges’ favor with a perfectly fine cover of JVKE’s “Golden Hour.” It was a little pitchy in certain places, but you can’t blame the guy for being nervous. Imagine having to sing in front of millions of Americans who didn’t vote for you!
Nicolaisen was the second singer sent to the danger zone after delivering a defiant take on Lorde’s “Royals.” Her nerves definitely kept her from giving us the full Nicolaisen experience, but at least Ryan Seacrest was good enough to point out how difficult it must be for someone to have to sing after learning they’re at risk of being eliminated.
Any 3 Doors Down song would qualify as a choice — a good one, believe it or not.
Peay performed the heck out of “It’s Not My Time” (sans cowboy hat!), demonstrating an ease and a confidence that will likely keep him in the competition for weeks to come.
Was anyone else a little surprised to see Wilson in the danger zone? His performance didn’t blow me away last night, but I got the impression that he was something of a fan favorite. Well, you learn something new every day, I guess.
Anyway, his second serving of Giveon’s “For Tonight” was definitely more polished and professional than it was the first time around, and Wilson was no less charming than usual. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to keep him in the game.
It’s already been a rollercoaster of a season for Anne, and that ride continued on Monday when she sang Pink’s “I Am Here” in the hopes of not getting eliminated for the second time.
Real talk: I thought it was one of the strongest redemption songs of the night. Unlike the others, Anne’s nerves propelled her performance, rather than hindering it. Some of those notes were just… damn.
I thought she stood a genuine shot at earning one of the judges’ saves. Color me wrong.
America, what were you smoking not putting Serenity into the Top 12? I’ve loved her from the jump, and I assumed she was a slam dunk after last night’s strong showing. Needless to say, Sia’s “I’m Still Breathing” was a perfect song choice for her unexpected circumstance tonight. As a Serenity stan, I would have preferred some of those high notes to have been a little cleaner, but I’m not going to be too critical of anyone singing under that kind of pressure. I’ll miss her.
One of the smartest moves of the night was Madison giving America another taste of her radio-ready original song “15.” I’m still not fully sold on her, especially after last night’s performance, but I might be willing to drink the Kool-Aid after hearing this jam one more time. At the very least, we’ve got a future Kids’ Choice Award winner on our hands here.
The Steeldrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” provided the musical backdrop for Faith’s shot at a second chance after failing to secure enough of America’s votes. And no one can say that this woman did not give her absolute all. The rasp was in full effect as she demonstrated her impressive range on this gritty jam. A true talent, and she will be missed.
This kid wowed the crap out of me with his audition, and if I’m being honest, I’ve been waiting for that version of Venegas to show up ever since. Friends, he finally came back on Monday, nailing Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.”
One of the most delightfully unexpected moments of the night came courtesy of Stough, who celebrated his Top 12 admittance with a stripped-down cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” There was something so real about it, so raw. What can I say? I loved it like Stough loves his mama.
Again I must ask, America, what were you smoking not putting this one-of-a-kind artist into the Top 12?
Kaeyra’s no-nonsense performance of “If I Were Your Woman” felt like a big middle finger to every fool who didn’t vote for her. The vocals, the look, the attitude — she’s truly the total package. I don’t get anyone who doesn’t get her.
I hope Idol gave Kaeyra the foot in the door that she needed, because I see major career potential there.
Byrd, who continues to surprise me, followed up last night’s strong showing with a beautiful performance of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up.” Perfect, poised, polished.
If there was one person whose place in the Top 12 I never doubted, it was Tongi, who followed that unsurprising announcement with a thrilling performance of Lionel Richie’s “Stuck on You.” It wasn’t, like, roller coaster thrilling, but the joy on Richie’s face said it all.
Tongi’s really going to win this whole thing, isn’t he?
Now this is how you convince America to give you a second chance! After finding herself in the danger zone, Soli still delivered a Top 12-worthy performance of Ariana Grande’s “God Is A Woman.” There were moments when it sounded like Soli was simply channeling Grande’s vocals as if by magic.
Just not magical enough to convince the judges to keep her around.
OK, this one was also really fun: After getting the good news that America is straight-up in love with him, Steele treated his adoring public to a bouncy cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One.” Between this and Stough’s take on Robyn, I’m sensing a pattern tonight — and I like it!
I was bummed — but not entirely surprised — to see Love in danger tonight. And I’ll be gosh-darned if she didn’t absolutely nail Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive.” The energy! The runs! The showmanship! Did I just become an Imagine Dragons fan? Is this the power that Love’s voice holds?
Not for nothing, but Imagine Dragons really needed a win this week after its frontman’s wife filed for divorce, and I think Love’s performance was that win.
Thrilled that the judges saved her!
Smith was another shoe-in this week, and I’m not disappointed in the least. I’ll be damned, this cheese ball is really growing on me! I’ve always appreciated his rock-god vocals, which sounded incredible on Toto’s “Hold the Line” tonight, but I’m also finally vibing with his schtick. He’s just really exciting to watch.
The final contestant voted into the Top 12 by the viewers at home, Danielle paid homage to her inspiration Lauren Daigle with a powerful performance of “Thank God I Do.” Danielle is another contestant I think I’ve been appreciating but ultimately underestimating. I’m now seeing finale potential there.
“Can you imagine the pressure? … It is Nutsa.”
Following that actual sentence spoken by Seacrest, Nutsa stepped up to the microphone, singing one of the ultimate Broadway ballads in the hopes of earning a second chance from the judges. Honestly, can you think of a bigger way to end this show than with Nutsa putting her entire damn self into “And I Am Telling You I’m Not I’m Going” from freakin’ Dreamgirls?
I am officially nuts for Nutsa. That was dynamite, and I’m so glad we’ll be seeing more of her.
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I feel like Mike cutting his hair probably cost him some votes.
Nutca❤️❤️❤️❤️
Don’t know what the judges or America was thinking!! You don’t include Kaeyra in the top 12!!?? Are you kidding me??!! She’s the whole package!! I’m especially disappointed in the judges for not putting her through. She’s the kind of talent who could have a real career. Just unbelievable! I was so looking forward to seeing what she was going to do every week. Well, guess my votes will now go to Colin & We. My only hope is that Kaeyra will have a career without AI cuz she’s awesome!
Katy is extremely competitive and jealous. Keeping Kaeyra out of the mainstream serves her painfully obvious jealous motives. Disgusting.
Katy did not keep her out, America did. Katy has nothing to prove. She’s been there done that. Grow up.
Mango2-
Kety’s gorgeous girl,she’s successful as a singer, as a business woman,honest
And best Judge ever!
Why she have to jealous?
Don’t you think?🤔 🥰
Heck yeah! Agree 💯. I
With Kaeyra not making Top 12!!
I’m sure she will. She was very good. I voted for Nutsa. I love her and I know that Kaeyra and Nutsa will have great career in music industry. We have so many American Idols that we don’t even remember their names. sometimes America’s choice is not about music.
I’m “doubly-shocked”…America kept Haven, Marybeth & Tyson over Kaeyra, Olivia & Nailyah? And the judges saved Nutsa & Lucy over them as well? I guess it’s not about the voice at all.
Those judges saves were terrible especially Lucy, I’m sorry to say. None of her performances have been that great. She definitely didn’t deserve the save. My guess is that she’ll be the first person voted off.
Lucy is so full of herself; she needs to change her attitude and fast. America didn’t vote her in, the judges did and that should be a red flag for her.
So many talented voices sent home; I hope they find success on their own.
Absolutely
I agree. Not impressed with choosing Lucy over Kaeyra or Paige who in my opinion both stood out more than a few voted into the top 10.
Well, no matter what anyone thinks of Nutsa’s personality, her voice is arguably the best on the entire show.
she should have been gone the first week for backstabbing her partner in duet round who sleeps during duet round?
Absolutely!
So true!
EXACTLY
That girl had a good chance to prove herself, not with pointing to what Nutsa did, but with her singing, she had to be confident in herself. If you will ask me Carina behaved like snitch and there is no society you can find who likes and respects snitches. If you watched the video Nutsa apologized for what happened and her respond was “I can’t respond to negativity with negativity because it will bring worse results”. And one question have u ever had flight for 17 hours? Do you really think girl who is chasing her dream, got attention from American Idol had flight for 17 hours, will just leave working area and go to sleep? No Way it does not make sense. It was just miss understanding and she did not have full information she could (should not) not leave, but the moment she received a call she was back and working with her partner until coaches told them to go and rest.
Nutsa, is that you?
Thank you Maria
Nutsa Nutsa and Nutsa🌟🌟🌟 exactly
Exactly!!!
yes They practiced until midnight, and all night from 2am until late morning. but Carina want it to practice until “its perfect” than she start hating song, then her lines. all at 2am. I feel so bad for Nutsa. she had to babysit her partner all night and Carina still humiliated Nutsa in front of Judges. that 2 hour when
Nutsa slept, was Carinas time to “shine” so she pout whole drama on in front of Cameras.
One should say to Nusta thanks , because she came for her partner to practice at 3 am. not many would do that ;) and if someone wants to practice , can do it alone or during a whole week that they had. That is not strong argument ;) and do not forget that she came to help her!!! she did it ;)
Agreed 💯👍 she is a brilliant talented girl💜💎🫶
It was opposite my dear friend did u listen Nutsa side of the story?
Totally agree with that. She stabbed her duet partner in the back and American people didn’t see it!!!!
I agree 💯
My favorite is Nutsa! She deserves to be in this show!
100%
Me too
Nutsa is the best. She deserves to win for sure.
100%
I totally agree. Kaeyra, Olivia & Nailyah are incredible singers. I really thought they would be in the top 5 at the end. I just hope they now have good contacts to continue on their own. I would love to hear songs on the radio from them.
Those judges saves were just awful… Michael cutting his hair really cost him probably making it a couple more weeks. This season is honestly losing my interest wuickly. Olivia deserved a save.
Me too. My favorites are out and some of the other’s don’t sing as well. The judges have their favorites regardless of how they sing. Paige, Kaeyra and Olivia all sing better and are more entertaining to watch than the two saves.
The choices weren’t the judges to make. The producers tell them who to “save.” The entire show is scripted
Many former finalists and semifinalists have stated that the show is scripted to the point that they are told what to say, are given story lines, airtime, and edits, based on who the producers want.
Some have complained about the 19E contract.
The best singer of the night, Kaeyra, went home.
Agree 100%!! Don’t know what the judges were thinking!! Sad!
There is no vote tonight, the contestants who made it to top 12 outright weren’t singing for the next episodes vote, it was just celebration songs. The next episode will be top 12 perform to make the top 10. Voting isn’t open after the episode tonight.
Also, Kaerya was robbed. I thought she was too 3 potential. WTH america!!!
Why are you explaining how Idol works to us?
Maybe because the reviewer got it wrong. The write up says that there was a vote Mon night when there wasn’t.
No, he didn’t say that…you just interpreted it that way.
I don’t watch the show but I’m glad that Tongi made it through. He’s from my ‘neck of the woods’ (sort of).
We agree ‘nutsa’ was saved, she’s a foreigner from Dubai traveled to the US, took 17 hours for her to get here, I mean, gees is it AMERICAN idol or is anyone from around the WORLD, need to change the title of the shoe??? Just sayin fair??
Nutsa is so full of herself. I lost respect for her when she went to bed rather than rehearse with her chosen partner. To me, thought she was a snob.
Oh my God I totally agree. Vote her off! I don’t care how good her voice is
She is not snob. She is very humble nicest girl I ever know. You got everything very wrong. Her chosen partner was snitch. Not very nice. Tried to blame poor Nutsa ,but fortunately did not work. Who likes snitch? What kind of person?Terrible. You don’t gossip other people,if you have level.
You are wrong. Karina knew that she could not beat Nutsa and lied.
She is originally from Georgia but currently lives in Dubai
This!☝️Tongi all the way. 100%
Alot of my favorites got eliminated. I am NOT Nutsa for Nutsa, havent liked her since the very beginning. I like Matt Wilson, Elijah Mccormick and think Paige Anne was better than Haven. I hope this wont be a disappointing season cuz I am not to happy right now especially with the judges save.
Seriously Nutsa and Lucy?? Sorry judges you got it all wrong!!
Unnecessary
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, regardless of what you think is unnecessary.
Nutsa is and always will be a JLo wannabe. Not great vocals but tries to be flashy to overcompensate for a lack of real talent. From the beginning, only uses her “foreign” accent to gain sympathy when she needs it. Wonder who she paid off to get the last choice spot. Everyone knows that the judges select those at the end feeling sorry for them!
This is not true. Nutsa deserves the best. She has whole package and I give her a lot of credit. It is very difficult what she accomplished and what she is doing. I can’t even imagine. This show not about feeling sorry, it is about talent and everything else, all this whole package Only Nutsa has for sure.
My thoughts exactly well deserved Nutsa💜💎🫶
Maybe the judges voted for Lucy because they were scared of her…lol.
Perhaps…lol! Don’t know, but probably the worst save ever!
My thoughts exactly!
DEI pick
Really unnecessary post
EXACTLY, she’s right out of Compton.
Really……
😂😂I don’t think so
I think producers wanted to keep an equal gender ratio. 4 girls and 6 guys made it to Top 12 on votes, so they needed 2 more girls. Then they probably picked based on attracting more of specific viewer groups. I’ve never thought talent is a primary consideration in these wild card picks. There were definitely some better singers than Lucy or Nutsa.
#Thankyouus
#ForNutsaus
#VoteNutsa
#AmericanIdol
#NutsforNutsa
#TeamNutsa
Why did America’s votes count for only 10, of the top 12? America didn’t eliminate 11 & 12. Idol just didn’t count our votes for 11 & 12, so the judges could “save” 2 contestants of THEIR choosing.
Michael Williams and Kaeyra should have been in top 12. Very disappointed.
But very happy Ian Tongi, Oliver Steele, Zachariah Smith, Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, MaryBeth Byrd are still in it!
Please bring back Michael and Kaeyra!
Elijah Mccormick should have been in top 10 too! So disappointed
After seeing who made the Top Ten, it’s pretty clear that it helped if (1) you were male; and (2) you were country. And yes, Kaeyra should have been saved.
Kaeyra should have been saved she the real deal. Tyson over Kaeyra makes little sense. Vote vote vote.
Would have saved Kaeyra and Paige Anne tbh. Annoyed they saved Nutsa
I can’t believe Lionel saved Lucy Love, makes you wonder about his choice. Talk about a gangster look from Lucy, she has NO stage presents. And then Katie and Luke’s choice, geez WTH were they thinking. Poor poor choices,
Agree 💯 What was with those looks from Lucy Love at the end of her performance! Geez!
thug
Agree
Totally agree
Nutsa is the best. She deserve it.
Nutsa is a foreigner-dubai, we mean, isn’t it AMERICAN idol, she traveled 17 hours to get here, this is not fair to AMERICAN contestants
Just sayin fair?
Wow. The fact that you are double posting this show that you have an issue with foreigners. Nutsa is my favorite one and I AM AMERICAN and she is MY AMERICAN IDOL. The only reason she wasn’t in Top 12 without judges save is because middle America who votes most of these are also xenophobic. Nutsa is the best singer in the competition hands down.
LOL no one is gonna buy her music. Once the season has ended you won’t hear a word from her. I will give her props for her last two performances. She comes across as rude rude rude.
I can’t agree more. Nutsa is the best singer.
I can’t agree more. Absolutely right.
She’s not from Dubai. She was working and performing there.
Now I understand a little better your previous comment on last night’s show in which you took issue with the racial and demographic makeup of the top 20.
Like I said below your previous comment, there might be an interesting and nuanced debate to be had about including contestants from outside the US. I personally don’t have a problem with it because only people in the states can vote, so only America gets to decide if they stick around. Plenty of ‘American Idols’ in the music industry are not from the US (Rihanna, AC/DC, Celine Dion, The Weeknd, Drake, U2 etc). Nevertheless, I understand your frustration even if I do not personally agree.
The bigger problem here is that in your last comment you had a problem with the number of black and asian contenstants included this year. You also had a problem with the inclusion of an ‘islander’ despite Iam being from Hawaii. This is really sad and misguided on your part.
Americans come in many different colors. There is no race-specific criteria for being an American.
Give us the best singers, regardless of race. I will not buy or stream an artist’s music because of their race but because of how they sound and how their music touches me.
I hope you can enjoy these talented singers, no matter where they come from or the color of their skin. I also hope you get over this strange and limited idea of what constitutes an American and this need to see yourself reflected in each and every contestant put through on the show.
Just to comment on the top 12: Kaeyra not getting through is a travesty. I think the producers have dug deeper into the backstory of Lucy and Nutsa more, so they’re pushing them a lot more. Based on last night’s performances plus all those leading up to it, Kaeyra 100% deserved to go through over these two and the fact she didn’t makes me think that the producers knew beforehand which contestants they were going to save. She will be missed, but I will be on the lookout for any releases from her.
What is Not fair? Are u kidding me?You don’t have to be American to participate in American Idol. You have to have talent and everything else, like Nutsa has and she deserves to win. I am very proud of her. She is very brave and very hard worker. She went through a lot,not easy. Very easy to say bad things about her. Not nice.
Yes, the judges got the saves wrong!! Kaeyra and Olivia should have been saved over Lucy and Nutsa! I mean really, just because Lucy’s the single Mom and Nutsa traveled from Georgia(Russia) doesn’t mean they should be saved!
what you mean georgia(russia)? you better read some history books and have enough intellect to not judge someone based on origin. that’s big disrispect to georgian people when you mentioning there russia, past years so many decent georgian soldiers have died with russians when they were defending their people and you still mentioning georgian like (russia) ? you are the shame of your country not just because of that disrespect, also for your stupid mentality that’s mainly because of your poor educational system and also features of immorality that this american society is gaining day by day. Personally I think vocally she’s one of the best in this show and don’t deserve the hate she’s getting but the reasons why it’s happening I mentioned already. Good country with poor people so sad.
Georgia was in fact part of the Soviet Union -(Russia today), but gained independence in the late 1980s early 1990s. Its actually not as poor as portrayed – has awesome climate and very good wine.
It will be appreciated if you will never ever say it again. What does it means Georgia (Russia). Georgia is never ever Russia!!! Will never be!!!! It’s a big disrespect and insult for Georgia and Georgian call Russia or Russians… when Russia for years is trying to invade Georgia and killing Georgian people!!!! It was just yesterday in 2008 when war happened in between these countries and don’t ever call us Russia or Russians!!!! Read a little about Georgia, Georgian People and their history to educate yourself it’s good for you. Trust me.
Georgia is Georgia is not Russia. Such a comment is not appropriate for younot Russia.
Georgia was part of the former Soviet Union, – (todays Russia), from the end of the Bolshevik revolution until early 1990s.
Nutsa with her unfair advantage and Lucy who simply isn’t as good as the rest that are left need to go.
Lucy simply isn’t as good as the others that are left and Nutsa has an unfair advantage that should not be allowed.
Agree. It is American Idol. Not “uncovererd and shaking your body all over Idol”. Smoke and mirrors effect to get you to watch her move and make you forget how terrible she sounds. Gotta give it to her thought, she knows that Hollywood likes glimmer, not talent.
u can close your eyes and listen to her ;) if her moves disturbs you
Would love to see different judges. After this year if Katy Perry stays I am done watching the show.
To the judges***stop saying America gets it right. They clearly do not. And saving Nutsa? What are they smoking, I surely don’t want any.
Nutsa is the best talent and singer! This is true.
Judges save was perfect. Lucy and Nutsa performed so well.
LOL
I agree. Nutsa was fabulous and Lucy Love is a fighter. Well deserved for both.
Agreed 💯