It’s official: The Top 24 artists on American Idol Season 21 have been confirmed. Well, actually, it’s the Top 26 — in a surprise twist, the judges decided to send Matt Wilson and Colin Stough as two additional contestants in the next round. Many fans were thrilled by the news, but they also noticed something a bit confusing: Only 25 artists were shown on TV during the Showstoppers/Final Judgments. Either American Idol had its math wrong, or a mystery contestant has taken the final spot in the Top 26. Luckily, fans think they’ve figured out who it was — and they think that person dropped out.
[Spoiler alert: The following story contains spoilers for American Idol Season 21’s Top 26.]
The Top 26 celebrate in Hollywood on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 10. | Eric McCandless/ABC ‘American Idol’ 2023 revealed the Top 26 during the Showstoppers/Final Judgments
Over the course of two nights (April 9 and April 10), American Idol eliminated more than half of the competition to narrow it down to 26 people.
[Spoiler alert: The following story contains spoilers for American Idol Season 21’s Top 26.]
The Top 26 celebrate in Hollywood on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 10. | Eric McCandless/ABC ‘American Idol’ 2023 revealed the Top 26 during the Showstoppers/Final Judgments
Over the course of two nights (April 9 and April 10), American Idol eliminated more than half of the competition to narrow it down to 26 people.
- 4/11/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many fans of American Idol haven’t stopped talking about Fire Wilmore since her audition in New Orleans. The Lawton, Oklahoma, native grew up in state custody and had a daughter named Maja at 18 years old. Before Idol, Fire worked as a stripper to support Maja, but she knew she needed to get away from dancing. The American Idol judges have supported Fire throughout her difficult journey on the show, but did she make the Top 24? Read on to find out and see what Fire had to say about the results.
Fire Wilmore performs in the Showstoppers for the chance to join the Top 24 on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 | Eric McCandless/ABC Fire Wilmore’s journey on ‘American Idol’ so far
Viewers first met Fire during her first audition in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. She shared her story with them, revealing how much she needed...
Fire Wilmore performs in the Showstoppers for the chance to join the Top 24 on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 | Eric McCandless/ABC Fire Wilmore’s journey on ‘American Idol’ so far
Viewers first met Fire during her first audition in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. She shared her story with them, revealing how much she needed...
- 4/10/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
American Idol Season 21 Episode 9 featured part one of the Showstoppers round, where contestants put their all into their final performances in Hollywood Week. Then, it was time for the Final Judgement, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan determined whose journey would end and who was headed to Hawaii as part of the Top 24. Here’s what you missed on the Easter Sunday episode.
We Ani performs on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 9. | Eric McCandless/ABC ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 9 had shocking eliminations
Adin Boyer showed off his perfect pitch and piano skills on Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” The audience roared for him after the performance, and Luke complimented his songwriting potential. In his final judgment, Lionel said Adin has the stage presence to make it in this competition, but his vocal talent wasn’t quite there. It was the end of the line for Adin.
Platinum ticket...
We Ani performs on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 9. | Eric McCandless/ABC ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 9 had shocking eliminations
Adin Boyer showed off his perfect pitch and piano skills on Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” The audience roared for him after the performance, and Luke complimented his songwriting potential. In his final judgment, Lionel said Adin has the stage presence to make it in this competition, but his vocal talent wasn’t quite there. It was the end of the line for Adin.
Platinum ticket...
- 4/10/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
ABC’s American Idol 2023 has already had its ups and downs. The season might have some of the best singers yet, but fans have also seen a few jarring forfeits midseason. Two competitors quit during Hollywood Week ahead of Showstoppers. Here’s who left — and here’s the one competitor who nearly quit before returning.
Why did Sara Beth Liebe quit ‘American Idol’? Sara Beth Liebe and Clay Aiken | ABC/Eric McCandless
Sara Beth Liebe wasn’t so sure about American Idol 2023 from the very beginning. She hit the stage during the auditions and impressed the judges with her voice — and she then shocked them when she admitted she had three kids at home. At just 25 years old, Katy Perry went on to make a not-so-subtle joke about Sara Beth lying down for too long, which Sara didn’t like.
During Hollywood Week, Sara broke down completely. She performed “Roxanne...
Why did Sara Beth Liebe quit ‘American Idol’? Sara Beth Liebe and Clay Aiken | ABC/Eric McCandless
Sara Beth Liebe wasn’t so sure about American Idol 2023 from the very beginning. She hit the stage during the auditions and impressed the judges with her voice — and she then shocked them when she admitted she had three kids at home. At just 25 years old, Katy Perry went on to make a not-so-subtle joke about Sara Beth lying down for too long, which Sara didn’t like.
During Hollywood Week, Sara broke down completely. She performed “Roxanne...
- 4/9/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Kaya Stewart is leaving American Idol due to an undisclosed illness after making waves during the addition with her father, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
Kaya was set to perform a duet with another contestant, Fire Wilmore, before announcing that she was dropping out.
> 100 Celebrity Kids & Their Famous Parents – Slideshow!
“Hi, everybody. I have a little announcement to make,” she said on stage to the judges. “I got sick at the beginning of Hollywood Week, and I have been trying to push myself and keep going, and during this performance, I got to work with Fire, and it was such a great experience. She’s so talented and so incredible, and we bonded so much. But I realize that I wasn’t able to give 100%, so I’ve decided to not perform. But Fire is going to perform, and I’m really grateful that I got to be here and thank you guys,...
Kaya was set to perform a duet with another contestant, Fire Wilmore, before announcing that she was dropping out.
> 100 Celebrity Kids & Their Famous Parents – Slideshow!
“Hi, everybody. I have a little announcement to make,” she said on stage to the judges. “I got sick at the beginning of Hollywood Week, and I have been trying to push myself and keep going, and during this performance, I got to work with Fire, and it was such a great experience. She’s so talented and so incredible, and we bonded so much. But I realize that I wasn’t able to give 100%, so I’ve decided to not perform. But Fire is going to perform, and I’m really grateful that I got to be here and thank you guys,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Denisse Beato
- Uinterview
The April 3 episode of American Idol ended on a dramatic note as Kaya Stewart, the daughter of famous musician Dave Stewart, quit the competition moments before her performance. Her exit left her duet partner, second-chance singer Fire Wilmore, to sing with another contestant who volunteered to take Kaya’s spot. Here’s why Kaya Stewart left American Idol and what she’s been up to since then.
Kaya Stewart and Fire Wilmore on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 | Eric McCandless/ABC Who is Dave Stewart’s daughter, Kaya Stewart?
American Idol viewers first met Kaya when she auditioned alongside her father in Nashville. Dave Stewart is most known for being one-half of the British pop duo Eurythmics, singing with Annie Lennox on the hit song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Both Dave and Annie were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. In addition to Eurythmics, Dave...
Kaya Stewart and Fire Wilmore on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 | Eric McCandless/ABC Who is Dave Stewart’s daughter, Kaya Stewart?
American Idol viewers first met Kaya when she auditioned alongside her father in Nashville. Dave Stewart is most known for being one-half of the British pop duo Eurythmics, singing with Annie Lennox on the hit song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Both Dave and Annie were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. In addition to Eurythmics, Dave...
- 4/4/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Hollywood Week 2023 has finally begun. During American Idol Season 21 Episode 7, several finalists from past seasons returned to mentor the contestants in three different areas: stage presence, confidence, and songwriting. The pressure was on as everyone pushed themselves to their limits, leading one singer to consider dropping out of the competition. Meanwhile, others blew Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry away with how much they’ve improved. Here’s who made it through to the next round.
Kya Monee performs during ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 6 | Eric McCandless/ABC Nutsa gave the judges chills with her cover of ‘I Surrender’
Nutsa, who traveled from Georgia to be on American Idol, had a little too much stage presence when she auditioned in Las Vegas. So, she worked with season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini to tone it down a little and channel her energy elsewhere in her performance. Justin encouraged her to sing the song while standing still,...
Kya Monee performs during ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 6 | Eric McCandless/ABC Nutsa gave the judges chills with her cover of ‘I Surrender’
Nutsa, who traveled from Georgia to be on American Idol, had a little too much stage presence when she auditioned in Las Vegas. So, she worked with season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini to tone it down a little and channel her energy elsewhere in her performance. Justin encouraged her to sing the song while standing still,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The American Idol judges made Fire Wilmore’s dream come true, but she had to work hard for it — and that’s exactly how it should be. Fire auditioned for American Idol Season 21 in front of her 4-year-old daughter and didn’t make the cut. However, instead of telling her to come back next year, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie agreed to let Fire try again one month later. Here’s how Fire’s attempt at redemption turned out, and why American Idol needs more of these second-chance auditions.
Fire Wilmore after getting a second chance on ‘American Idol’ | Eric McCandless/ABC Fire Wilmore returned to ‘American Idol’ after Katy Perry offered her a second chance
The judges first met Fire, 22, of Lawton, Oklahoma, when she auditioned for season 21 in New Orleans. She shared her story of growing up in state custody due to her mother’s drug addiction and having her daughter,...
Fire Wilmore after getting a second chance on ‘American Idol’ | Eric McCandless/ABC Fire Wilmore returned to ‘American Idol’ after Katy Perry offered her a second chance
The judges first met Fire, 22, of Lawton, Oklahoma, when she auditioned for season 21 in New Orleans. She shared her story of growing up in state custody due to her mother’s drug addiction and having her daughter,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
[Extreme Celine Dion voice] What do you saaaaaaay to second chances?
In addition to marking the final week of Season 21 auditions, Sunday’s episode of American Idol also welcomed back Fire Wilmore, the exotic dancer whose 4-year-old daughter tugged hard enough on Katy Perry’s heartstrings to earn her mother a second audience with the judges.
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Appearing “lighter and brighter” than when she first sang for them,...
In addition to marking the final week of Season 21 auditions, Sunday’s episode of American Idol also welcomed back Fire Wilmore, the exotic dancer whose 4-year-old daughter tugged hard enough on Katy Perry’s heartstrings to earn her mother a second audience with the judges.
More from TVLineThe Bachelor Finale Recap: Who Did Zach Choose? (Plus, Vote in Our Poll!)Grey's Anatomy Renewed for Season 20 at ABC, Names New ShowrunnerABC Cancels Janelle James-Hosted Game Show Final Straw After 1 Season
Appearing “lighter and brighter” than when she first sang for them,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
American Idol Season 21 Episode 5 featured the last batch of auditions — but by no means the least. After a quick look at the vulnerable, beautiful auditions so far this season, the episode got right into the next group of Idol hopefuls. Fire Wilmore returned after her emotional audition in episode 4. Elsewhere, season 17’s Laine Hardy and Laci Kaye Booth visited contestants waiting to audition. Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry also handed out the season’s final platinum ticket to a contestant who pulled at their heartstrings. Here’s what you missed in the March 26 episode.
Kaeyra on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 5 | Eric McCandless/ABC A contestant went from a steakhouse to the ‘American Idol’ stage
Kaeyra, 21, of Algonquin, Illinois, came to Idol with her mom, a Polish immigrant and her biggest supporter. She inspired her daughter to pursue music. Today, Kaeyra works part-time as a singer in a restaurant,...
Kaeyra on ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Episode 5 | Eric McCandless/ABC A contestant went from a steakhouse to the ‘American Idol’ stage
Kaeyra, 21, of Algonquin, Illinois, came to Idol with her mom, a Polish immigrant and her biggest supporter. She inspired her daughter to pursue music. Today, Kaeyra works part-time as a singer in a restaurant,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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