dailyloe.com – American Idol’s live shows continued on April 6, 2026, with a 90s-themed Judges’ Song Contest. Host Ryan Seacrest first revealed the Top 12 artists moving forward. Two contestants, Jake Thistle and Julián Kalel, were eliminated from the prior Top 14.
Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie each selected a 90s song for the contestants. The Top 12 artists then chose which judge’s track to perform. The judge with the most song selections won a crucial power.
That winning judge earned the right to save one artist from elimination. This determined the final lineup for the season’s Top 11. The episode focused on these performances and the subsequent results.
Contestant Hannah Harper’s song choices included a Jo Dee Messina track. She performed ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California’ for the competition. Harper had previously sung this song in her initial producer audition.
She incorrectly guessed Luke Bryan chose her song. It was actually selected by fellow judge Carrie Underwood. The performance was praised for its vocal and song synergy.
The night culminated in the reveal of the Judges’ Song Contest winner. The identity of the saved artist and the full Top 11 were also announced. This shaped the next phase of the singing competition.[]
Source: TV Insider
