His last episode American Idol was eventful as the top seven contestants were recognized, America said goodbye to an optimist, and a musical tribute was paid to the deceased Idol alum, Mandisa.
Monday night was the Judge's Song cycle The idol Season 22, a game within a game that saw the Top 8 perform one of three songs secretly chosen by Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
Will Moseley covered Johnny Cash's “Folsom Prison Blues”, Kaibrienne sang Olivia Rodrigo's “Traitor”, McKenna Faith Breinholt hit Lissie's “Everywhere I Go”, Jack Blocker released “Always On My Mind” , Abi Carter confronted me about life. ', Julia Gagnon went 'Over The Rainbow', Triston Harper wowed with Morgan Wallen's 'Sand In My Boots' and Emmy Russell performed Loretta Lynn's signature song 'Coal Miners Daughter'.
Just to add some spice, America voted live for the Top 6 and the judges voted for the Top 7. When the votes were tallied, Kaibrienne was eliminated.
As previously mentioned, the special two-hour episode also welcomed three American Idol alumni to pay tribute to five-star Mandisa's final season.
Melinda Doolittle (season six), Danny Gokey (season eight) and Colton Dixon (season 11) joined to sing one of Mandisa's favorite songs, “Shackles” by gospel duo Mary Mary.
The 47-year-old Grammy-winning Christian contemporary singer was found dead of undisclosed causes at her home earlier this month.
“Mandisa was a cult icon American Idol and in the music industry,” the show said in a statement. “He had become a platinum selling artist and he had won [a Grammy] for her music. Her death has left everyone on the show devastated and our deepest condolences go out to her family.”
Watch the performance below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/american-idol-alum-melinda-doolittle-danny-gokey-colton-dixon-mandisa-tribute-1235669530/
