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American Idol took the party to paradise once again as the second half of the Top 24 hit the beachside stage in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The stakes were higher than ever—this was the first time America got to vote. With Grammy-nominated Josh Groban and resident mentor Jelly Roll guiding the contestants, the night was filled with power notes, big risks, and a healthy dose of Hawaiian sunshine.
The 12 artists performing had one goal: to win America’s heart before the Top 20 reveal next Sunday. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were on hand to critique each performance, delivering praise, encouragement, and the occasional “wow” moment.
Carrie told Drew Ryn,
“It’s never a question when you walk on stage, ‘Is she going to be grEat?’”
Meanwhile, Lionel called Desmond Roberts’ rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “incredible,” adding,
“Your voice is just stellar.”
Here’s how the second group of the American Idol Top 24 made their mark on Hawaii—and on viewers.
Josh King brings energy and harmonica flair to American Idol
Josh King, a 24-year-old airport pianist from Charlotte, NC, turned Elton John’s I’m Still Standing into a stage-stealing moment. And yes, he brought out a harmonica.
Luke Bryan couldn’t hold back his excitement:
“You’re the type of person America falls in love with… When you brought the harmonica out, the intensity of the crowd went to another level.”
Josh’s energy was infectious, and his ability to connect with the audience was a clear win for his American Idol journey.
It was the kind of performance that makes people remember your name when it’s time to vote. And considering the field of competition, that kind of memorability might just be his ticket to the Top 20.
Filo hits every note—and then some
Dublin, CA’s Filo, who holds a Platinum Ticket, delivered a soulful rendition of Who’s Lovin’ You by The Jackson 5. The 23-year-old showcased vocal control that had the judges in awe.
Lionel Richie, who has a personal history with the Jacksons, was floored.
“You’re the only person I know that can hit a note and while you’re holding that note, you give us three different voices,”
He said.
“For you to take that song and turn it into your song was brilliant.”
Filo’s American Idol moment stood out as both technically impressive and emotionally rich. He didn’t just sing the song—he made it a conversation.
Mattie Pruitt shocks the judges with powerhouse vocals
At just 15, Mattie Pruitt from Eagleville, TN, performed Katy Perry’s Wide Awake, and instantly erased any doubts about her age.
Lionel Richie captured it best:
“You walk onstage and we go, ‘There’s little Mattie…’ and then all of a sudden you open your mouth, and you don’t sound like little Mattie anymore.”
That signature growl in her voice turned heads and raised eyebrows—in the best way.
Her performance was a clear reminder that American Idol talent doesn’t come with an age requirement. If anything, Mattie may have just set the bar even higher.
Thunderstorm Artis brings island soul to the beach stage
Hailing from Haleiwa, HI, Thunderstorm Artis took on Bob Marley’s Is This Love and made the most of his home-stage advantage.
Carrie Underwood was captivated.
“Everybody here was just hanging on every single note, every single word,”
She said.
“A few more people are going to see you, hear you and fall in love with you.”
It was a moment of pure vibe—soulful, grounded, and totally in the pocket. His American Idol journey feels like a slow burn, but one that’s steadily growing with each appearance.
Olivier Bergeron proves he's not okay—in a good way
Truck driver Olivier Bergeron of Kedgwick, New Brunswick, brought Jelly Roll’s I’m Not Okay to life with raw honesty.
Carrie saw something more than just notes:
“You’ve grown so much already. Take control of that because you’ve got it in here.”
It was a performance that showed not just technical growth, but a deeper emotional connection to the music.
Olivier’s journey on American Idol has been one of surprising turns, and Sunday’s performance solidified his place as one to watch.
Amanda Barise goes Broadway bold with “Defying Gravity”
Amanda Barise, 26, from Manhattan, NY, took on the Wicked classic Defying Gravity, and did it with Broadway-level poise.
Lionel summed it up simply:
“Drop the mic! You were so in the pocket… that was an amazing performance.”
The control, the timing, the stretch—it was all there.
Amanda may be a musician by label, but she’s clearly got theater in her soul. Her American Idol moment this week was one of the evening’s most vocally challenging—and she nailed it.
Canaan Hill turns the church into a beach party
Platinum Ticket holder Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old content creator from Dallas, TX, sang Fred Hammond’s Glory to Glory to Glory—and brought the church vibes straight to Hawaii.
Luke Bryan was impressed:
“Your under the weather is better than the rest of the world. Very uplifting. Your ability to have church on the beach is pretty amazing.”
Canaan’s American Idol arc has had the makings of something special. This performance cemented that he’s not just a voice—he’s a presence.
Grayson Torrence delivers storytelling magic
Gymnastics instructor Grayson Torrence, 21, kept things intimate with Lizzy McAlpine’s Ceilings. And that decision paid off.
Carrie Underwood pointed to his skill in pacing:
“You have this really special ability to tell a story… It’s a cool thing to watch.”
Grayson is choosing his moments wisely—some big, some small—but all meaningful.
His American Idol journey feels like an art film in a blockbuster world, and it’s working.
Desmond Roberts channels Stevie Wonder with soul and control
Corona, CA music teacher Desmond Roberts performed Stevie Wonder’s Do I Do, and Lionel Richie’s reaction was immediate:
“I’ve got to call [Stevie] and say, ‘Don’t miss this performance.’”
Desmond held his own against the band and the legend he was covering. Lionel added, “Your voice is just stellar.”
With a mix of polish and pure joy, Desmond’s American Idol performance was both a risk and a reward—and likely earned him new fans in the process.
Kyana Fanene brings powerful Māori vocals
Kyana Fanene, a 28-year-old background singer from San Leandro, CA, delivered Stan Walker’s I Am in Māori—a bold, heartfelt choice.
Luke Bryan may not have known the song, but he knew the feeling:
“That was a song that I have never heard but I was in the vibe… that’s what you have the power to do.”
Her American Idol performance was one of the night’s most unique, blending language, culture, and voice into something unforgettable.
Drew Ryn keeps it cool with Avril Lavigne ballad
Chino Valley’s Drew Ryn performed I’m With You by Avril Lavigne with a quiet confidence that resonated.
Carrie Underwood praised her control:
“You know who you are. It’s easy to just enjoy the performance when you have that ability.”
Drew’s American Idol style isn’t flashy, but it’s real—and that’s what makes her stand out.
John Foster kicks things off with a country classic
John Foster, 18, from Addis, LA, opened the show with Garth Brooks’ Callin’ Baton Rouge. And while he usually plays with his guitar, this time he let it go.
Carrie noticed:
“You threw a little caution to the wind and said, ‘I’m going to throw it back here a little bit.’”
It was a fun, country-rock moment that set the tone.
As the first performance of the night, John made sure American Idol viewers remembered who got the party started.
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American Idol returns next Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC with a special three-hour episode where the Top 20 will be revealed. Viewers can also stream it the next day on Hulu.
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