Who is in the Top 7 of American Idol 2024? (And the 1 contestant who headed home)

Tonight's episode of American Idol was a jam-packed one as so much happened. The Top 8 performed a song secretly chosen by judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan in the Judge's Song Contest. There was also a very important tribute to former American Idol season 5 contestant Mandisa throughout the episode. She passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 47.

Melinda Doolittle who finished third place in season 6, Danny Gokey who was the third place finalist in season 8, and Colton Dixon who made it to seventh place in season 11 all took the stage this evening to perform "Shackles (Praise You)" which Mandisa had performed during her time on Idol. It was a truly moving tribute.

When it comes to this year's contestants, only one Idol hopeful went home this evening, but that's still just narrowing down the group more and more. Were your votes enough to keep your favorite going in the competition? Find out below to see who made it into the Top 7 of American Idol 2024!

Who made it into the Top 7 of American Idol 2024? (And the songs they performed)

These wonderfully talented contestants manage to impress me more and more each time, but I really have to give a shoutout to Jack Blocker, Abi Carter, and Emmy Russell! Jack just gave me goosebumps singing “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson. Abi absolutely nailed “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence and she exceeded my expectations. Her performance was literal superstar material. The one contestant who surprised me tonight was Emmy Russell. To be honest I haven't been a big fan of hers, but wow. Her sweet rendition of her grandmother's song (Loretta Lynn), "Coal Miner's Daughter" had me so emotional and brought out her voice in a unique way.

While at this point of the competition of course our votes are the ones that matter, that's how we find out who stays and who heads home each week. But this evening, only the first six contestants in the Top 7 were chosen by our votes. For the final spot, Katy had to make that final decision. With the Judge's Song Contest she came out the victor for the second time. But that also meant she had to choose who to save. And that was McKenna Breinholt. We shared the full Top 7 list below, which songs they performed, and which judge chose that tune! (Note – the following results were updated live during the airing of the episode):

• Julia Gagnon, 21 from Cumberland, Maine (Platinum Ticket) - “Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland/Eva Cassidy (Luke Bryan)
• Emmy Russell, 25 from Nashville, Tennessee - “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn (Katy Perry)
• Will Moseley, 23 from Hazlehurst, Georgia - “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash (Lionel Richie)
• Jack Blocker, 25 from Dallas, Texas - “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson (Katy Perry)
• Triston Harper, 15 from McIntosh, Alabama - “Sand In My Boots” by Morgan Wallen (Lionel Brown)
• Abi Carter, 21 from Indio, California (Platinum Ticket) - “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence (Luke Bryan)
• Saved by judges: McKenna Breinholt, 25 from Gilbert, Arizona - “Everywhere I Go” by Lissie (Katy Perry)

Which contestant went home tonight?

This goodbye really hit hard for me because KB was one of my favorites on American Idol season 22. Unfortunately when it came down to her and McKenna, the judges decided to save McKenna. And so it was Kaibrienne Richins who was eliminated tonight. It's a shame because the 20-year-old Utah-native made the right choice in choosing Katy Perry's song - "traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo. She was so beautiful and emotional, I'm really going to miss seeing KB.

Next week on May 5, 2024 starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, the episode is titled "Adele Night!" Airing live of course on the Hollywood stage, the Top 7 will be performing "iconic hits" from the iconic Adele, per the synopsis. Of course, our job at home is to vote, vote, vote for our favorites as the Top 5 will be revealed. Elsewhere, Meghan Trainor is back to perform her new song, "Been Like This."

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote as we continue to provide news and updates about American Idol!