American Idol Top 24 Breakdown, Celebrity Duets Partners, Judge Comments and How to Vote

The first half of the top 24 of American Idol jumped on the stage to sing live for America, first solo then with a celebrity duet partner. The performances were showstoppers once again. Get a look at who performed which song and with what celebrity duet partner below. Plus get all the details on what the judges had to say about each singer. You can also see how to vote for the first half of the top 24 so your favorite doesn’t go home.

Alanis Sophia

Solo performance: “Alive” by Sia

Celebrity Duet Partner: Jimmie Allen

Duet with Jimmie Allen –

Alanis Sophia on her duet partner: “He’s the coolest guy ever!”
Jimmie Allen: “I tell everyone that wants to be a singer, Idol is the best way to assess your talent, it requires a lot of mental toughness.”

Song Choice: Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Jimmie Allen and Alanis Sophia

The judges on their feet after the performance.
“I really enjoyed your solo performance, I thought it was very controlled and beautiful. I thought with the duet, here’s a mega star and here’s a star rising, I thought maybe you were a little overwhelmed.” – Katy Perry

“Get into that head space where you own the stage, now you’ve got to own that stage.” – Luke Bryan

“You just do what you do. All you have to do is relax and enjoy.” – Lionel Richie

Vote Text 1 to 21523 or visit americanidol.com

Cassandra Coleman

“Find Me” for her solo performance

Celebrity Duet Partner: Ryan Tedder

Ryan Tedder on singing: “There are times when I say, what am I doing here, impostor syndrome. I say tap into that character and own it.”

Song Choice: “Apologize” by One Republic

Ryan Seacrest: “How did it feel to be up here?”
Cassandra Coleman: “It feels like a dream come true.”

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Ryan Tedder and Cassandra Coleman

“I love the fact that you are trying to concentrate while singing. Don’t concentrate, it shows up on your face.” – Lionel Richie

“You’re in your own lane, your own style. Watch the nerves, you’re growing each time we see you.” – Luke Bryan

“Your voice is other worldly angelic. Full body chills.” – Katy Perry

Vote Text 2 to 21523 or vote on Americanidol.com

Alyssa Wray

Solo Performance: “Something In the Water” by Carrie Underwood

Audible “Wow” from Katy Perry during Alyssa’s solo powerhouse performance.

Duet Partner: Katharine McPhee

“I remember when she was on the show, she was this powerhouse.”

We are going to sing “I’m Your Baby Tonight.”

Alyssa didn’t know the song and Katharine McPhee said that made her shed a tear that Alyssa is that young that she doesn’t know the song.

Duet Song: I’m Your Baby Tonight,” by Whitney Houston

Judges on their feet at the end.

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Alyssa Wray and Katharine McPhee

“Watching you perform, is like watching someone try to keep a cap on the volcano. The two of you together, complimented each other so much. I’m so in love with this.” – Lionel Richie

I think you’re the first singer who held your own with the celebrity on the stage. Don’t be afraid to get dirty with it.” – Katy Perry

“You’re giving me and all the judges that star sparkle.” – Luke Bryan

Vote Text 3 to 21523 or vote on Americanidol.com

Wyatt Pike

Solo Song: “Rubberband” by Tate McRae

Celebrity Duet Partner: Ben Rector

Ben Rector on Wyatt Pike: “I feel like he is perfect for this song.”

Wyatt: “I am putting down the guitar, tough to know what to do with my hands.”

Celebrity Duet Song: “Brand New” by Ben Rector

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Wyatt Pike and Ben Rector

Alright Wyatt, it looks like you rolled out of bed, instead of getting slick and polished, you took that time, practiced and rehearsed, you could go on tour today and fit in right now.” – Katy Perry

“Watching you perform it’s emotional for me, this season, things are clicking on all cylinders, I was emotional the whole time, it was great man. You are so right in your moment, right now.” – Luke Bryan

“You know it’s something if you’ve got Luke crying. What you can’t teach in this business is stage presence. You owned that moment, so proud.” – Lionel Richie

Vote Text 4 to 21523 or vote on Americanidol.com

Alana

Solo Performance: “Blow Your Mind (MWAH)” by Dua Lipa

Celebrity Duet Partner: Brian McKnight

Celebrity Duet Song: “Back at One” by Brian McKnight

“It’s the first time I’m going to sing this song as a duet.” – Brian McKnight

There always is going to be pressure, singing Brian’s song with him. I’m just trying to remain calm.” – Alana

Judges on their feet.

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Alana and Brian McKnight

“Great energy on your solo performance, way to bring the energy, even with Brian McKnight up there, at the end you came into your own.” – Luke Bryan

“You have the stage presence and the energy to be a star. Now you need the attitude, that’s the secret to your success.” – Lionel Richie

“You really embodied entertainment. You need to do a few more risks with notes, I know you’ve got it in there. Don’t be afraid to fly.” – Katy Perry

Vote 5 to 21523 or vote on americanidol.com.

Anilee List

Solo Performance: “My Future” by Billie Eilish

Celebrity Duet Partner: Joss Stone

“I’m singing with Joss Stone, I am so excited!” – Anilee

“For the nerves thing, I wish I can tell you it goes away, but it is there and that’s because you want to do well.” – Joss Stone

Celebrity Duet Song: “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus & Chaka Khan

Anilee and Joss Stone were both barefoot out on the stage.

Judges on their feet at the end of the duet.

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Anilee List and Joss Stone

“That was a perfect example. You are a person who is so comfortable on the stage.” – Lionel Richie

“You are so close to next level greatness. It was great to see you having such a good time up there. That’s what you have to do in this moment, enjoy it and have fun.” – Luke Bryan

Vote Text 6 to 21523 or vote on americanidol.com

DeShawn Gonclaves

Solo performance song: “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan
It was accapella to begin.

Celebrity Duet Partner: Ryan Tedder

“Who in your life would you sing something like this to?” – Ryan Tedder
“I was thinking of myself, I’d go back and sing this to my younger self.” – DeShawn Gonclaves

Celebrity Duet Song: “I Lived” OneRepublic

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between DeShawn Gonclaves and Ryan Tedder

“I think you have one of the most top 3 voices in this competition. It’s an identity. I want you to let your body not be so stiff.” – Katy Perry

“Your voice does take us to a nice place. Just shake this thing out, walk out and be the star baby.” – Luke Bryan

“Don’’t think about it, enjoy you, enjoy the stage. If you hit something wrong, so what? “ – Lionel Richie

Vote Text 7 to 21523 or vote on Americanidol.com.

Graham DeFranco

Solo performance Song: “Raye” by John Spilthoff

Celebrity Duet: Ben Rector

“It’s pretty much on the higher end of my range” – Graham DeFranco
“I feel like we can be friends in real life!” – Ben Rector

Celebrity Duet Song: “Love Like This”

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Graham DeFranco and Ben Rector

“Graham, man your voice is so listenable, you’re able to turn songs into your style. That was a great job. I heard your range go to another level which really surprised me.” – Luke Bryan

“Singing is singing, and moving people to evoke an emotion is everything. We sit here and hear a whisper, a great storytelling voice, and you moved us.” – Lionel

“I thought your first song, I had no emotional connection to it. The second song, you drew me in with the subtlety of your voice. You are a messenger, you’ve got a story to tell.” – Katy Perry

Vote Text 8 to 21523 or vote on Americanidol.com

Andrea Valles

Solo Performance: “Lo Vas a Olvidar” by Billie Eilish

Celebrity Duet Partner: Brian McKnight

“I had eye retina detachment surgery. Why is she wearing an eye patch.” – Andrea Valles

“Back in 2012 I ruptured my achilles tendon, but I had shows to do. I had to do 4 months of shows on crutches.” – Brian McKnight

Celebrity Duet Song: “Careless Whisper” by George Michael

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Andrea Valles and Brian McKnight

Ryan Seacrest: “We didn’t want that to end.”

“I am just amazed because you’ve just done a duet with one of the smoothest voices in the business. You’re absolutely clear with the messaging of what you do with your voice. To do that duet with him is a massive compliment.” – Lionel Richie

“Are we all going to ignore the eye patch? This girl is wearing the most amazing eye patch. I love that you have so many tricks up your sleeve.” – Katy Perry

“We’re at the point of the competition that you have to catch people’s eyes or ears. That got you back on the map in our opinion.” – Luke Bryan

Vote Text 9 to 21523 or vote via americanidol.com.

Cecil Ray

Solo Performance: “Paint Me a Birmingham” by Tracy Lawrence

Celebrity Duet Partner: Jimmie Allen

“I look at you and I see me, I was broke. There was something in my son that kept me moving forward. Think about your daughter, remember why you’re here.” – Jimmie Allen

A story:

Right before they went to the live performance, you see Jimmie Allen holding Cecil’s phone saying he was putting his number in it and told Cecil, if you don’t call me after this, I’m going to call the show and say, “hey, big Daddy C didn’t call me yet.”

Celebrity Duet Song: “Freedom was a Highway” by, Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Cecil Ray and Jimmie Allen

“Cecil, you’re the underdog here. They have to take that turn at one point. It was ok for the solo performance, you were really in your head. for the duet, you were a little more relaxed, you’ve got limbs, you’ve got to use them at some point.”

“You got swallowed up a little bit. There were some pitch problems. It’s going to get harder every round.” – Luke Bryan

“It’s stage presence and attitude. Your hand got stuck in your pocket. It’s attitude that we need.” – Lionel Richie

Vote Text 10 to 21523 or vote on americanidol.com.

Willie Spence

Solo Performance: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Celebrity Duet Song: “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Willie Spence and Katharine McPhee

“You do no wrong in my eyes. Part of being a star is making people fall in love with you. I love how you go about being on stage, singing and the place it comes from.” – Luke Bryan

“In our business, you don’t want to be a singer, you want to be a stylist. It’s just mesmerizing to watch you.” – Lionel Richie

“I thought when you sang that duet, that was your lane. It really showcased your voice, and the different levels that are so high. To win this, it’s about song choice, it’s about those amazing classic songs that powerhouses sing to show that you are also a powerhouse.” – Katy Perry

Vote text 11 to 21523 or go to americanidol.com.

Grace Kinstler

Solo Performance song: “Queen” by Jessie J

Celebrity duet partner: Joss Stone

“I’m so pumped to be singing with Joss, she’s been in the business a very long time.” – Grace

“It’s more powerful to leave something for later. It’s like when you’re on the date, you don’t turn up in your lingerie, that comes later.” – Joss Stone

Celebrity Duet Song: Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Judge Reactions to the Duet Between Grace Kinstler and Joss Stone

“Wow, what do you want me to say? Let me just compose myself. Your voice quality and who you are with that voice, that confidence, it’s a winning package.” – Lionel Richie

“You were soaring on a different level. If you could sing again, think of those timeless classic songs, that’s what yours is, that upper echelon.” – Katy Perry

“I’ve been a fan since day 1, great job on the duet, it was incredible.” – Luke Bryan

Vote text 12 to 21523 or go to americanidol.com.