Judges’ Surprising Move Saves One Singer As American Idol Announces Its Top 7

Season 23 of American Idol is very close to naming its winner as the Monday, May 5th episode saw the contestants narrowed down to the Top 7. The episode saw the eight contenders choose a song selected by one of the three judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood— a theme called "Judge's Song Contest."

American Idol has changed its voting format this season, giving viewers less time to cast their votes. Voting is now limited to the two-hour window during the live broadcast, and at the end of the episode, host Ryan Seacrest announced the six contestants that American had chosen to move forward to the next round.

However, the May 5th episode was different as the three judges were able to save one of the two contestants who were set to go home, narrowing the competition to the Top 7 instead of six. Here’s a breakdown of who performed what, and who the judges chose to give a second chance.

American Idol's Top 8 Perform A Song Selected By The Judges For "Judge's Song Contest" Night

On May 5th, the remaining eight contestants on American Idol took the stage for "Judge's Song Choice" night. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood each selected a song for the contestants, who then chose the one that resonated with them most to perform live.

The first contestant was 25-year-old Breanna Nix, who was given the three songs: "Independence" by Martina McBride, "The Blessing" by Elevation Worship, and "Dangerous Woman" by Ariana Grande. Breanna chose "Independence" and she and Jelly Roll both agreed that it was Luke who chose the song for her. Of her amazing vocals, Luke said, "It has that Martina McBride purity. You just displayed that perfectly with that song."

Next up was 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt, who was given the three songs: "Always Been You" by Jessie Murph, "I Need You" by LeAnn Rimes, and "Parachute" by Chris Stapleton. Luke got it again when Mattie selected his choice of "Always Been You."Again, the judges were impressed by Mattie's vocals, but needed more "sass." "When I see Jessie Murph perform, it is all sass," Luke told her with Underwood agreeing, “I think we’re taking baby steps in the sass department and we just need more."

18-year-old country singer John Foster had these three songs: "Two Dozen Roses" by Shenandoah, "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait and "Crazy" by Willie Nelson. To no surprise, John chose "I Cross My Heart," which was chosen by Carrie, and who John correctly guessed. "That was absolutely perfect. It felt comfortable. It felt genuine," she told him.

24-year-old Josh King was given these three songs by the judges: "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates, "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, and “Home” by Michael Bublé. Josh decided to go with "Home" because it was one of his favorite songs and artists. Despite thinking it was a song selected by Carrie, it was actually Lionel. "It’s the vibe, man,” Richie said. “… You embody that song."

Next was 23-year-old Gabby Samone, who was given three very powerful songs, and she would have nailed each one. Her choices of songs were "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion, "Girl On Fire" by Alicia Keys, and "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Gabby went with "Hero," which was chosen for her by Lionel. After her performance, she received a standing invitation from the judges. "You have taken a Mariah song and turned it all into your song," he told her.

27-year-old Jamal Roberts was given the song choices: "I Believe" by Fantasia, Stevie Wonder’s “Lately,” and "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. He stuck to one of Idol's best and went with the Season 3 winner's song. Jamal and Jelly Roll thought that it was Carrie who selected the song, but it turned out to be Lionel. It was a terrific rendition that had the entire place tearing up. "You’re an emotional being. When you open your mouth… it comes out so soulful, so meaningful. … You had me crying. You had everyone in this room crying. You’re a phenomenon," Lionel said.

29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis followed, and the judges gave him these three songs: "Northern Attitude," by Noah Kahan, "Let It Be," by The Beatles, and "Faithfully" by Journey. Thunderstorm decided on "Faithfully" after believing the song's lyrics resonated to him the most. He believed Luke chose the song, while Jelly Roll felt it was Lionel. Turns out, they were both wrong with Carrie having selected it. His performance was hailed as "brilliant," with Carrie sharing, "You have the ability to take it, and mold it, and make it fit you. I had chills throughout that performance."

Last but not least was 18-year-old Slater Nalley. His three song choices were: "Hope the High Road" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen, and "Believe" by Brooks & Dunn. Slater chose to go with "Atlantic City," and guessed correctly that it was given to him by Luke. "I loved the way you did bring the energy to it. It was great," Luke told him.

Who Went Home On American Idol?

After all eight contestants sang their judge's song choice, they all headed back on stage where Ryan called out the six Idol hopefuls who made it through to the next round after receiving the most votes.

The six contestants who were safe thanks to America's vote were: Slater, Thunderstorm, Gabby, Breanna, Jamal, and John. That meant that both Mattie and Josh received the least votes. However, this night was different from any other as the judges were able to save one of the two contestants.

With Lionel and Luke tying in the "Judge's Song Contest," they had the ability to choose from Mattie or Josh. They asked Carrie if she wanted to help choose who to save, but she insisted that she didn't want any part in sending someone home. In the end, Lionel and Luke decided to give Mattie another chance, and she made it to the Top 7. That meant Josh was going home.

What's Next For The Top 7?

The Top 7 contestants have a much-needed break after singing back-to-back on Sunday and Monday. They return on Mother's Day, May 11th and May 12th, for a two-part "Disney Night." The seven contestants will be at Disneyland Resort, where they will sing Disney classics with new mentor, award-winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda.

On that night, America will again vote for their favorite performers and will send just five contestants to the next round, which means two Idol hopefuls will go home. The competition is quickly coming to an end as the following night, the Top 5 will sing their hearts out for "Disney Night" Part 2. This time they will get to sing two songs and America will vote for the three contestants that will head to the finale.

Things are heating up on American Idol as the competition narrows down to the Top 7. Each contestant brings incredible talent to the stage, making every elimination more difficult to watch.

But with the finale fast approaching, one thing is certain: America’s next Idol is among these standout performers, and it could really be anyone of them at this point.

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.