Hollywood’s cutthroat stage dimmed for two hopefuls on April 14, as “American Idol” carved its Top 10 down to a lean Top 8 following a fierce “Ladies’ Night” themed episode. The ABC juggernaut, now in its 22nd season, paid homage to the women of music, with contestants tackling songs from female powerhouses across genres. The night wasn’t just about survival—it was a proving ground where some soared, others stumbled, and the audience’s votes sealed fates.
The episode, aired live, saw the Top 10—whittled from thousands of auditioners months ago—belt out tracks from icons like Billie Eilish, Tina Turner, and Shania Twain. Host Ryan Seacrest, ever the steady hand, kept the tension high as the results rolled in. By night’s end, Nya and Roman Banks were sent packing, their Idol dreams snuffed out just shy of the coveted Top 8. Nya, a Broadway-seasoned vocalist from New York, had delivered a sultry take on Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” but voters weren’t swayed. Banks, a California native with theater roots, took on Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”—a bold swing that didn’t land enough support.
The Top 8 who made the cut? Abi Carter, Jack Blocker, Julia Gagnon, Kaibrienne Richins, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Sam “Kayko” Kelly-Cohen, Triston Harper, and Will Moseley. Each brought something distinct to the “Ladies’ Night” stage, and their performances, per the show’s official recap, showed why they’re still standing. Carter, a 21-year-old from Indio, California, stole breaths with her haunting spin on Sia’s “Chandelier,” her voice climbing to impossible heights. Gagnon, a Maine college student, channeled Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” with a grit that felt like it could crack the stage. Harper, the 15-year-old Alabama phenom, took on Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water” and held his own, proving youth doesn’t mean green.
Moseley, a Georgia country crooner, leaned into Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” with a rugged sincerity that had the crowd roaring. Blocker, the Dallas graphic designer with a quirky edge, tackled Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and turned it into a foot-stomping spectacle. Richins, Breinholt, and Kelly-Cohen rounded out the survivors, with Richins’ raw take on P!nk’s “What About Us,” Breinholt’s tender Fleetwood Mac cover, and Kelly-Cohen’s quirky spin on Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” earning them spots in the next round.
Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, perched at their desk like music’s holy trinity, offered praise and nudges throughout. Perry, in her final season before stepping away, called Carter’s performance “a moment that shifts the game.” Bryan dubbed Gagnon’s vocals “a freight train of soul.” Richie, the elder statesman, urged Moseley to “keep that fire burning.” Their feedback, aired live, shaped the night’s narrative but didn’t sway the votes—America’s call was final.
The eliminations hit hard. Nya, 28, had been a fan favorite for her polished stage presence, honed in Broadway’s “Titanique.” Banks, 23, brought charisma and a theater kid’s hustle, but neither could crack the voter code. Their exits, announced on April 14, followed a season already marked by brutal cuts and surprise saves. The Top 8 now face a gauntlet of themed nights, with Disney Night up next on April 21, promising a fresh test of versatility.
The episode, broadcast on ABC and streamed on Hulu, drew millions, though exact numbers weren’t released by press time. Voting, open to U.S. residents via the show’s app, website, or text, closed shortly after the performances. The Top 8 were confirmed by ABC’s official site and social channels, with no disputes or recounts clouding the results. Nya and Banks, per the show’s protocol, bowed out gracefully, their performances archived on Hulu for fans to revisit.
Carter hails from Indio, California. Blocker is from Dallas, Texas. Gagnon studies at the University of Southern Maine. Harper lives in McIntosh, Alabama. Moseley is from Hazlehurst, Georgia. Richins calls Henefer, Utah, home. Breinholt is from Florence, Arizona. Kelly-Cohen resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The next episode airs April 21 on ABC.