The American Idol 2024 auditions are nearing their end. Only a few more remain before Hollywood Week, then the Top 24 (or top 26), and then live performances. Things will rapidly pace as we zoom toward the May Idol finale. The acceleration should kick American Idol 22 into top gear and increase the fun of the performances.
Overall, American Idol 22 has had a lot of standout auditions. If they continue at this high level, it may be safe to say this is one of the most exciting American Idol seasons in years. With no clear frontrunner, the door is open for everyone to perform at a high level. No one should count themselves out yet (unless they’ve already been eliminated) because anyone could win this season.
Last week, we met a few more American Idol hopefuls and were inspired by some of their stories. This episode was a bit unpredictable because it was unclear who would make it to Hollywood Week. We saw more than usual auditions of people who didn’t go on to the next round. This includes Alyssa Rahu’s friend, Julia Davo. The former American Idol finalist makes her return to the show. It sparked some controversy but highlighted how the season may be unpredictable.
American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie have tough jobs this season narrowing it down to only a few. That makes us excited for its potential. Let’s get into the recap.
Auditions
These are the American Idol auditions from episode 5.
The episode starts with Katy announcing that this is the official last day of auditions. The night kicks off with Ricky Moyer singing “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette. The judges love it. Luke even says he can’t find holes in the performance. He’s going to Hollywood.
Liliana Tovar Dalton performs an original song called 5 %. Katy says her song lacks some structure, but she loves it. She just worries she lacks range. Luke challenges her to sing “Someone Like You” by Adele to test the strength of her voice when pushed a little further. They send her to Hollywood.
Camila Galavis auditions and mentions that her father used to be on The Bachelor. Her father is Juan Pablo Galavis. They bring him into her audition. She sings “Rabia” by Joaquina. Katy says her voice sounds youthful. Luke says she’s still struggling with the high notes. He doesn’t think she’s ready yet. Lionel agrees. Lionel gives her no, but Katy gives her a yes. Luke decides to give her a yes. He says she has a radio tone and wants to take a chance on that.
Garrison Bennett sings “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Katy says she needs more energy but votes for him to go to Hollywood. Lionel and Luke also voted yes. He’s going to Hollywood.
Jayna Elise returns to audition again. She auditioned and made it to Hollywood Week on American Idol 21. She sings “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. Katy thinks she has grown in a short amount of time. Luke says she has a very listenable voice. She’s going back to Hollywood. Katy warns her that Hollywood will be different this time.
Keegan James performs “The Best” by Tina Turner while skating. Luke says he has a powerful voice and a good voice but he’s not sure if he’s ready for Idol. Katy says he’s meant for a different stage. He’s not going to Hollywood.
Cate Gartner performs an original song called ‘The Place That I Call Home.” Lionel compliments her songwriting skills. Katy says she’s born with something. Luke thinks the sky is the limit for her. She gets three yeses.
Sisters Jacy Matthews and Mia Matthews audition together. Jacy goes first and sings “Help Me Make It Through the Night” by Kris Kristofferson. Mia sings “No Place That Far” by Sara Evans. Katy says she can tell it means a lot to them. Luke says they approach singing the same. He says it seems quiet to him. He doesn’t know if it’s time for them. Luke doesn’t know if they’re ready. He gives Jacy a no. Lionel and Katy give her a yes. Luke gives Mia a yes, but Lionel gives her a no. Katy gives her a yes. They’re both going to Hollywood. Katy says they need to be less timid.
Jordan Anthony from Australia comes to audition. He sings “Forget Me” by Lewis Capaldi. Katy says she’s really intrigued by him and thinks he has a lot of range. Lionel says his voice is like butter. He says he has natural talent. They all give him yeses to Hollywood.
Victoria Johnson sings “No Excuses” by Megan Trainer. Luke says she has a star factor. The judges send her to Hollywood. She gets the ticket delivered to her by Luke’s dog.
Ty’esha Lashae and Spencer Wells’ auditions are montaged together as a tribute to the talent in the judges’ hometowns.
Bethany Teague sings “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson. She breaks down after her performance and Katy asks about her family life. She talks about her family meaning the world to her. Lionel says her performance was moving and delivered it. She gets all yeses for Hollywood.
Isaiah Case sings an original song called “What Could I Do.” He’s going to Hollywood.
Julia Gagnon is the final audition for American Idol 22. She talks about her adoption story. She sings “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin. Lionel says there is certain songs because you can’t touch the original. He says she makes it her own. She gets yeses from all the judges. She’s going to Hollywood. The judges decide to give her the Platinum ticket.
Segments
Let’s see what wackiness the Idol judges get up to this week.
There is a montage of all teens auditions for American Idol season 7. The students shown include Sophie Ava Marie, Carmen Olivia, and Brant McCollough.
Katy’s dad comes to visit her on Idol. He shows off his car. There is a segment on Luke’s dog. It’s paired with Yvan Vucina singing “Walking the Dog” by Rufus Thomas.
American Idol announces a new twist with arena sing-offs. It will also air twice next week on Sunday and Monday.
More Coming Soon…Recap May Be Slightly Delayed. The first-hour recap coming later.
Come back next Sunday and Monday for more American Idol 2024 recap. Keep it here all season for more American Idol news, recaps, spoilers, exclusives, and much more.