“American Idol” is at the point where more singers are getting cut than making it through.
At the start of the Showstopper round — which began last night and concludes tonight — the “Idol” judges revealed that only 24 of the 64 singers left in the competition would advance to the next round.
“Knowing that more than half of us are going home at the end of today is definitely nerve-wracking,” Park City native Wyatt Pike said during Sunday night’s episode.
But Pike eventually found relief, as he ended up being one of the lucky few to advance to the top 24.
Before “American Idol,” Pike’s performances were largely limited to ski resorts and other tourist attractions in his hometown. But now, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter has expanded that audience to the millions of people who watch “Idol.”
“I’ve realized over 19 years that music is the thing for me,” Pike said in a clip that aired before his performance Sunday night. “I mean, I’ve gone from playing hotels and restaurants in my hometown and posting things online. But to be getting on Dolby stage and performing with a big band for the biggest show is definitely a big change. I feel pretty excited.”
Standing on Los Angeles’ famed Dolby Theatre stage, Pike was backed by a full band for his Showstopper performance. When he finished singing George Ezra’s “Blame it On Me,” he received standing ovations from “Idol” judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and praise from judge Lionel Richie, who was participating virtually due to potential exposure to COVID-19.
“Wyatt, wow. Incredible growth before our every eyes, Perry said. “It’s like your signature artist is being made right now.”
And then it was time for the judges to make their decision about Pike. Throughout the singer’s time on “Idol,” the judges have complimented his unique style and stage presence. On Sunday night, that uniqueness worked in Pike’s favor.
“You’re a little left of center, and is that what people at home want?” Bryan told Pike. “I think you’re one step closer to finding out if that’s what America wants, because you have earned your way into our top 24. And you earned it by being you. And don’t go changing on us.”
Who is Wyatt Pike?
- Pike is a student at the Berklee College of Music. He decided to pursue music as a career after dropping out of business school at the last minute, the Deseret News previously reported.
- “I’m happy that I took the risk, and it seems to be paying off right now,” Pike told the Deseret News. “Regardless, I’m just happy to be writing and playing music.”
- During his “American Idol” audition, Pike performed a song he wrote for his younger sister, and drew comparisons to James Taylor with his songwriting and performance style.
What’s next on ‘American Idol’?
- Pike will perform again next week for the “American Idol” round that features the contestants performing duets with celebrities.
- On Monday, “American Idol” posted on Twitter that some of the celebrities featured in the upcoming round include Josh Groban, Jewel, Ben Rector, Jason Aldean, Joss Stone, Ryan Tedder, Jimmie Allen, Brandon Boyd, Tori Kelly, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee and PJ Morton.
- Tonight, “American Idol” airs the final part of the Showstopper round that determines the rest of the singers heading to the top 24.
- Tonight’s episode will feature two more Utah-based singers: Liahona Olayan and Lizzy O’Very.