
Alicia Keys Turns Heads at American Idol Finale, Igniting Buzz Over Unexpected Moment
May 12, 2026


After the latest episode of "American Idol," viewers now know who the top 20 finalists are. So who did the judges say a farewell "aloha" to, and who did they say a congratulatory "aloha" to?
On Sunday night, the long-running competitive reality show "American Idol" once again brought intense moments and drama into US homes as the top 40 battled it out at Aulani Disney resort in Hawaii.
Friends, family, and viewers flocked to the state to watch the contestants perform for a coveted spot in the top 20. While they all gave it their best, it was sad to see some say goodbye.

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on February 12, 2020 in Hollywood, California. | Photo: Getty Images
Teenager, Makayla Brownlee, 17, brought the crowd to life with her rendition of Ingrid Andress' "More Hearts Than Mine." Unfortunately, she didn't make the cut following a seizure hours earlier.
Meanwhile, Devon Alexander, 23, received a farewell aloha after giving her all with Demi Lovato's "Tell Me You Love Me." She was joined by Geena, 27, Jordan Jones, 26, and Camryn Leigh Smith, 16.
Those who made it included the formerly shy Francisco Martin, 19, who performed Harry Styles' "Falling." He received an ecstatic round of applause from both the crowd and the judges.
Johnny West, 23, and Louis Knight, 19, secured their spots as well. However, they faced adequate criticism from the judges. Knight sang "Castle on the Hill" and West, "You Found Me."
Just Sam, 21, was another young adult who pulled her weight and delivered a fantastic performance. She sang Selena's "Como La Flor" and hit all the right notes.
Other soulful voices came from 29-year-old Jovin Webb, who sang Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing" and 20-year-old Fatih Becnel with her performance of Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody."
Elsewhere, 24-year-old Nick Merico had a moment with judge Lionel Richie, who was strongly put off by Merico's arrogance during the contestant's initial audition.
Richie changed his tune after Merico's more humble attitude came through when singing Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man." Richie didn't think Merico would have made it to the top 20, but he did.
Perhaps the most fun performance for the night was DeWayne Crocker Jr, who wore a cowboy hat and made everyone smile as he performed Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Old Town Road."
The episode was the last taping before production stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, ABC added "American Idol" to the list of shows halted to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Several other events and shows have been canceled, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon," production of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Riverdale," among others.
A landmark event in the life of "American Idol" judge Katy Perry might also be delayed. According to the Daily Mail, the singer will look for alternative plans for her wedding to actor Orlando Bloom.
Perry, who is pregnant with her first child, is reportedly taking precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak. The baby is due in the summer. We hope by then things are safe and settled.

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