What’s the American Idol Genre Challenge?
Introduced last season, each contestant must identify which genre best describes them as an artist. The singers chose their own genre and song and then go head-to-head with singers in the same genre. The six genres are: indie-folk, pop, rock, R&B, soul and country. Going head-to-head with singers in their own genre allows the judges to compare and make cuts, but there is no limit or quota in any category, so the best of the best make it through no matter which genre they select.
What American Idol legends are mentoring tonight?
Each category was mentored by a previous Idol winner or a successful contestant: Lauren Alaina (Country), Ruben Studdard (R&B), Lee Dewyze (Indie-Folk), Haley Reinhart (Soul), David Cook (Rock), and Jordin Sparks (Pop), and last year’s winner Chayce Beckham. The three platinum ticket holders – HunterGirl,Jay Copeland, and Kenedi Anderson –won the right to skip the genre challenge and go straight to next week’s duets, but they did take the stage at the end of the episode to show off their skills to their fellow contestants. Those that made it through will return next Sunday night for the duets challenge, when the judges pair them up for their performances. The following artists made it through on air: Not all names were announced so this is a partial list:
American Idol night one country winners
Mike Parker, 27 Warrentown, Va. Carpenter Kaylin Roberson, 23 Raleigh, N.C. Musician Olivia Faye, 24 Murray, Ky. Musician Sarabeth Taite, 24 Fort Collins, Colo. Nanny Kelsie Dolin, 18 Boone County, WV Unemployed Ryleigh Madison, 16 Whiteville, N.C. High School Student Noah Thompson, 19 Louisa, Ky. Construction Worker
American Idol night one R&B winners
Tobias, 26 Como, N.C. Music Director Katyrah Love, 23 Baltimore, Md. Homeless Youth Support Facilitator INDIE-FOLK Leah Marlene, 20 Normal, Ill. Musician Fritz Hager, 22 Tyler, Texas Security Officer
American Idol night one soul winners
Danielle Finn, 17 Los Angeles, Calif. High School Student Christian Guardino, 21 Patchogue, N.Y. Kitchen Staff Kevin Gullage, 23 New Orleans, La. Musician Cadence Baker, 18 Muscle Shoals, Ala. Musician Tristen Gressett, 17 Pell City, Ala. High School Student
American Idol night one rock winners
Cole Hallman, 22 Mannasquan, N.J. Surf Shop Associate
American Idol night one pop winners
Morgan Gruber, 17 Fombell, Pa. High School Student Emyrson Flora, 16 Cleveland, Ohio High School Student Sir Blake, 28 Chicago, Ill. Songwriter Ava Maybe, 20 Los Angeles, Calif. College Student Jacob Moran, 28 Dansville, Mich. Registered Nurse Danielle Clavelle, 21 Queens, N.Y. Actress Douglas Mills Jr., 18 Houston, Texas High School Student Nicolina, 18 Toronto, Ontario, Canada University Student Also going through are: Taylor FaginsLady KBetty MaxwellElli RoweSam MossHaley SlatonAllegra MilesDakota Hayden American Idol airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Next,American Idol 2022! Everything You Need to Know, Including the Two New Mentors and the Two Big Changes!
