‘American Idol’ Reveals Top 8 After Heartbreaking Eliminations

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The field of American Idol Season 22 contestants has been narrowed to the Top 8 after two brutal eliminations Sunday night (April 28).

The latest episode of American Idol was one to remember as legendary artist Shania Twain appeared to mentor the Top 10 contestants, and former Idol champ Scotty McCreery took the stage to perform his latest single, “Cab In A Solo.” Adding to the excitement was the elimination of two fan favorites and the naming of the Top 8.

Going into Sunday’s episode, Abi Carter, Will Moseley, Mia Matthews, Jack Blocker, Emmy Russell, Triston Harper, Julia Gagnon, Kaibrienne, McKenna Faith Breinholt, and Kayko went head-to-head in hopes of surviving to sing again on Monday night for a place in the Top 6.

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The Top 10 singers were tasked with singing songs from their birth year. Fun fact: Emmy and McKenna are the only contestants born before the turn of the century, and Triston is the youngest artist remaining at only 15 years old.

Shania Twain worked with each of the remaining singers to perfect their cover song before singing it live for America’s votes. Some of the best performances of the night came from Triston Harper who delivered an energy-packed Jason Aldean cover, McKenna Faith Breinholt who wowed with a Goo Goo Dolls cover, and Kayko who left it all on the stage with a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag.” But was it enough to save them from elimination?

As with every season, eliminations are necessary to get to the eventual crowning of a winner. But, they also elicit a great deal of emotion from the contestants, judges, and viewers. Such was the case Sunday night as Mia Matthews and Kayko‘s journeys came to an emotional end.

We’re certain this isn’t the last we’ll see of Mia and Kayko. Both were fan favorites throughout the season, as evidenced by fan reactions online following their elimination. But, there can only be one winner. Over the course of the next few weeks, talented contestants will continue to be sent home. The next two will be eliminated Monday night (April 28).

Watch the Top 8 announcement in the video below.