American Idol Season 23’s Top 24 took the stage at Disney’s Aulani Resort where they boldly sang their hearts out in front of a live audience. Now, it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favorite performances. These talented young artists sang a variety of songs that wowed judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, who replaced Katy Perry this season.

While fan-favorites like Slater Nalley impressed the judges with his rendition of Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow” and Gabby Samone gave a powerful performance of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me,” there were a few contestants that took a bold risk by choosing to perform songs made popular by the judges themselves and the reality TV show’s first-ever artist in residence, Jelly Roll.

American Idol’s Top 24 Contestant Victor Soloman Takes On Luke Bryan’s Song “That’s My Kind Of Night”

This season’s Top 24 are proving to be some of the fiercest competitors in American Idol history. After an intense “Hollywood Week” which saw the three judges narrow over 100 contestants down to the Top 24, they were then flown to Hawaii where they performed in front of a live audience to secure their place in the Top 20.

However, a few of these contestants decided to take a risk and cover songs from their own judges and mentors. One of those singers was 26-year-old Victor Soloman, who decided to change things up and cover Luke Bryan’s country hit song, “That’s My Kind of Night.”

Taking the stage in jeans, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and suspenders, Victor got everyone in a feel-good mood with his take on Luke’s country hit. In fact, Victor even showcased some country moves on stage. Singing Luke’s own song was certainly a bold choice, but it proved to be a success as all the judges got up on their feet to dance along.

After his performance, Luke jokingly stated, “I got to retire the song,” adding that he was taken by surprise that Victor chose to sing his song out of all the other contestants. “After that, I’m thrown a little bit because that’s what this show’s about. Surprise.”

Lionel Richie then shared, “You were so solid on Luke’s song, Luke was worried.”

Victor is no stranger to taking a chance on a judge’s own song. During his audition, he chose to sing Lionel’s song, “Hello.” After his performance he got a standing ovation from Lionel himself, who shared, “That was really, really special.” The judge even went as far as predicting that he could see Victor in the Top 20. Well, if Victor does get enough votes after his performance of Luke’s song, he may just be one of the Top 20.

Idol’s Top 24 Contestants Olivier Bergeron And Jamal Roberts Take On Songs By Artist In Residence, Jelly Roll

This season of American Idol introduced country artist Jelly Roll as the show’s first-ever “Artist in Residence.” The singer first appeared on the show during the last leg of “Hollywood Week” and will be a permanent fixture on the show moving forward, acting as a mentor to the contestants.

Both Top 24 contestants, Olivier Bergeron and Jamal Roberts, decided to sing a different top song by Jelly Roll for their Hawaii performances. Olivier, a 23-year-old truck driver, gave a rock-and-roll spin to the hit song, “I Am Not Okay.”

All three judges believed that Olivier’s shyness may have gotten the best of him, but they see how he continues to grow as a singer week after week. “It’s amazing to see you blossom right in the middle of that song,” Lionel told Olivier. Hopefully, if Olivier gets enough votes to make it through the next round, he listens to their advice to open up more.

As for Jamal, the Mississippi teacher took on Jelly Roll’s song, “Liar” and gave a very passionate performance. Getting a standing ovation from the judges, Jelly Roll, who was in the audience, yelled out, “It’s not my song anymore,” and added to Luke, “We’re 0 and 2.”

What’s Next For Season 23’s Top 24?

American Idol’s Top 24 have already sung their hearts out in Hawaii, and now it’s all up to America’s vote. The decision of who makes it to the next rounds is no longer in the hands of the judges, although they definitely can sway a viewers’ vote based on how they perceive each performance.

On Sunday, April 20th, four contestants will be eliminated, narrowing the competition down to the Top 20. But in a first for American Idol, the show will air a special three-hour episode called “Songs of Faith,” which will be filled with faith-inspired songs performed by the contestants, judges, and special guests, as the episode coincides with the Easter holiday.

Idol is no stranger to themed nights, as last season featured standout episodes like “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” night and “Disney” night, where contestants took on songs inspired by each theme. However, having a theme based around faith is something that’s never been done before.

The three-hour-long episode will also see musical performances by Christian artists like CeCe Winans and American Idol alum Roman Collins. Singer Brandon Lake will also take the stage, and it is highly likely that he will sing his song “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which features Jelly Roll.

Idol viewers have seen several of these Top 24 contestants already sing faith-based songs, so this can certainly be an advantage for them. Baylee Littrell (son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell) and Canann James Hill have been known for their songs of faith during audition rounds. In fact, Jamal once competed on the BET reality singing competition show, Sunday Best. The show searched for the next best thing in gospel music. Jamal placed third in the show’s tenth season.