“American Idol‘s Top 12 performance show opened up with a special performance. Judge Lionel Richie performed his Oscar winning show “Say You Say Me”. Richie was at his piano which rose to the middle of the stage with Richie not missing a beat. Richie won the Academy Award for Best Original from the movie “White Nights” during the 1986 ceremony. The song also won the Golden Globe Award that year as well.

Afterwards, the Top 12 contestants performed Oscars nominated and winning songs for the theme this week.

Luke Bryan returned and joined Lionel Richie and Katy Perry at the judge’s desk as “American Idol” gets closer to crowning a new winner. 

Following America’s Coast to Coast live voting, the Top 9 contestants were revealed. The Top 9 will now go to Disney World in Florida to prepare for  their Disney week performance on May 2nd.

The Top 9 are:

Casey Bishop
Deshawn Goncalves
Casandra Coleman
Caleb Kennedy
Chayce Beckham
Alyssa Wray
Willie Spence
Grace Kinstler
Hunter Metts

ELIMINATED

Ava August

Madison Watkins

Beane

Here is Lionel Richie’s performance from the show. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAhoH3CgmoY