Since earning the first Platinum Ticket of American Idol’s milestone Season 20, Huntergirl has gone on to impress the judges time and time again and her Showstopper Round performance was no different.
This round found the show narrowing down the 59 remaining contestants to officially name the Top 24. This marked the first time the contestants had the opportunity to perform alongside a full and in front of a live audience.
Following their performances, the contestants appeared in front of the judges for the “final judgement” as they learned their fate regarding the Top 24.
For this round, Huntergirl, who Luke Bryan once compared to Miranda Lambert, chose to perform Ashley McBryde’s “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.”
Her distinctive vocals gave Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie goosebumps.
“She’s the best country I’ve heard,” Luke Bryan gushed during her performance.
Huntergirl admitted that her Idol journey has been an eye-opening experience for her.
“You know there were so many times that I wanted to give up,” she tearfully shared. “Not thinking I was good enough and someone told me I was. It meant a lot. I wouldn’t be here if people didn’t believe in me. And I thank God on American Idol, I’m finally feeling like I’m good enough.”
When it was time for her “final judgement,” Huntergirl got good news.
“You just have all the magic, I can feel one million percent confident and Lionel can too and Katy can too. Katy what’d you say?” Bryan said.
“If she plays her cards right, she could win it,” Perry shared, before the contestant gushed, “I love you Katy.”
“Guess what? It’s up to America now, because you are officially in the Top 24,” Bryan revealed.
“Oh my God, I’m so excited, thank y’all so much,” HunterGirl shouted.
“All the times I thought about quitting, I’m so glad I didn’t” she added. “It feels good after wanting to do music my entire life, this feels crazy.”
American Idol returns to ABC next week with the Top 24.
