Once again, this season of American Idol is throwing fans an unexpected twist.
On Sunday's new episode -- shot months ago at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii, before the coronavirus pandemic -- fans were expecting to learn which stars were moving on to the Top 20 and which had overstayed their welcome.
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At the end of the night, with only one position left, the Final Judgement came down to Lauren Mascitti and Grace Leer, two country music-leaning vocalists who each delivered stellar performances this round.
As both singers waited to learn their fate, judge Luke Bryan had a big surprise in store: Neither were going home -- yet!
"Your performances last night, both of them were really great,” Bryan told the contestants. "We have one position left, and we couldn’t make a decision… [so] we’re going to turn it over to America."
For the first time, viewers will get a chance to vote online on who should earn a place in the Top 20, and who should get the axe. It's a surprising cliffhanger as two women's fates hang in the balance, and Twitter had a lot of conflicting opinions.
And not just about who should move on, but also on whether or not it was right to pit the two hopefuls against each other, instead of rewarding them for their stellar work. Quite a few felt that some of the others who'd gotten guaranteed spots on the Top 20 didn't deserve it as much as Leer and Mascitti.
OMGEE We’re leaving it to you, America! We couldn’t choose between @GraceLeermusic & @LaurenMascitti so we’re leaving it to you! Vote at https://t.co/AeLQtxZkD5 #AmericanIdol @emmylousongbird pic.twitter.com/pUPNJLTNmQ
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 6, 2020
Just voted for Grace & Lauren on @AmericanIdol & they both deserve to be in the top 20. The best 2 female artist on the show right now! @katyperry @LukeBryanOnline @LionelRichie
— Brittany (@bmdwillow) April 6, 2020
Why are the two best contestants left the ones that have to be voted in? Once again these singing shows throw the contestants under the bus #AmericanIdol https://t.co/6rZs9tOBiu
— Steve O'Brien (@steveowhitesox) April 6, 2020
I’m sorry but voting between Grace and Lauren? Both should be in the Top 20. There are other contestants who are not worthy of that title. This season is stupid. #AmericanIdol
— LJ (@EllaJay912) April 6, 2020
Hey @AmericanIdol how ‘ bout we keep Lauren and Grace and be allowed to vote off one of your less talented picks instead?
— Kelly E Raitt (@kellyraitt) April 6, 2020
My thoughts on tonight:
— Michelle McMahon 🐾 🇨🇦 (@Michelle241994) April 6, 2020
1. I agree with all that got to the top 21
2. I thought Genevieve should of went through. 3. It will be hard to choose between Lauren and Grace (should of both been top 20) #AmericanIdol
Fans can vote for their favorite on the American Idol website, or text "Lauren" or "Grace" to 21523. Voting ends 9 a.m. ET on April 7.
While viewers will find out who got picked to move on next Sunday, this did mark the last new episode for Idol before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic led the show to halt production on the current season before the live rounds kicked off.
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