Two Nation Singers Compete for Remaining Prime 24 Slot on ‘American Idol’

Two nation singers went face to face on Monday (April 4) with hopes of creating it by way of to the subsequent spherical of Season 20’s American Idol. Dan Marshall and Dakota Hayden, who had been final to carry out on the two-hour Showstoppers episode, discovered themselves coming nose to nose vying for the ultimate slot within the Prime 24.

After Marshall carried out Brooks & Dunn’s “Exhausting Workin’ Man” and Hayden delivered Parker McCollum’s “Fairly Coronary heart,” Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie introduced the 2 of them right into a room to inform them who could be advancing on the present and who could be going dwelling. Nevertheless, as a result of each singers gave distinctive Showstoppers Spherical performances, the celebrities discovered it tough to decide on between the 2.

“We’re going to have a superb old school nation boy sing-off, and I’m not going to be in it,” Bryan instructed the standouts.

First to step as much as the plate was Hayden. He grabbed an acoustic guitar and delivered an on-the-fly tackle Kane Brown’s “Heaven.” The 17-year-old expertise confirmed promise as he proved he might sing beneath strain and nonetheless flaunt his pure gravel vocals that bought him to Hollywood Week. However, judges nonetheless needed to hear from Marshall, who was awaiting his flip to sing for the ultimate probability at advancing to the subsequent section of the competitors.

Like Hayden, Marshall additionally delivered an unbelievable on-the-spot efficiency. For his providing, he crooned Chris Stapleton’s “What Are You Listening To?” for the judges. Backed by piano, the 24-year-old Virginia native threw his entire coronary heart into his efficiency.

Afterward, the three judges despatched the hopefuls out of the room so they might put their heads collectively. Though Hayden had sufficient expertise to turn into a star, the panel agreed that Marshall was a extra developed artist.

“Alright, boys, tons of promise out of each of you, tons, I’d say, Dakota, every thing you’re giving us at 17 years previous telegraphs an enormous star on the rise, however at 17, you’re nonetheless a bit younger, you’re not going to make it within the Prime 24. Dan’s simply bought a couple of years on you man,” Bryan shared.

Though Hayden’s journey on Idol has come to an finish, he did depart on a excessive be aware.

“Listening to I misplaced was devastating, however on the identical time, I hold telling myself to be pleased with myself it doesn’t matter what,” the singer, who was one out of 35 singers to depart the competitors, mentioned.

American Idol returns Sunday and Monday nights on ABC.

See American Idol Contestants Then and Now