‘American Idol’ Top 7 Announced as Judges Use Save to Prevent Elimination

LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” is now down to its top seven contestants.

It was down to six for a moment, but the judges got to save one of the eliminated singers.

Mattie Pruitt was the judges’ save Monday night. That meant former judges’ save Josh King was eliminated.

“This offered me an amazing chance to perform in front of large live audiences once more,” King remarked. “Feeling that energy from the crowd is just fantastic; it’s an incredible sensation.”

The seven remaining competitors feel pretty wonderful, too.

“At this stage, it’s really about how much you desire it,” stated contestant Jamal Roberts. “I strongly want this, so I must keep striving and continue doing what I’m currently doing.”

The judges have been impressed with this crop of contestants all season.

“I think they have been moved – emotionally moved – more so by these performers than maybe ever in the past,” host Ryan Seacrest said.

“I want them to shine,” judge Carrie Underwood said. “I feel like that’s where we’re all coming from. We want these hopefuls to do a great job.”

Next week, it’s two nights of Disney, with guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda.

With two nights dedicated to Disney themes, there are also two rounds of eliminations. On Sunday night, the group narrows from the top seven to the top five, and then on Monday night, only three contestants advance to the grand finale.

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