American Idol fans rejoice—there’s a new episode on tonight, April 22. The episode airs at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC, and will feature live performances from the Top 12 contestants. There was also an episode on Sunday (April 21), which featured Gene Simmons mentoring the remaining performers.
Tonight, the Top 12 will have Meghan Trainor step in as a mentor while they perform No. 1 Billboard Hits. Trainor hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014 with her song “All About That Bass.” It stayed at No. 1 for 8 weeks, and she has also has four Top 10 hits. Trainor will most likely be a great mentor for the remaining contestants.
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The Top 12 will be whittled down again when two people go home following tonight’s episode. This will bring the total contestants to 10, making the stakes even higher for those remaining. With the finale drawing ever closer, the contestants will have to bring their all if they want to make it to the end of the American Idol journey.
[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Reveals 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees: See Full List]
Fans Are Worried About Emmy Russell’s Future on American Idol
Previously, American Idol fans were worried Emmy Russell might be going home after her recent performance. The granddaughter of country legend Loretta Lynn, Russell has previously given spirited performances that moved her along in the competition. However, fans are getting a little worried after the last one. Following her performance on Sunday’s episode, fans took to social media to discuss her future on the show.
“Emmy was very off tune,” one person wrote on Twitter/X. “I’m afraid she’ll be going home tomorrow.” Another fan wrote, “Emmy is cute, and I hope she does well in country music, but that was not her best performance.”
“Judges must be hearing something that I’m not when it comes to Emmy tonight,” one fan noted, while others wrote, “Not Emmy’s best,” adding, “Bit pitchy.”
Since American Idol is fan-voted at this point, contestants need to impress the viewers almost more than the judges. However, Emmy still has fans rallying around her on social media. One person wrote, “Don’t take any negative comments on social media to heart,” adding, “They’re written by people who have neither the talent or guts to do what you are doing.”
Featured Image by Disney/Eric McCandless
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INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Wynonna Judd is seen at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach)







