Contestants on American Idol faced a new challenge as judges selected songs for the Top 8 hopefuls. The May 5 episode featured the "Judge's Song Contest," where Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood each proposed a song for every singer.
Hopefuls chose one of the three options to perform, with judges earning a point for each selection. At the end of the night, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie tied with three points each, winning the contest jointly. Carrie Underwood finished with two points.
The outcome of the Judge's Song Contest meant Bryan and Richie shared the power to save one contestant later in the competition. However, this power was not used immediately.
One contestant was eliminated based on the nationwide American Idol Vote. Host Ryan Seacrest announced the results that narrowed the field to the Top 7.
Judge Luke Bryan commented on several performances throughout the show. He notably praised contestant John Foster, admitting the singer had proved him wrong after initially having doubts during auditions. Bryan stated after Foster's performance of a George Strait song that no one had ever changed his mind more.
Other singers performed songs suggested by the judges. Breanna Nix and Mattie Pruitt sang songs chosen by Luke Bryan, while John Foster performed a song picked by Carrie Underwood.
The results determined the seven artists who advanced in the American Idol competition.
