‘American Idol’ Lets the Top 24 Show Off Their Talent

Layla Spring and Gabby Barrett stunned the judges with their soulful country sounds.

Written by Kelly Brickey
‘American Idol’ Lets the Top 24 Show Off Their Talent
AMERICAN IDOL - "109 (Top 24 Solos)" - As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants,12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America’s next superstar continues on its new home on America’s network, The ABC Television Network, SUNDAY, APRIL 8 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). (ABC/Eric McCandless)

Nerves were running high as the Top 24 hit the stage for some solo performances on Sunday night’s episode of American Idol.

Despite her young years, Layla Spring didn’t let a little Martina McBride stop her from commanding the stage with a soulful country approach to “A Broken Wing.” Sparkling through every powerful note, she made each of the judges drop their jaw over the talent flowing out and earned herself a standing ovation from the entire panel.

While Lionel Richie thanked her for utilizing the advice they gave her in the week leading up to the performance, Luke Bryan added onto that same notion by giving Spring the compliment of being the catchy spirit everyone seeks for as an artist.

“A big reason why you’re here is you’re infectious. That’s your deal. And now you’re taking the infectious thing and you’re taking some stuff that we’ve told you, and it’s fun watching you put it all together and watching you grow, and be mature far beyond your years,” Bryan gushed.

Gabby Barrett went up to take on the mighty power that comes with Maren Morris’ “My Church,” and it’s safe to say the audience praised her every note. The key change alone deserved a ‘hallelujah’ and an ‘amen’ from the judges since it brought out a new side in Barrett not seen in previous audition scenes.

“You have the shine, you have the sparkle and you have the ability to save that big ol’ note,” Bryan raved over the performance.

Richie and Katy Perry both enjoyed Barrett’s sound as well, but let her know that the personality needs to come out sooner rather than later for her next live shot.

Fans of the reality competition show can check out new episodes every Sunday and Monday night at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.