Tristan McIntosh Earns Standing Ovation With Vince Gill’s ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’

On last night’s episode of American Idol, the Top 10 was whittled down to three in an intense double elimination episode.

Safe from the chopping block was Nashville native Tristan McIntosh, who earned a standing ovation from judges Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez with her rendition of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” on the piano.

“I don’t know what song Scott had you not do and have that one, but that was a good move, Scott, because that was a terrific song,” Urban said. “Vince Gill is an amazing songwriter. He’s got a brand new album out right now. That was such a good song for you. Great job.”

“I believe that is the Tristan that America fell in love with and that got you to this point,” agreed Lopez. “I mean, honestly, that is your sweet spot, your comfort zone. And you did a beautiful job on it, sweetie, you should be very proud.”

“You really are a country singer. I love when you sing country songs and I love that song. Did you have someone in mind when you were singing that,” Harry Connick, Jr. asked. She explained it was dedicated to her grandfather, who had broken his back just days earlier. “It’s amazing, I think, when you have someone in mind, especially on a song like that. Terrific job.”

At the conclusion of the show, the bottom three was Avalon Young, Olivia Rox and Gianna Isabella. Following their performances, the judges decided that Young would be the final contestant in the Top 8, sending Rox and Isabella home.

See who moves into the Top 7 next Thursday on American Idol at 8/7c on Fox.