There was a surprise twist to the ending of PJAE and Malik’s sing-off on American Idol.
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On Sunday (April 9), the contestants faced off in an intimate performance in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to determine who would advance to the Top 24. PJAE and Malik chose Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted” as their song, with Malik stepping up to the plate first. His rich voice was equally parts smooth and soulful as he sang the opening lines, I had a dream / I got everything I wanted, taking his time and letting each note have its moment. He then passed it off to PJAE, whose sweet voice was instantly intoxicating, gently soaring while showing off his impressive range on the chorus.
As the judges excused the contestants so they could deliberate, Malik and PJAE, who formed a friendship during the competition, headed outside to wait for their Idol fate. “They’re both incredible,” Bryan says chuckling.
“I’m changing my mind,” Perry stated. “The person that we were thinking about, is out.”
“You did so good,” PJAE raved to his friend. “I was literally mesmerized.”
“That was fun,” Malik added with a smile.
The judges then call the two back into the room to deliver the news. “We think you guys are both really incredible,” Perry praised. “We hate having to make choices like this, it kills us.” She then called Malik “astounding” and told PJAE that he has “gravitas” and “volume,” but didn’t think his performance was as “controlled” as Malik’s. She then revealed that PJAE will be going to the Top 24, much to his surprise.
But that wasn’t the only surprise they had in store. After stating, “We’ve never done this,” Perry revealed that they removed another contestant from the competition so they could also send Malik to the Top 24, all three judges laughing and clapping as they give the two a standing ovation.
“If you believe in miracles, this is one of them,” Perry cheered as Malik and PJAE share a celebratory hug.
The second part of the Showstopper/Final Judgment Part episode airs on Monday (April 10) at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
