American Idol eliminated Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan, which determined the competition's Top 8 finalists during the Season 23 episode that aired Sunday night on ABC.

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Canaan James, a 17-year-old content creator from Dallas, TX, and Kolbi, a 26-year-old people and culture generalist from Tulsa, OK, were eliminated from the American Idol competition based on the home viewer votes -- over 22 million, according to Idol host Ryan Seacrest -- that poured in live during the Top 10 performance show.

Canaan James and Kolbi ultimately received the lowest number of votes on Sunday night.

The Top 10 performance show, dubbed "Ladies' Night," featured the contestants celebrating some of the iconic women in music.

The Top 10 contestants had been mentored by country superstar Miranda Lambert, and they sang for American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Kolbi Jordan belted out "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac.

"I loved your attitude, your character, your mannerisms... It was just so well thought out," Luke told the singer. "I want America to know your personality is really, really amazing."

Canaan James sang "Love Wins" by Carrie Underwood.

"I love the way you interpreted that song," Lionel told Canaan.

"You made that song a great storytelling moment. What the world needs now are more messages like that... I love the way you were low-key with the delivery but your look is spontaneously hot!"

Based on the voting results, the Top 8 American Idol contestants are Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, TX; Gabby Samone, a 23-year-old child care specialist from Baltimore, MD; Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, MS; and John Foster, an 18-year-old college student from Addis, LA.

The remaining Top 8 contestants are Josh King, a 24-year-old airport pianist from Matthews, NC; Mattie Pruitt, a 16-year-old high school student from Eagleville, TN; Slater Nalley, an 18-year-old high school student from Atlanta, GA; and Thunderstorm Artis, a 29-year-old musician from Haleiwa, HI.

John Foster took the stage with "Something to Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt.

"You are the one we have watched grow the most throughout this entire process," Carrie gushed.

"Every single time you step on the stage, you feel more comfortable. You're working the stage more, and you're connecting with the audience more... Keeping leaning into that and keep getting loose! They love you!"

Josh King performed "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.

"I loved seeing you fighting and seeing you challenging yourself," Luke told the singer.

"We knew you a few months ago as kind of a quiet guy behind a piano, and now, you are truly leaving it all out there -- like eye of the tiger. You sang like you didn't care if you lost your voice tonight. You gave it your all, and it was inspiring to see you grow so much."

Breanna Nix impressed the judges with "Water Under the Bridge" by Adele.

"This was the right song choice for sure," Carrie told the artist.

"I feel like this was just a perfect moment for you. You looked and sounded and played the part of a diva, and it was all worth it!"

Thunderstorm Artis performed "When We Were Young" by Adele.

"Your ability to hold the room with tenderness, and to do so many things with your voice... you are amazingly crafty with how you deliver songs," Luke explained.

"And that was, by far, my favorite performance you've ever done. It was real. I felt all the emotions. I felt everything. It was your show just then. You are such a pro, such a pro!"

Slater Nalley sang "Whoever's in New England" by Reba McEntire.

Carrie told Slater that his risk paid off, and Luke praised the contestant for surprising home viewers.

"You got here by being you," Lionel chimed in. "You understand me? Just be you! It's fantastic, and believe in yourself."

Jamal Roberts took the stage with "Undo It" by Carrie Underwood.

The judges gushed about how Jamal's performance was "mesmerizing" and "so much fun."

Mattie Pruitt performed "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert.

"We were hanging on every single note and every single word," Carrie shared. "That was really quite brilliant, I think. Towards the end, I'm just trying to hold [it together]."

And Gabby Samone sang "I Was Here" by Beyonce.

The judges urged home viewers to vote for Gabby and Luke added, "You're why this show exists."
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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