‘American Idol’ Recap: Top 9 Finalists Revealed

American Idol’s Top 10 singers were cut down to nine after the contestants’ performed selections from the Billboard Top 10 the night before.

Not every performance on the show’s hits themed episode — which featured songs by Florida Georgia Line, Foster the People, Avicii and Zedd — made it to the top of the pops. Some faltered all the way to the bottom. So who was a hit — and who was a stiff?

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Meet the Top 10 Singers

Before revealing who went home, the show once more showed the Top 10 at the Idol version of The Last Supper, where the contestants break bread and recap the highlights of the previous meeting before the inevitable axing of one of their own.

Before that, resident hit maker and Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez, took to the stage to perform her new single, “I Luh You Papi,” with three familiar faces, Season 10’s Pia Toscano, Season 11’s Jessica Sanchez and Season 8’s Allison Iraheta. It was nice to see the three former Idols together on stage harmonizing and doing a little skit about the current cast. Additionally, Harry Connick Jr. introduced the New Orleans act Royal Teeth, who debuted their song “Wild” on the show.

STORY: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Get to Know the Top 10 Singers

Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. also shared cute stories about the excitement of hearing your song for the first time on the radio. Because when it comes down to it, nothing is better for an artist than that moment, and it was good to see the show recognizing the medium for its important part in breaking new acts. Bonus points to Ryan Seacrest for telling America he puke-talked over a Jon Secada record the first time he was on the radio!

The show also once more showcased mentor Randy Jackson‘s thoughts on each performance, such as Dexter Roberts’, who he felt looked “lost” on stage. Roberts got a videotaped thumbs up from Florida Georgia Line, who loved his version of “Cruise,” but he was sent to the stools of doom not even thirty seconds later by host Seacrest.  

STORY: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Malaya Watson Is the Youngest Finalist in Series History

C.J. Harris was also given a thrill with a heartfelt thank you from Hunter Hayes, who loved his version of “Invisible.” Harris’ fate was happier than Roberts, as he was sent to safety.

After the nationwide super vote, Seacrest also revealed that Majesty Rose (“Wake Me Up” by Avicii) and MK Nobilette (“Perfect” by Pink) were also in the bottom three.

After the nationwide vote, Nobilette was left to sing for the save in the most emotional night of the season, as the audience rallied to support the show’s first openly gay contestant with chants of “Save her!” Both the San Francisco singer and Lopez were teary-eyed after she sang a heartfelt version of “All of Me” by John Legend, and the judges took a remarkably long time at the table determining her fate.

“It breaks our heart, but we have to say goodbye,” said Connick, with the audience clearly in disagreement given the amount of booing in the crowd.

What do you think of the latest elimination? Hit us up in the comments.

Twitter: @Idol_Worship, @MicheleAmabile