American Idol season 22: Triston Harper and Jennifer Jeffries sing an original during Hollywood Week

The latest episode of American Idol’s 22nd season, which aired on Sunday, March 31, showcased Hollywood Week and its significant round of eliminations, making it the biggest in the show’s history.

The setting was prepared for “Idol Arena,”described by Lionel Richie as a “pit for gladiators.”The regulations of the arena were uncomplicated: Participants would take the stage and perform randomly while being encircled by their adversaries.

Before, during five rounds of auditions, the judges of American Idol, namely Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, granted tickets to Hollywood to a collective amount of 143 singers. During the sixth episode, the chosen contestants showcased a wide range of beautiful performances for the panel. Two of these contestants were Tristan Harper and Jennifer Jeffries, who both decided to showcase their original songs.

Fans rally behind Tristan, American Idol hopeful

Despite his doubts, 15-year-old Tristan Harper confessed in a confessional that he never believed he would make it onto American Idol.

“Man, I never grew up thinking I’d be here. I’ve never been nowhere with these many lights, my bedroom that’s got one light.”

When facing the judges, Tristan revealed that his upcoming performance was a collaboration with his 86-year-old church friend, Sister Willie Mae. The original version of the song was written by Willie Mae nearly twenty years ago. She convinced Tristan to refine her concept, resulting in the creation of the song, Wrapped Up in Jesus.

The 15-year-old captured the audience’s attention with their heartfelt lyrics from the start of the performance. As Tristan’s rhythm played, members of the audience began clapping, causing Katy Perry to lean towards Luke Bryan and whisper in surprise,

“I like him.”

American Idol Star Jennifer Jeffries Advocates for Mental Health Awareness

Following Tristan’s performance, Jennifer Jeffries took the stage and sang her original track, You Were a Child, which focuses on the challenges of mental health. The 17-year-old shared that music not only rescued her, but also gave her a sense of purpose. Jennifer, who comes from a large family of 9 siblings and 14 nieces and nephews, hopes to use her songwriting and singing to support others.

Jennifer mentioned in a confessional while introducing her original track:

“For Hollywood Week, the song that I’ll be singing is an original. It is called You Were a Child. It is about watching my siblings struggle with mental health and the effect it has on them and me. I am just seeing a lot of people who I am close with deal with anxiety and depression. The fear of losing someone that you love so much kinda haunts you a little bit.”

The 17-year-old’s outstanding performance impressed the three judges so much that they all stood up to give her a standing ovation. While Luke and Lionel were impressed by her distinct voice, Katy Perry pointed out:

“It’s a little rough, it’s a little dirty, it’s not perfect…and it’s awesome. I don’t know if you’re going to win this thing, but I think you’re going to be a star.”

In episode six, the remaining contestants were put to the test in the Idol Arena during Hollywood Week. After 87 singers were eliminated, only 56 contestants remained. The number will continue to decrease in the upcoming episode.

Only 24 contestants out of the remaining 56 will be selected to continue in the singing competition series. American Idol season 22 will resume with episode 7, titled Showstopper/Final Judgement on Monday, April 1.

American Idol season 22 can be viewed on ABC by those who are interested.