American Idol eliminated Kaibrienne and determined the Top 7 contestants after judge Katy Perry chose to save McKenna Faith Breinholt during the Season 22 episode that aired Monday night on ABC.

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Kaibrienne, a 20-year-old B&B host from Henefer, UT, was ousted from the American Idol competition after the Top 8 each performed one of three songs anonymously selected by Idol judges Katy, Luke Bryan or Lionel Richie, who were competing against one another for most songs chosen.

Kaibrienne and McKenna, a 25-year-old esthetician from Gilbert, AZ, landed in the bottom two based on the millions of home viewer votes that poured in live during the broadcast; however, because Katy won the "Judges' Song Contest," she was able to save one of the two singers who were in jeopardy of going home.

Katy got emotional when announcing her decision and said, "I didn't want to do this part, and I didn't know it was going to happen like this. I love you both, and I think you guys are both great. I'd love to hear McKenna sing again."

American Idol's Top 7 contestants as a result are McKenna as well as Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, CA; Emmy Russell, a 25-year-old songwriter from Nashville, TN; Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, TX; Julia Gagnon, a 22-year-old college student from Cumberland, ME; Triston Harper, a 15-year-old high school student from McIntosh, AL; and Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazlehurst, GA.

Will kicked off the night of performances, and his three songs to choose from were "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash, "Stone" by Whiskey Myers, and "White Horse" by Chris Stapleton.

Will decided to sing the Johnny Cash tune, which had been selected for him by Lionel.

"You killed it. You came out of the box. It was your song, it's the feeling, it's the pumping of the crowd... Will Moseley moses on. It was fantastic!" Lionel gushed.

Katy admitted of the song selection, "I guess Lionel was right."

For Kaibrienne, the judges chose "Take a Bow" by Rihanna, "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrige, and "Greedy" by Tate McRae.

Kaibrienne ultimately picked Katy's selection, "Traitor," which the singer dubbed "an easy pick."

Katy gushed of Kaibrienne's performance, "That was amazing. It was very heartfelt. I just think you look like such a superstar," and Luke told the contestant that she had "a moment" that night and the song clearly spoke to her.

McKenna's three songs to pick from were "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar, "Angels Like You" by Miley Cyrus, and "Everywhere I Go" by Lissie.

McKenna serenaded the audience with "Everywhere I Go," which had been Katy's pick for her.

"I've spent many nights crying listening to that song and just surrendering, and it's so beautiful. The artist is amazing, Lissie, and she reminds me a lot of the artist I think you are and will become," Katy shared.

"It's so powerful, and that's what your voice does -- it moves people emotionally and it opens up hearts so that they can feel and heal."

Jack was up next, and his song choices were "Heading South" by Zach Bryan, "Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey) by The Weeknd, and "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson.

Jack sang the Willie Nelson hit, which Katy had put in the running for him.

"I'm crying because it was so emotional because I feel like you've been fully realized," Katy declared to the singer.

"When I first met you, I was conflicted. I felt like it wasn't all there, and shout-out to my assistant who holds my feet to the fire all the time. She marched into me and said, 'What are you thinking, Katy?!' You keep singing like that, and you're going to surprise everyone in this contest."

Luke even confessed, "I'm so glad you didn't choose my song... It came out of your heart and soul. It was a very magical moment."

Abi decided to sing "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence over "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" by Traditional and "Dangerous Woman" by Ariana Grande.

Luke had brought "Bring Me To Life" to the table for Abi, and he was very proud of himself for winning this round since Abi rocked the stage.

Luke said he "created a monster" because Abi had taken that song "to another level."

Luke continued, "From your first note and your approach, you knew it was game on and you were here to play and be serious. It was awesome."

Lionel called Abi "professional," and Katy pointed out how Abi had kicked down all four walls of the box she thought the singer was in.

Julia was then given three song options: "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland/Eva Cassidy, "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson, and "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion.

Julia opted to take the stage with "Over the Rainbow," which had been Luke's song choice for her.

"There is no song you can't sing," Luke gushed. "You had all of these different inspirations and flares... You just captured everything that you want to be just then. It was beautiful."

Lionel added, "If I'm going to admit to a loss, I'll admit to the fact that you killed that song."

Katy also told Luke that he was "right" in choosing that specific song for Julia.

Triston's turn was up next, and he picked "Sand In My Boots" by Morgan Wallen -- which was a tough decision for him -- over "Mountain Music" by Alabama and "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw.

Lionel had selected "Sand In My Boots" for the singer, and he complimented Triston on his growth in the competition.

"You are a world-class storyteller," Lionel told Triston.

Katy said she believed in Triston, and Luke praised the singer for a job well done and coming out of his shell.

And finally, Emmy got to choose from "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton, "Coal Miner's Daughter" by her grandmother Loretta Lynn, and "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall.

Emmy delivered a soft and emotional performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter," which had been Katy's pick for her.

"I chose this song not because Loretta Lynn is your grandma. I chose this song because you are Emmy Russell and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell!" Katy cried.

The American Idol episode also featured the Top 8 contestants teaming up for performances of hit songs by the judges as well as a beautiful tribute to Mandisa, who passed away at age 47 earlier this month.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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