American Idol revealed the seven remaining Top 14 contestants during Monday night's two-hour broadcast on ABC.

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After 12 of the Top 24 artists each performed a solo as well as a duet with an all-star in the music industry over the last couple of nights, American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were tasked with advancing only seven individuals to the next phase of the competition in which home viewers will vote.

The following artists made the Top 14: Jurnee, an 18-year-old hostess from Denver, CO; Marcio Donaldson, a 28-year-old server from Compton, CA; Maddie Poppe, a 20-year-old college student from Clarksville, IA; Adam "Ada Vox" Sanders, a 24-year-old entertainer from San Antonio, TX; Mara Justine, a 15-year-old high school student from Galloway, NJ; Caleb Lee Hutchinson, an 18-year-old musician from Dallas, GA; and Garrett Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school student from Bossier City, LA.

Since those seven artists made it through to the next round, five contestants -- including fan-favorite Alyssa Raghu, a 15-year-old high school student from Orlando, FL -- were sadly cut from the competition.

The American Idol judges also decided to eliminate Ron Bultongez, a 21-year-old entrepreneur originally from Congo who currently resides in Plano, TX; Effie Passero, a 26-year-old assistant property manager from Modesto, CA; Amelia Hammer Harris, a 26-year-old musician from Lexington, KY; and Shannon O'Hara, a 17-year-old nanny from Mooresville, NC.

Last night's American Idol episode featured the 12 contestants performing with either Lea Michele, Allen Stone, Cam, Banners, Bebe Rexha, or Colbie Caillat.

Caleb performed "Meant To Be" with Bebe Rexha, and Katy said she liked to see him get out of his comfort zone and have a little fun. Luke called him "endearing to watch" and said he delivered a solid vocal performance, and Lionel noted he was "fantastic."

Ada Vox sang "Defying Gravity" with Lea Michele, and the pair received a standing ovation from the judging panel for their duet.

"A star is born. No kidding. There is no denying your presence, your voice, your statement, and I applaud you," Lionel gushed.

Katy insisted Ada's "sounds transcends words," and Luke reiterated how the contestant figures out a way to "bring the house down every time."

Maddie took the stage with Colbie, and the girls sang "Bubbly," which also received a standing ovation from the judges.

Luke said Maddie is American Idol's "most complete artist" this season.

Katy explained that Maddie and Colbie complemented each other extremely well onstage and showed that they have a beautiful relationship. Maddie's approach to the duet also showed maturity and respect, and Lionel appreciated how comfortable and relaxed the contestant appeared onstage.

Marcio and Allen Stone performed "What's Going On," but Marcio only had one day to prepare, as he was originally supposed to sing with Toni Braxton. Toni bowed out of the performance due to being "under the weather."

But Marcio absolutely wowed the judges. Lionel called it "a spiritual moment," saying he has a "magic shine" about him, and Luke explained the contestant's "horsepower" is really starting to kick in. Katy believes Marcio has had a transformation on this show and that he's exuding confidence.

"You've arrived... You're meant to be here and you know it now!" Katy gushed.

Jurnee performed "Run to You" with Lea Michele, and the ladies got Katy, Lionel and Luke up on their feet.

Luke reiterated how Jurnee sings so "effortlessly," and Katy pointed out that Jurnee and Lea had a beautiful synchronicity in their duet. Jurnee showed her heart in this performance, and Lionel noted she's taking everyone on an "unbelievable" journey and "the sky is the limit" for her.

Garrett took the stage with Colbie, and the duo sang "Lucky."

Katy could tell Garrett's heart was in this performance, and she was finally starting to believe that he's cool and confident. The judges view Garrett as "a dreamboat" even though his voice and presentation still need work. Regardless, the contestant took another step in the right direction.

Mara arguably had the best performance of the night, as she belted out "Fight Song" with Rachel Platten on the piano.

Lionel acknowledged that Mara has finally found her center and she showed such vulnerability -- with power -- in that performance.

"Way to shine at the right time," Luke said, adding that Mara's voice alone could carry her very far in this competition. And Katy thought the duet was beautiful, telling Mara that she should combine her vulnerability with her rocker-girl quirks and edge.

As for the contestants who were sent home, Ron and Banners performed "Someone To You," Amelia and Bebe Rexha sang "Me, Myself & I," Shannon and Cam performed "Burning House," Alyssa and Banners sang "Yellow," and Effie and Cam belted out "Diane."

The Top 14 artists will compete next week for home viewer votes, and four contestants will be eliminated.

Below is the complete list of American Idol's Top 14 contestants for Season 16 on ABC:

- Gabby Barrett, a 17-year-old high school student from Pittsburgh, PA

- Jonny Brenns, an 18-year-old college student from St. Augustine, FL

- Marcio Donaldson, a 28-year-old server from Compton, CA

- Cade Foehner, a 21-year-old college student from Shelbyville, TX

- Caleb Lee Hutchinson, an 18-year-old musician from Dallas, GA

- Garrett Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school student from Bossier City, LA

- Jurnee, an 18-year-old hostess from Denver, CO

- Mara Justine, a 15-year-old high school student from Galloway, NJ

- Dennis Lorenzo, a 26-year-old singer from Philadelphia, PA

- Maddie Poppe, a 20-year-old college student from Clarksville, IA

- Michelle Sussett, a 22-year-old waitress from Miami, FL

- Catie Turner, a 17-year-old high school student from Langhorne, PA

- Adam "Ada Vox" Sanders, a 24-year-old entertainer from San Antonio, TX

- Michael J. Woodard, a 20-year-old bowling alley attendant from Philadelphia, PA


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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