"American Idol" judges had to make a tough decision in selecting the talent competition show's Top 24.
For decades, "American Idol" has been expanding its franchise and welcoming thousands of hopefuls to the show. Its return for its new season this year made a shocking plot twist in the show's history.
"American Idol" Judges Make Exemption in the Show's Top 24
In the past weeks since the "American Idol" new season started, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan repeatedly boasted about how the current contestants are the best in history yet.
With that, they found it hard to easily complete the Top 24.
During a recent episode, however, the judges faced a challenging experience as they had to let go of two platinum ticket holders, Kaylin Hedges and Cam Amen. This left the three judges to pick one among Matt Wilson, Colin Stough, and Iam Tongi to complete the top 24.
Tongi performed "The Sound of Silence," while Wilson and Stough sang "Forever" and "Cold," respectively.
READ ALSO: Public Image Ltd Confirms New Nora Forster-Inspired LP Following Tragic Death of John Lydon's Wife
Perry soon announced Tongi as the lucky winner who scored the last slot in the final 24, causing the other contestants to hug him. But as the two other aspirants thanked the judges for the opportunity, the "California Gurls" hitmaker stopped them due to a "plot twist."
"As judges we like to change it up every season," she said. "We have so much talent this season we don't think there's a top 24... we think there's a top 26."
It marked the first time in the "American Idol" history to have 26 contestants instead of 24. They will face each other and fight for slots during the next episode on Sunday.
Meet the "American Idol" Top 26
For "American Idol" current season, 26 aspiring singers will compete against each other to become the ultimate American Idol in the end.
Nutsa Buzaladze, Zachariah Smith, Lucy Love, Warren Peay, Marybeth Byrd, We Ani, Mariah Faith, Paige Anne, Olivia Soli, Michael Williams, Hannah Nicolaisen, Nailyah Serenity, and Kaeyra made it into the final cut.
Meanwhile, the contestants who completed the remaining slots include Elise Kristine, Matt Wilson, Emma Busse, Elijah McCormick, Tyson Venegas, William Tongi, Haven Madison, Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, Oliver Steele, Dawson Wayne, Malik Heard, and Pjae.
READ MORE: John Lydon Heartbreak: Musician Reflects on Losing 'Lovely Wife' Nora Forster Hours Before Deaths
