‘American Idol’ top 20 (21?) revealed

The producers also through in a twist. Two women — Lauren Mascitti and Grace Lee — were placed "on the bubble." America will vote who gets into the top 20. (You can vote here until Tuesday, April 7 at 9 a.m. EST.)

Either way, the final 20 will feature 12 women and 8 men. Jonesboro teen Cyniah Elise represents Georgia.

How will "Idol" finish the season without a standard production of a live audience and a big stage? Ryan Seacrest told TMZ Live last week that the producers are trying to figure out  a way to finish out the season using remote technology. But he didn't know exactly how it would work just yet.

Anyway, here’s a recap:

We get back to the Dillon James cliffhanger from last week. Not surprisingly, he gets into the top 20 with his Bob Dylan cover. The recovered drug addict expressed genuine gratitude that he's alive, much less in the top 20 on a reality competition show.

Genavieve Linkowski ("You Say" Lauren Dagle) - This is clearly the favorite "Idol" song of the season based on how many times we've already heard it. She  has a solid voice, but didn't quite pull the heartstrings with this one. "I didn't feel that big connection," Luke Bryan said. She didn't make the cut.  Verdict: Fair

Franklin Boone ("Daughters" John Mayer) - This was a song he sang at karaoke right before he found out he and his wife were having a daughter. I hate this song, but he does it justice and earned his spot based on his overall performance in Hollywood. Verdict: Good

Julia Gargano ( "Glitter in the Air" Pink) - Sounds breathy and ragged to me. She clearly got into the top 20 based on past performances. Verdict: Questionable

Aliana Jester ( "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman") -  She brings confidence and style to what is already an over-sung song. She is an easy in. Verdict: Good pick though top 10 is hardly guaranteed

Sophia Wackerman ( "Levels" Jonas Brothers) - Her brother has "fragile X syndrome" and generates a large amount of anxiety. He is there in Hawaii for her. She showed great stage presence and a smidge of sensuality. I'm a fan. She's in, too. Verdict: Absolutely!

Robert Taylor  ("Take Me to the Pilot" Elton John) - He got in trouble earlier in Hollywood with way too many runs and over-singing. He opens with promise but goes overboard again. It's his thing, but I don't think he has enough control to make it work. And the judges agree. "Last night was a little all over the map," Luke Bryan said. He fails to make the top 20. Verdict: Good call

Kimmy Gabriela ( "You Don't Do It For Me Anymore" Demi Lovato) - She keeps it simple, emoting and hitting all the right notes. It is very effective. Katy wasn't a fan of the song, which was not the best. "You sound like a seasoned pro," Katy said. "I don't remember you every time you go on the stage. How is that? You have one of the best voices on this competition. It's not enough to be a good singer. Now it's time to get in the whole package. You got to figure that out." Kimmy promises to "dig." Verdict: Excellent. I'd like to see more.

Three singers then get cut without even getting referenced by name.

Shannon Gibbons ( "Send My Love" Adele) - I like her vocal style, especially during the verses, but the chorus is just OK. And we don't hear the entire performance. "We think you did well. You have a cool voice. It has a lot of grit," Katy said. "You can't lean on the texture of your voice." Close call, but the judges cut her. Verdict: Tough one

We then get three teen females who are all talented and make it through.

Cyniah Elise ( "Lady Marmalade) - This is a tough song to pull off but she manages to make it work with panache, if not originality. Verdict: Good call

Makayla Phillips ( "Sorry Not Sorry" Demi Levato) - I'm not a huge fan of her voice, but she brings plenty of verve to this performance. Verdict: I'm a bit meh, but I get it

Lauren Spencer-Smith ( "Respect" Aretha Franklin): Strong voice. She's no Kelly Clarkson despite a mild resemblance. But she's likable, and she has strong pipes. Verdict: No complaints

Olivia Ximines ( "Proud Mary" Tina & Ike Turner) - She pulls a Tina by starting slow, doing a dress reveal and going full speed. It's spirited, if a bit derivative. Judges like her energy, smile and dance moves and she's in. Verdict: Indifferent

Arthur Gunn ( "Is This Love" Bob Marley) - I absolutely love this guy. He is so natural and likable, and his voice is special, even if it's not remotely pure. Katy noted that when he opened his eyes and wasn't internalized, he connected. "Let us in," she said. "You are pure light," Lionel Richie said. Verdict: Top 10 for sure

Demi Rae ( "Lonely" Noah Cyrus) - She has an interesting voice and picks a bit of an autobiographical song lyrically. This was a great performance. I really felt it. She said she has come a long way. The judges must have had a tough time with this one, but they don't explain why she didn't make the cut — at least based on what we see. Verdict: bummer

There is one slot and two singers left, both country and friends to boot. This is pretty typical for “Idol.” But the twist is they are leaving the final decision to America.

Grace Leer ( "Natural Woman" Aretha ) - She was part of the short-lived "American Juniors" in 2003. She is a super pro and really rocks this.

Lauren Mascitti ( "Two More Bottles of Wine" Emmylou Harris) - She goes pure country, and she is also excellent. It's a shame to lose one of them.

Who would I choose? I’d give Grace just a slight edge here.

Here is the complete top 21, compiled from the past two weeks:

Nick Merico

Cyniah Elise

Dewayne Crocker Jr.

Louis Knight

Francisco Martin

Jovin Webb

Faith Becnel

Just Sam

Jonny West

Aliana Jester

Franklin Boone

Dillon James

Julia Gargano

Kimmy Gabriela

Sophia Wackerman

Dibesh Rokharel (Arthur Gunn)

Olivia Ximines

Lauren Spencer Smith

Makayla Phillips

Grace Leer/Lauren Mascitti (America will decide which one will make the top 20 by April 7)

Originally posted Monday, April 6, 2020 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog