© 2026 ABC News

Gabby Barrett continued with her potential debut single, a mix of soul and gospel called “Rivers Deep.” Noting that the stage and the studio are different worlds, the judges felt she failed to deliver the song effectively on stage until the very end.

Maddie Poppe continued with a song reminiscent of season 11 winner Phillip Phillips' \"Home\" -- co-written by Julia Michaels -- called, “Going Going Gone.” Luke expressed the sentiments of all three judges by declaring Maddie turned in a “solid performance” because she looked “the most comfortable so far.”

\"PHOTO:
ABC
PHOTO: Maddie Poppe performs on ABC's, "American Idol," May 20, 2018.
>

Next, the top three performed their encore songs:

Caleb redeemed himself with his reprisal of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Richie called Hutchinson’s voice “solid as a rock” and urged the 19-year-old to own it and put it in front of everything.” Perry agreed, calling Caleb’s performance “light years” ahead of his first one, praising his “amazing, incredible, interesting, textured voice.\"

\"PHOTO:
Eric McCandless/ABC
PHOTO: Caleb Lee Hutchinson performs on ABC's, "American Idol," May 20, 2018.
>

Gabby followed with an encore performance of Miranda Lambert’s “Little Red Wagon.” Perry noted Barrett’s growth in her performance, interaction with the audience and comfort with the musicians.

.@GabbyBarrett_ may ride that little red wagon all the way to the top! #AmericanIdol #IdolFinale https://t.co/yr1YsHTDon

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 21, 2018

Maddie, hoped lightning would strike twice, reprising a song she first performed during Hollywood Week with her original song, \"Don’t Let Your Children Grow Up.” Perry praised Poppe for taking a risk, adding the artist was “authentic as heck.”

Finally, the contestants performed their hometown dedications:

Who will be named as the #AmericanIdol?! Find out during our Grand Finale LIVE TONIGHT at 9|8c on ABC! pic.twitter.com/U3KtlgdnbE

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 21, 2018

Caleb honored his hometown of Dallas, Georgia, with Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Richie praised Caleb for a “convincing” performance,” adding the Cash classic was “in his wheelhouse.” Added Perry, “I think an audience member wants to have fun. They’re waiting for you to invite them and you just invited us.”

Gabby, a Pittsburgh native, dedicated Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” to her hometown. To her surprise, it wasn’t Katy Perry, Richie or Bryan who commented on the performance, but former Journey singer Steve Perry -- who sang the original track -- offering his take. “It was the most amazing version I’ve ever heard,” he declared, “just beautiful.”

\"PHOTO:
Eric McCandless/ABC
PHOTO: Gabby Barrett performs on ABC's, "American Idol," May 20, 2018.
>

Clarksville, Iowa’s Maddie closed out the performances with her take on Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” Bryan thanked Maddie for “inspiring” him and Perry, typing into her phone, said, “I’m voting for you.”

\"American Idol\" will return with its finale Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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