‘American Idol 22’ episode 6 recap: Who survived Hollywood Week in the all-new Idol Arena? [Live Blog]

It’s Hollywood Week and the pressure is on for “American Idol” contestants. With just one chance to perform for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie in the first-ever Idol Arena, who will survive the biggest cut in “Idol” history? Ryan Seacrest hosts Sunday, March 31 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. Follow along with our live blog for “American Idol 22” episode 6 below.

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8:05 p.m. — The contestants arrive in Hollywood as we learn more about the Idol Arena. Lionel prefers calling it “the Gladiators pit.” The judges tell the singers they’ll be tested on their talent and their ability to stand with their nerves about to jump out of their skin. Over half of them will go home by the time this is over. It’s the biggest cut in “American Idol” history! We see the Platinum Ticket winners (who get a pass on the first round) sing as a trio to “California Dreamin'” and prove why they (Odell Bunton Jr., Abi Carter and Julia Gagnon) are considered at the top of their class. They didn’t disappoint, bringing the house down with a standing ovation. Now, one by one, contestants will be called to the stage — but they won’t know when! They get one shot only. At the end of the night most will be cut. Let’s go!

8:10 p.m. — Triston Harper will kick things off with an original song called “Wrapped Up in Jesus.” The 15-year-old has the crowd clapping along as Katy utters, “I like him.” Luke says he put a smile on their faces. Katy says it was nice to see him up first and now he can enjoy the show. Next is Quintavious, the 21-year-old worship leader singing “Help Me” by Cortt Chavis. He’s got people crying in the audience and Luke says this was “better than the audition.” Next is Hailey Mia, a 16-year-old high school student singing “Love in the Dark” by Adele. They’re cranking through these quick! Lionel says, “You came out swinging!”

8:20 p.m. — Up next is Loretta Lynn‘s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, singing an original called “Like That.” Katy loves that the 24-year-old is a good songwriter, but she knows Emmy has more range. “You left a little range on the table,” the judge says. “If you get the opportunity to sing again let’s stretch it out.” Now it’s Jack Blocker, who doesn’t feel very confident after failing to win over Katy in the auditions. He sings “Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams while trying to control his over-the-top facial expressions he was dinged for in his audition. I’m not sure if he succeeded there, but he sounds great. Luke tells him, “Always stay true to Jack Blocker.” After he leaves the stage Katy admits, “I had to close my eyes and listen.”

8:30 p.m. — Kayko takes the stage next singing a song he wrote about his audition and the imposter syndrome he’s feeling in Hollywood. The 23-year-old from Florida only showed up at the auditions to accompany someone else on piano before being recruited by the judges himself. His song “What If?” brings a smile to Katy’s face followed by tears. Katy says, “You’re not the accident, you’re the opportunity.” Luke says, “We’re so glad you took a chance.”

8:40 p.m. — Next up is Abby Blake, the 25-year-old singer Kayko originally accompanied to the auditions. She’s singing “Vienna” by Billy Joel and Katy says, “The nerves got the best of your vibrato, but it was a step up from your audition.” Then 17-year-old Jennifer Jeffries sings an original song called “You Were a Child.” It’s about watching some of her siblings struggle with mental health issues. She has one of the most unique tones in the competition. Luke is loving this. It’s a standing ovation for this youngster. Katy says, “It’s a little rough, it’s a little dirty, it’s not perfect…and it’s awesome.” She follows that by saying, “I don’t know if you’re going to win this thing, but I think you’re going to be a star.”

9:00 p.m. — A return from commercials brings in midway through Nya‘s performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The 28-year-old Broadway performer is bringing down the house with this Aretha Franklin classic. “Pure tonal gold,” says Luke. Next up are sisters Mia and Jacy Matthews. Jaycee is up first and the 17-year-old is singing “Up to the Mountain” by Patty Griffin. Luke says her vibrato is “behind the beat a little bit, but definitely an improvement from her audition.” Next is 19-year-old Mia singing “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert. Lionel says her classmates “were into that” and that means “you were wonderful at what you did.” Wrapping up this segment is KBlocks, a 27-year-old from Alabama singing “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse. The judges can’t help but smile as this quirky vocalist graces the stage and give her a standing ovation after that performance. Katy calls her a “star.”

9:05 p.m. — The second hour begins with McKenna Faith Breinholt singing “When We Were Young” by Adele. McKenna had one of the season’s most memorable auditions when she was reunited with her birth family in front of the judges. Tonight she’s even more impressive, showing off some sultry low notes that have her competition hooting and hollering. “That was one of my favorites I’ve seen all year,” says Luke. As McKenna leaves the stage Katy notes, “I’m worried about her voice though.” Is the judge forecasting potential strained cords in the future?

9:15 p.m. — Next up is Brooklyn’s Ajii singing “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s another standing ovation for this vocal beast as Lionel says, “We have never run across a class like this. Ajii, I don’t know where you came from, but you’re the motivator.” Then Madai Chakell takes the stage, hoping to impress Luke (who passed on her audition) with “Tattooed Heart” by Ariana Grande. She gets off to a rocky start asking the band, “Hey, can we start over, I wasn’t feeling that one.” After a second attempt she stops again saying, “We’re going to do this a cappella because that’s not flowing the way we practiced.” I don’t think this is too much better. Luke says “it was a little shaky in some spots, but thanks for performing.” Madai blames the pianist and it’s unlikely she’ll make it through. Then, in a surprise twist she’s given another shot! Next, Madai asks for a chair because she’s feeling “shaky.” Okay, diva! This performance is followed by a muted applause. I think everyone is uncomfortable and just wants her to leave at this point. Luke says, “Maybe we’ll do ‘American Humble’ at some point.”

9:30 p.m. — Next is a montage of artists who seemed to struggle with the pressure tonight: Camila Galavis is just 14 years old and couldn’t control her nerves, Isabella Mercier forgot her lyrics and Amanda Mograss admits she wasn’t ready. Then Kaibrienne “KB” Richins takes the stage with a song she says feels like she wrote it herself, “How Could You” by Jessie Murph. She breaks down in tears in the middle, but pulls herself together and finishes off the song in supreme fashion. People are weeping all over the audience. Lionel says, “I’m very proud of what you’re doing.”

9:45 p.m. — Ziggy is a late arrival to Hollywood because his VISA almost didn’t come in time! He walks in like a fashion icon ready to perform with no nerves at all. The Amsterdam resident will perform later, but it’s good to see he’s made it! Then Will Moseley sings his version of “Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton. The judges give him their stamp of approval with Katy saying, “You are the real deal. What you deliver is so solid and so gritty — I’m scared of you…and I like it!” Then Roman Collins hits the keyboard with a churched up version of “Gravity,” Mackenzie Sol is briefly showcased belting it out, followed by Blake Proehl showing his more sensitive side and Justice Murphy bringing out her inner diva. Lionel says cutting half of this class “is impossible.”

9:55 p.m. — Kennedy Reid, the resident mortician, has taken the stage singing the traditional hymn “How Great Thou Art!” Lionel exclaims, “This is not the person we met!” Luke calls the performance “unbelievable.” Wrapping things up today is Ziggy. The colorful character shows a more sensitive side singing “All I Want” by Kodaline. Katy says a lot of people haven’t seen something like Ziggy and he’s able to break down all of their judgements.

10:01 p.m. — The performances are finished and now 143 hopefuls wait while the judges make some tough decisions. Among the 80 lost in the biggest cut in “Idol” history are Noah Peters, Conall Gorman, Kyra, Abby Blake, Bethany Teague, Meggie Iyer, Madai Chakell, Kimi, CJ Rislove and Jacy Matthews. The majority of those names weren’t featured at all tonight, so it’s not too surprising. Just 56 contestants remain of the 143 brought to Hollywood. Tomorrow night this group will be narrowed down to just 24 in the iconic Showstoppers Round.

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