Caledonia 'American Idol' Abby Blake exits show after strong performance

Mar. 31—CALEDONIA, Minn. — Caledonia's idol, Abby Blake, who earned a trip to Hollywood with her Nashville audition on ABC's "American Idol," once again impressed the judges in her follow-up appearance on the show.

Nerves might have affected her performance, "Idol" judge Katy Perry said.

"But I think it was a step up from your audition," she told Blake.

However, it wasn't enough to propel her further in the competition of the 22nd season of the reality television talent show.

Blake, a Caledonia, Minnesota, native who now lives in Nashville, made her second appearance along with 143 other contestants on the "Hollywood Night" episode of the show, which aired Sunday night, March 31, 2024.

She was also one of 80 performers who were cut.

"I did my best and I left it all out there," said Blake, who's known as Abby Hoskins to Caledonia locals.

Blake performed "Vienna" by Billy Joel.

If she was nervous as Perry speculated, it didn't seem obvious as she delivered a smooth performance of the rock classic.

"It's really easy to fall into intimidation given all the talent that's here," Blake said.

In a twist, Sam Kelly-Cohen, who performs as Kayko, the accompanying musician Blake brought to her Nashville audition, which aired Feb. 25, 2024, made the cut in the Sunday episode.

He didn't audition to be part of this season's "Idol," but the judges insisted he give it a try. He called himself an "accident" before playing again. In the episode, Blake spoke graciously about her friend.

"He completely deserves to be here along with everybody else," she said.

Another round of competition — and cuts — will air on ABC Monday, April 1.