Georgia native Will Moseley covers Johnny Cash, advances to Top 7 on American idol

Admin April 30, 2024

“American Idol” may be known for hosting the battle to become music’s next superstar, but even the judges like to get in on the action.

As the big Top 6 reveal loomed, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie faced off Monday night in the Judge’s Song Contest, which saw them anonymously select songs for the Top 8 contestants to perform. By the end of the show, the judge with the most songs selected was crowned the winner.

Perry – who entered the contest as reigning champion – took home another victory when singers Kaibrienne, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Jack Blocker and Emmy Russell chose her musical selections, which ranged from country icon Willie Nelson to pop princess Olivia Rodrigo.

But it was Russell’s emotional rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn that proved to be the biggest prize of the night for Perry. The “Wide Awake” songstress was brought to tears by the cathartic, piano-driven performance, which saw Russell pay tribute to her grandmother Lynn.

“I chose this song not because Loretta Lynn is your grandma,” Perry said. “I chose this song because you are Emmy Russell, and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell.”

Georgia native Will Moseley performed Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and then covered Luke Bryan’s “What Makes you Country” as a duet with fellow contestant Triston Harper.

Watch Will Moseley’s Monday night performances

Who was eliminated from ‘American Idol’?

Despite melting hearts with her soulful performance of “Traitor” by Rodrigo, Kaibrienne fell short of earning a spot in the Top 6 (now Top 7 with the addition of Judge’s Save pick Breinholt).