The American Idol dreams have ended for Ryleigh Madison and Dontrell Briggs.
Madison, a high school student from Whiteville, and Briggs, from Maxton, were both eliminated in this week’s cutdown to the Top 24 on the popular reality singing competition show.
Both Madison and Briggs had made it to the “Showstoppers” round on Idol, where they had to perform with a live band.
“I may not have made it to the Top 24 but I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible,” Madison said in a Facebook post. “You literally haven’t heard the last of me yet!”
Briggs was appreciative of the support he has seen as well.
“Today was very much a trying day and I just want the world to know that I will not stop here this is just my Beginning I have won,” Briggs said on his Facebook. “THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND LOVE SHOWN!”
Madison and Briggs both had memorable audition moments on the show, which were featured during televised episodes (see them below). Madison also got to be featured during Duets Round with country star Lauren Alaina helping to coach her and her duet partner.
In the Showstoppers Round, Briggs sang Lionel Richie’s – one of the shows judges – hit song “Hello.”
Richie gave Briggs the bad news about not advancing: “I’ve come to the conclusion that you will not make it to our top 24. This experience will be invaluable in your future.”
It was judge Katy Perry who broke the bad news to Madison, after she sang Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” during Showstoppers Round. “Ryleigh, you have so much to build on. You are going to create a career.”
Ryleigh's Showstopper Round Performance
Ryleigh Madison performs during the Showstoppers Round of American Idol. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
Dontrell's Showstopper Round Performance
Dontrell Briggs performs during the Showstoppers Round of American Idol. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
Ryleigh's Showstopper Elimination
Ryleigh Madison during her Showstoppers Round elimination on American Idol. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
Dontrell's Showstopper Elimination
Dontrell Briggs during the Showstoppers eliminations. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
