American Idol: Megan Danielle wins sing off after nailing Adele song and advances into Top 26

Megan Danielle stepped forward and delivered a rousing rendition of Adele’s Easy On Me to win a sing-off on Monday’s episode of American Idol on ABC.

The 19-year-old singer from Douglasville, Georgia opened the two-hour Showstopper/Final Judgment episode, performing in a sing-off against 16-year-old Paige Anne from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Paige came first in the no-reverb, no-mic sing-off on Sunday’s episode and her impressive vocals earned a quick standing ovation from judge Katy Perry, 38.

“All right,” Megan said after Paige’s amazing performance as she prepared to sing for the judges.

‘Okay. Speak up, Megan,” Judge Luke Bryan, 46, told her.

Megan closed her eyes for most of her performance as she delivered a heartfelt rendition that showcased her sweet tone and powerful voice.

Lionel Richie, 73, smiled as she performed and Luke watched with his face full of emotion.

All three judges gave Megan a short standing ovation after her performance.

The judges all agreed when Luke broke the news to Paige that she wasn’t in their top 24.

“Megan, we think you’re a star,” Katy said.

“Thank you,” Megan said, wiping away her tears.

“What we need to make this girl understand is really how spectacular you are,” Luke told Megan.

“Maybe I’ll lose it. Sorry,’ said Megan.

“Listen, I get emotional when I talk to you about how great your voice is. Got it?” Luke said.

“Yes, sir,” Megan replied.

Paige took the singing of loss with strides and told her mom she had time.

Megan approached her family on a large video screen and said, “So you guys know I made the top 24, right?” as they burst into cheers.

The Season 21 episode contained a surprise when the Top 24 expanded to the Top 26.

Iam Tongi, 18, from Kahuku, Hawaii, was the last singer to top the Top 24 after a moving rendition of The Sound Of Silence.

The judges revealed that his friends from the New Orleans audition, Matt Wilson and Colin Stough, would also be part of the new Top 26.

Colin and Matt were ready to leave before Katy revealed they were staying on the show.

Iam, Colin and Matt hugged after hearing they were advancing together and also hugged the judges.

Cam Amen, 27, a platinum ticket winner from Omaha, Nebraska, was surprisingly eliminated after impressing the judges at his audition in New Orleans.

He sang The Impossible Dream during his Showstopper and was convinced afterwards that he would make it to the Top 24.

“I have a very strong feeling that I made it to the top 24. I have learned so much and I feel like I can only learn so much more. I’m excited. I’m actually really excited,” he said in a pre-Last Judgment confession.

Lionel told Cam he didn’t make the Top 24 and hugged him afterwards.

He was the second Platinum ticket winner to be eliminated after Kaylin Hedges, 15, of Pound Ridge, New York, was sent home on Sunday.

Elijah McCormick, 21, a platinum ticket winner from Raeford, North Carolina, continued on Monday’s episode after playing Believe For It during his Showstopper performance.

Marybeth Byrd, 21, of Armorel, Arkansas, was the first to move into the Top 24 on Monday’s episode following her Showstopper performance of the Carrie Underwood song Flat On The Floor.

Elise Kristine, 18, of Issaquah, Washington, moved up after singing Feeling Good and was joined by Olivia Soli, 20, of Los Angeles performing All By Myself for her Showstopper.

American Idol returns Sunday with the first installment of the Top 26 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.