HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Top 12 in our hearts! Mason native Michael Williams' journey on American Idol has come to an end.
After making the top 20, Williams performed Selena Gomez's "Lose You To Love Me" to make the next cut. Fans did not vote for him into the top 10, but judges were able to save two contestants.
Williams sang "Golden Hour" by JVKE for the judges. After his performance, superstar Katy Perry told Williams the people who didn't vote for him are "jealous of you."
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Williams was one of eight contestants eliminated Monday night.
Williams got his ticket to Hollywood back in February when he performed "Talking to the Moon" by Bruno Mars at his audition in front of Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
It was a performance that left Perry smitten.
Williams has been performing most of his life after catching the singing bug when he was 6 years old at a recital singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." The 21-year-old spoke to WCPO shortly after his audition episode aired.
"I got so nervous I ran offstage to my mom," Williams said.
Williams said he luckily got back onstage after some wise words from his dad.
"I got up there and we finished it and I was like, that was the best thing ever," Williams said.
Watch his full audition here:
Trying out for "American Idol" isn't Williams' first run with reality TV or auditioning in front of celebrities. At 17, he auditioned for "The Voice" by singing Lauren Daigle's "You Say." The then-teen was picked and mentored by judge Nick Jonas and made it to the Top 10 before being knocked out in a Wildcard Instant Save Sing-off.
The other contestants that are hoping for a spot in the top 12 include Oliver Steele, Matt Wilson, Kaeyra, Zachariah Smith, Mariah Faith, Warren Peay, Nailyah Serenity, Haven Madison, Lucy Love, Iam Tong, Paige Anne, Marybeth Byrd, Wè Ani, Hannah Nicolaisen, Megan Danielle, Olivia Soli, Colin Stough, Tyson Venegas and Nutsa.
Williams isn't the only Tri-State native to appear on this year's season. John Wayne Hatfield, of Goshen got his golden ticket to Hollywood but was eliminated two weeks ago.
Hatfield performed an original song inspired by his grandfather, Ray, during his audition. He said his grandparents had raised him since the age of 5 as his mom battled with addiction. After the performance, all three judges gave Hatfield — and his grandfather — a standing ovation. Richie even gave Grandpa Ray his handkerchief.
Watch his full audition here:
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