Would she pack her things and go home, or would she make it into the Top 24 on “American Idol?”
Casey Bishop — and the rest of America — had to wait an entire day to find out after Sunday’s cliffhanger episode. And that waiting wasn’t easy, Bishop admits.
“It was a very, very long day,” the Estero teenager says. “It was just a big question mark. I was really nervous before I found out my results.”
But then “Idol’s” judges announced their verdict on Monday night’s show: Bishop was advancing to the next round.
“Casey,” said judge Luke Bryan, “you’re going through to the Top 24.”
Bishop couldn’t quite believe it, she admits. Since her audition last month, she’s done better than she ever imagined she would on the show.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it through my first audition,” she says. “And for me to be in the Top 24, honestly, I don’t think I’ve grasped that yet.”
From karaoke to ‘Idol’:Estero teen Casey Bishop started singing at 5 and never stopped
Previously: Yes, Casey Bishop passed the Duets Challenge. Here’s what’s next for her.
Bishop had performed Sunday for “Idol’s” Showstoppers round, where she sang The Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels.” But then the episode ended on that dramatic cliffhanger: Would Bishop and another Florida teen, Alanis Sophia of Dade City, advance to the next round?
Bishop worried that it would be the end of her run on “American Idol.” Especially after seeing all the other singers come and go this season.
“I was seeing people I’ve made bonds with and people who were so good get sent home,” she says. “And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m done. That was it. Can I get my stuff?'”
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But “Idol’s” judges had other plans for Bishop. She survived this week and will sing again for the upcoming All-Star Duets and solo rounds, which air Sunday and Monday. Sophia also made it through.
“You’re amazing, ladies,” judge Katy Perry told them, moments after they got the good news. “You are worth it. You are worth it!”
Regardless of the outcome, Bishop says, she would’ve been OK with the judges’ decision. She did the best she could with her song and had fun performing with a live band for the first time.
“As soon as I finished performing, I was like: ‘Whether I go through or not, that was awesome,’” she says. “I was just so happy with how I did. It just felt great.”
For the All-Star Duets and solo rounds, the remaining “Idol” singers will duet with celebrity guests and compete to be in the show’s Top 16. After that comes the live shows starting April 11, when the TV audience gets to vote on their favorite singers.
“American Idol” airs at 8 p.m. Sundays and Mondays on ABC. Learn more about the show at abc.com/shows/american-idol.
Connect with this reporter: Email crunnells@gannett.com or connect on social media at Charles Runnells (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter) and @crunnells1 (Instagram).
