And then there were two dozen contestants left on “American Idol.”
Jeremiah “Jay” Copeland, 23, of Salisbury, gets to breathe a little easier after cracking the top 24 during the Showstopper round on episode nine Monday night.
But “Idol” judge Katy Perry almost gave him a heart attack.
“I’m sorry to say your ‘Idol’ journey is ending,” Perry said with a deceptive pause, before adding “at some point in the future. But it’s not tonight, because you’re in the top 24, baby.”
Copeland instantly covered his eyes with his hands. It looked like he might’ve been fighting back tears too after hearing the good news.
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The charismatic singer performed Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” in front of a live audience on Monday. He gained cheers from the crowd in mid-performance. While watching Copeland sing, “Idol” judge Luke Bryan raised both of his arms up in the air in celebratory fashion.
Copeland delivered a nearly flawless performance. But that’s also his Achilles heel, according to Perry.
“You’re almost a perfect singer, but sometimes perfection doesn’t win over feeling,” she explained. “You look like a star. Just keep it a little bit dirtier, a little bit more soulful in the future.”
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The “Dark Horse” singer also told him: “Jay, you’ve got this. Surprise us. We want to see something wild out of you. And you got a real shot.”
The JMB grad heard what she said loud and clear. “Hopefully I can take the judge’s criticism and put it into my work,” he said on the show.
Copeland’s fans showed him a bunch of love on his Facebook page Monday.
“Yesssss Jay Copeland You did it again sweetie! I didn’t have a doubt!!!” an excited supporter wrote.
“Jay Copeland, top 24!!!! Congrats, bro!” another person said.
“Great performance as usual, Jay! Keep going to the end,” one fan wrote.
“Jay, Follow your heart, look deep inside and continue to be your special, unique self. You are gifted and beyond awesome,” someone told the rising star.
Jimmie Allen mentors on ‘American Idol’
The next episode of “American Idol” returns to Hawaii to kick off two nights of performances by the remaining 24 contestants.
Delaware country singer Jimmie Allen will serve as a mentor on the episode, offering advice to the contestants.
Allen received his first-ever Grammy nod this year for Best New Artist. On Sunday the “Down Home” singer lost to 19-year-old singer Oliva Rodrigo.
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American Idol airs at 8 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. The show is broadcast on ABC and is also live streamed on Hulu and fuboTV.
Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com
