'American Idol': Judges find their top contestant as they face cutting 40 singers

The cream is starting to rise to the top on "American Idol."

During Sunday night's Showstoppers round, some of the competition show's standouts fell short of delivering show-stopping performances, while others made sure to bring their A-game. Platinum ticket winner Kolbi Jordan was set back by sinus issues, while several singers — including Nina Daig, whom Carrie Underwood disappointedly said was "better than that" — just didn't meet the judges' high expectations of them.

For those who need a reminder, we went into Episode 6 with 62 people who survived last week's Hollywood Week bloodbath, and Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were tasked with cutting 38 contestants.

Here are the episode's most memorable performances.

Thunderstorm Artis gives a tired favorite, 'Imagine,' new life

When the announcer revealed Thunderstorm Artis would be singing John Lennon's "Imagine," my mind flashed to that viral 2020 video Gal Gadot unleashed on us. Apologies to the late John Lennon, but that song has been tainted for many.

However, Thunderstorm blew away any doubts when he opened his mouth, let a smile spread across his face and used not much more than just his voice and his guitar to captivate his audience at downtown LA's Orpheum Theatre. It was a simple yet moving performance that didn't require much help at all from the band — which was a good move, as some of his competitors struggled to sing along with the live band.

Though the cover was good for a standing O from Bryan and Richie, Underwood wasn't quite as sold: "He did a lot more, vocally, in previous performances," she said.

Bryan helpfully pointed out: "He knows how to make the room" lock in, he indicated with a click of his tongue.

Canaan James Hill gave 'the greatest performance' Lionel Richie has ever seen

The 17-year-old aspiring preacher who was presented with the third and final platinum ticket last week, Canaan James Hill, unleashed clear, pure vocals from the get-go as he launched into Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It."

Canaan showed off his incredible range, went into a little bit of scatting, and elicited a massive compliment from Bryan: "He's one of the best singers I've ever seen."

The recent high school grad had the judges fired up after his cover, with Richie declaring to the judges, "That was the greatest performance I have ever seen." Underwood went so far as to scream at the crowd, "He's seventeen! What!"

"Top one," Bryan said as Richie repeated: "Top one."

Mattie Pruitt is going to be a 'massive star,' Luke Bryan predicts

Canaan wasn't the only precocious teen blowing the judges' minds.

Mattie Pruitt delighted the crowd by going back to the '60s with James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World." Her full, clear voice had the judges giving each other "she's got it" looks. "Fif-teen," Bryan emphasized.

For an unpolished, up-and-coming artist, Mattie worked the stage decently well, strutting across the length as she belted out some impressive notes.

After she left the stage, Bryan commented, "She's probably a massive star. A sneaky star."

And, hey, Bryan's predictions mean something around these parts. Last season, eventual winner Abi Carter's audition had him saying, "That may be the winner of 'American Idol.'"

Who went home on 'American Idol?'

In a brutal moment, the judges paraded a small group of contestants on to the stage and announced they were not moving forward in the competition. Forty-two singers were allowed to remain so they can duke it out the following night in the head-to-head round (which is too similar to "The Voice's" Battle rounds for comfort).

Here's who was sent home:

• JMarie

• Will Carter

• Santina

• Christina Stutzman

• Isaiah Moore

• Jazzy Mae

• Samantha Ray

Who is in the 'American Idol' Top 24?

Only four singers are safe going into the head-to-head round airing Monday (8 p.m. EDT/PDT on ABC). These lucky players are:

• Canaan James Hill

• Gabby Samone

• Zaylie

• Mattie Pruitt

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Idol': Judges declare Canaan James Hill as the 'top 1'