Who Earned The Final Spot On ‘American Idol’s’ Top 24: Dan Marshall or Dakota Hayden?
With only one slot left in American Idol’s Top 24, Dan Marshall and Dakota Hayden were pitted against one another…
Dan Marshall, Dakota Hayden; Photo by American Idol, ABC
With only one slot left in American Idol’s Top 24, Dan Marshall and Dakota Hayden were pitted against one another and faced off for the final chance at advancing to the next round.
The Showstopper Round found the show narrowing down the 59 remaining contestants to officially name the Top 24. This marked the first time the contestants had the opportunity to perform alongside a full and in front of a live audience.
Following their performances, the contestants appeared in front of the judges for the “final judgement” as they learned their fate regarding the Top 24.
Up first was Marshall, a 24-year-old Virginia native who surveys land. After reflecting on his musical journey, he went on to perform a cover of Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man.”
“For the longest time I played football, so, I came into music kind of late just being here in general I just learned so much about myself really,” Marshall shared. “My mentality heading into the showstopping performance, it’s like football, you know, mirror focused, ready to hit it hard.”
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The contestant delivered a confident performance of the ‘90s country hit in front of the capacity audience and Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
“It’s surreal man, I’ve never played in front of a band,” Marshall shared following his performance. “So, first time, I think it went pretty well.”
Dakota felt confident going into his performance of Parker McCollum’s “Pretty Heart.”
“The judges, they told me I was Top 10 material, so I’m definitely going to try to give a Top 10 performance tonight,” Hayden declared.
“Being in Hollywood is definitely a lot different than what I’m used to, duets didn’t go according to plan,” Hayden shared, referencing his duet with Ryleigh Madison where he forgot the lyrics to the song. “I’m still here luckily, I’m just hoping to prove the judges they made a good choice by keeping me around.”
“During the showstopper performance, I definitely put everything out there like emotionally, my parents being out there made me feel more comfortable. They’re always kind of pushing me to do this kind of thing,” Hayden said. “To make it in the Top 24 would be breathtaking.”
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Marshall and Hayden then faced the judges to learn their fate.
“What’s up boys? We are down to the final moments,” Bryan said as they entered into their final judgement.
“Dakota, I think your showstopper round was good enough to get you a slot,” Bryan admitted, before saying, “So, we’re going to have a good ol’ country boy sing-off and I’m not going to be in it.”
“Thank God, you’d lose,” Perry jokingly chimed in.
Marshall and Hayden then had a sing-off in front of the Idol judges to prove to them that they are worthy of a spot in the Top 24, however, only one of them could make it to the next round.
Hayden performed an acoustic cover of Kane Brown’s “Heaven” while Marshall sang a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “What Are You Listening To?”
Bryan complimented Hayden’s performance, “good job under pressure,” and told Marshall his was a “good deal.”
It all came down to this moment.
“Alright boys, tons of promise out of both of you, tons, I would say Dakota, everything you’re giving us at 17 years old telegraphs a big star on the rise, but at 17 you’re still a little young, you’re not going to make it in the Top 24. Dan’s just got a few years on you man,” Bryan revealed.
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Ultimately, Hayden didn’t advance to the Top 24, but Marshall made it through.
“Hearing I lost was devastating but at the same time I keep telling myself to be proud of myself no matter what,” Hayden admitted.
“I was sitting my truck just a couple of months ago, now I’m here singing for America, this is an absolute dream come true. I just can’t believe it. It’s up to America now, Top 24 baby!” Marshall said after earning the final spot in the Top 24.
American Idol returns to ABC next week with the Top 24.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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