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Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit

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On Sunday night, American Idol premiered a two-part event called “This Is Me,” featuring the Top 20 — or should we say, the Top 21. The clip show featured more information about the contestants, as well as never-before-seen performances.

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In addition to hyping us up about this year’s finalists, this event also buys time before the live shows are set to begin. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, production has been halted and contestants sent home.

Check out unseen clips and performances from some of this season’s Top 20 finalists below, and tune in next week to learn about the rest.

‘American Idol’ Top 20 Unseen Moments

Lauren Spencer-Smith

This 16-year-old singer lives in snowy Vancouver. When she was little, Lauren covered Katy Perry at a talent show. She later went viral with a cover of “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga, that she recorded in her dad’s car. In an unseen clip, she performed the same song in her audition for the judges.

Just Sam

This subway busker has had an emotional journey on American Idol. The trip to Hollywood was Sam’s first time flying on a plane. In an unseen moment, Sam showed her grandma her golden ticket to Hollywood. “Every time I perform, every time I walk onto the stage, I feel supported by the judges,” she said of her experience.

Jonny West

This singer auditioned with his girlfriend Margie Mays, who didn’t make it past Hollywood Week. However, Jonny made it to the American Idol Top 20. He shared his love of hip-hop and showed off of his old notebooks. According to Jonny’s mom, he used to go by the nickname “Skinny Neutron.”

Sophia Wackerman

Sophia comes from a family of musicians, and we love seeing them perform together. Sophia’s dad even commented that Sophia sounds more like her late mother as she gets older. Although Katy suggested Sophia take her mom’s last name, Star, she instead chose to change her stage name to Sophia James, to honor her brother.

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Olivia Ximines

This young dancer and singer was compared to Brandy by Katy Perry. In an unseen performance from Hollywood Week, Olivia performed “All I Ask” by Adele. “She showed up,” Lionel Richie said, while Katy added, “She challenged herself, and she rose to the occasion.”

Makayla Phillips

This singer has been dreaming of appearing on American Idol since she was a little girl. She previously tried to audition for the show but was too young. Her performance of “Sorry Not Sorry” in Hawaii made her mom proud. “She’s spreading her wings and she’s leaving,” her mom said. “Don’t go!”

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Franklin Boone

Lionel Richie said this singer has “style.” In an unseen clip from Hollywood Week, Franklin performs “I Don’t Trust Myself” by John Mayer. Later, at the Hawaii showcase, the singer sang another John Mayer song, “Daughters,” for his own daughter. It earned him a place in the American Idol Top 20.

Julia Gargano

This singer says she can’t imagine herself doing anything but music. Her original song impressed the judges in her audition, but she struggled with singing covers during Hollywood Week. However, Julia’s performance of “The Joke” got around to Brandi Carlile herself, and she was seriously impressed.

Nick Merico

This actor, who appeared on the show last year, returned and got a lesson in humility from the judges. Nick said he appreciates the judges’ feedback, and is focused on being more “modest” and “grateful.” He added that he feels “more grounded” now.

Arthur Gunn

This singer, who is originally from Nepal, impressed the judges with his voice, prompting Katy to call him a “rock star.” His family got to watch him perform in Hawaii for the Top 40 showcase. They said they’re “very proud” to see him doing so well on the show.

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