Who Made the 'American Idol' 2022 Top 3?

The American Idol final is fast approaching and after almost three months since the auditions aired, the singing competition has chosen its Top 3 acts, who all have a shot of winning a deal with Hollywood Records.

The most recent episode of American Idol saw the remaining five hopefuls: Fritz Hager, 22, HunterGirl, 23, Leah Marlene, 20, Nicolina, 18, and Noah Thompson, 19, sing their hearts out for a spot in the final, but unfortunately only three could make it.

So, who made the American Idol Top 3, and who was sent home? Newsweek has everything you need to know.

Who Made the American Idol Top 3?

The penultimate episode of American Idol saw the Top 5 acts perform two songs for America's votes to secure a spot in the Sunday, May 22, final.

The contestants were also treated to some advice and mentoring tips from Season 4 of American Idol's Carrie Underwood.

After some spellbinding performances of moving ballads and upbeat anthems, the Top 3 were finally revealed.

The acts competing for the American Idol crown will be Huntergirl, Noah Thompson and Leah Marlene.

Sadly, with just three spots available in the final, Fritz Hager and Nicolina were eliminated from the competition.

First to take to the American Idol stage was HunterGirl, who performed Underwood's "Undo It," followed by Little Big Town's "Girl Crush."

HunterGirl has been a strong contender for the final since the beginning of American Idol after being handed the exclusive platinum ticket by judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

American Idol fans will remember the platinum ticket that gave HunterGirl a head start at Hollywood week and clearly identified her as one to watch.

After the live show, HunterGirl posted on Instagram a photo from the live show, telling her followers she had "cried" so much after making it through to the Top 3.
She wrote: "I MADE IT TO THE FINALE!!! I have cried so hard. Thank you guys so much for believing in me. I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Noah Thompson, the only male singer in this year's final, performed Underwood's hit "So Small" for his first song and for his second performance, wowed the audience with his rendition of "Working Man" by Larry Fleet.

Thankfully, Thompson was allowed out of quarantine after he had COVID during last week's show and he didn't have to perform from his hotel room this time around.

Taking to Twitter shortly after the live show ended, Thompson thanked his fans for voting for him.

He wrote: "Came into this competition scared out of my mind, it's all so surreal. I have no words man. You guys mean the absolute world to me, thank you for everything!! Cannot believe this right now."

Leah Marlene was the third act confirmed to make it into American Idol's Top 3. It was between her, Fritz Hager, and Nicolina, and when Leah's name was called, she fell down onto the stage floor in complete shock.

Her performances of "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders and Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" was enough to win America's hearts and votes and she will be competing for the top spot next week.

Hager returned to the stage after missing last week's live episode due to COVID isolation and performed Underwood's song "I Wanna Remember," followed by "Youngblood" by 5 Seconds of Summer.

Nicolina gave an amazing performance of "Blown Away" by Underwood, followed by Adele's "All I Ask," but unfortunately for them both, their performances weren't enough to win America's votes.

The American Idol finale will air Sunday, May 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC