‘American Idol’: Ava Maybee Thanks Fans for Support After Shocking Top 14 Elimination
Ava Maybee’s time on American Idol came to a close on Sunday, April 24, after she performed in the Top 14. The episode concluded with a rapid voting period for America to choose the Top 11; unfortunately, Ava didn’t make the cut, along with Allegra Miles and Dan Marshall. Many fans of the blooming rock star felt outraged by Ava’s elimination, but she responded with grace. Here’s a look back at Ava Maybee’s journey on American Idol and what she said after going home.
Ava Maybee’s journey to the Top 14 on ‘American Idol’
Ava hasn’t spoken much on-air about her famous father, but musical talent runs through her genes. She’s the daughter of Chad Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer since 1988. And Ava has definitely followed a similar rockstar path in her Idol journey.
It all started with her audition, during which Ava performed Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” Judge Lionel Richie immediately noticed that Ava’s low voice sounded a lot like Cher’s. Katy Perry agreed she had a “cool alto sound,” although she wanted to see Ava challenged a bit more during the competition. She earned herself a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, where Ava continued to impress the judges and the audience.
Later, Ava headed off to Hawaii with the Top 24. She took a risk with Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good,” but it paid off. Katy, Lionel, and Luke Bryan loved her energy on stage and her ability to make the song her own. Her other performances in the following episodes included Demi Lovato’s “Anyone” and Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You.”
Finally, when it came time to perform with American Idol’s Top 14, Ava Maybee channeled Harry Styles — both in song choice and clothing style. She sang his breakout hit “Sign of the Times,” explaining that she’s a “massive fan.” Lionel told Ava she was “thinking too much” in the first half of the song but called the second half “fire.” Katy also told Ava that her friends had been talking about voting for the singer. Unfortunately, Ava did not receive enough votes to make it through.
Ava Maybee called the competition ‘1 of the craziest experiences’ she’s had
Following her exit from the competition, Ava took to Instagram to thank fans for their support. She shared photos from her final night on American Idol and called it “one of the craziest experiences of my life.”
“I’ve learned so much on this show. Thank you all for voting and supporting me, and I hope you stick around because the future is lookin bright!!!!” she wrote. “This Top 11 is so incredible I’m so proud of them. thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!”
Many fans in the comments section took a moment to wish Ava well and express disappointment that she was voted off the show.
“Miss you already! Can’t wait for what your next move is,” one person wrote.
“I’m shocked that you went home tonight, I loved your performance and what you brought to the show every week will be very missed! I know this is just the beginning of the next chapter for you, and I for one can’t wait to see where it takes you and for the music that’s to come,” another person added.
Fans can follow Ava Maybee’s music outside of ‘American Idol’
Ava hasn’t shared yet what she has planned after American Idol. However, the young singer has already released some of her own music. As seen on Ava’s website, she’s dropped a few singles, including See Me Now” and “Lay Low.” She is also attending school at New York University.
American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
