The Shocking Double Elimination: Who Went Home Last Week On American Idol 2024 And What Are They Doing Now?

The question of "who went home last week on American Idol" is one that always carries a sting for fans, especially when the competition nears its end. As of today, December 18, 2025, the 22nd season of the beloved singing competition has concluded, but the final, dramatic elimination before the finale remains a major talking point. The most recent and pivotal elimination saw two fan-favorite country artists exit the stage, solidifying the final three who would compete for the title.

The two talented singers who were eliminated in the critical Top 5 round, just before the Season 22 finale, were country prodigy Triston Harper and the soulful granddaughter of a legend, Emmy Russell. Their departure on Disney Night was a major shock to viewers, ending their incredible journeys on the show and setting the stage for Abi Carter's eventual victory. This article dives deep into their final performances, provides a full biography, and gives you the most current updates on their burgeoning post-Idol careers in 2025.

The Last Elimination: Triston Harper & Emmy Russell's Final Bow

The Top 5 results night was a high-stakes, emotional roller coaster that determined the final three contestants of American Idol Season 22. After a night of spectacular performances dedicated to the Disney catalog, the nationwide vote was tallied. Ultimately, the journey ended for two exceptional talents who had captured the hearts of millions. The elimination of both Triston Harper and Emmy Russell was a poignant moment, signifying the end of the road for two artists with immense potential.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Triston Harper: Biography and Idol Journey Highlights

• Full Name: Triston Harper
• Born: June 17, 2008
• Age: 16 (during the competition)
• Hometown: McIntosh, Alabama
• Musical Style: Traditional Country, Southern Rock
• Noteworthy Detail: A proud member of the Choctaw Indian tribe. His story of overcoming early-life struggles, including a period of homelessness, resonated deeply with the judges and America.
• Idol Achievement: Top 5 Finalist, Season 22.
• Signature Moment: His powerful audition performance of "Til You Can't" by Cody Johnson.

Emmy Russell: Biography and Idol Journey Highlights

• Full Name: Emmy Russell
• Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
• Musical Style: Singer-Songwriter, Folk-Country, Americana
• Noteworthy Detail: Granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn. She courageously used her Idol platform to step out of her grandmother's shadow and establish her own authentic voice.
• Idol Achievement: Top 5 Finalist, Season 22.
• Signature Moment: Her original song "Skinny," which she performed during her audition and which quickly became a viral hit.
• Original Songs: "Skinny," "The Hill" (a song about her grandmother's home), and "Redemption."

Inside the Top 5 Disney Night: The Performances That Led to Elimination

The final night of performances for the Top 5 was dedicated to Disney classics, with mentoring from country superstar Kane Brown. Each contestant performed two songs, hoping to secure their spot in the highly coveted finale. The pressure was palpable, and while both Emmy Russell and Triston Harper delivered memorable sets, the public vote did not fall in their favor.

Triston Harper’s Final Performances:

The young country crooner showcased his versatility with his song choices. For his first performance, Triston sang "Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog. He followed this up with "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast, a choice that allowed him to inject some fun and theatricality into his typically sincere country style. Judge Luke Bryan praised his growth, but the performances ultimately fell short in the vote count against the powerhouses of the Top 3: Abi Carter, Will Moseley, and Jack Blocker.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Emmy Russell’s Final Performances:

Emmy Russell, with her gentle, ethereal voice, brought her signature singer-songwriter sensibility to the Disney theme. She first performed "The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book, giving the classic a cozy, acoustic twist. Her second performance was "Carried Me With You" from Onward. While the judges lauded her authenticity and unique interpretation, the sheer volume of votes for the other contestants pushed her out of the running. Her raw vulnerability and focus on original music throughout the competition, while appreciated, may have been a factor against the broader appeal of the other finalists' more traditional power-vocal performances.

What's Next? Triston Harper & Emmy Russell's Post-Idol Careers (2025 Update)

The true measure of an American Idol contestant is often what they achieve after the show, and for both Triston Harper and Emmy Russell, 2025 is proving to be a monumental year, both professionally and personally. Their elimination from the Top 5 was merely a springboard for their careers.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Emmy Russell: New Music, Marriage, and Motherhood

Emmy Russell has been perhaps the busiest of the eliminated contestants, using her Idol fame to launch a full-scale career. Her original song "skinny," which became an anthem for many struggling with body image, has surpassed one million streams on Spotify.

• New Singles: Following the show, Emmy released her official single, "Redemption," a deeply personal track that continues her theme of honest, introspective songwriting.
• Life Update: In a surprising and heartwarming announcement, Emmy Russell revealed that she is expecting a baby girl with her boyfriend, which she is now balancing with her music career. This major life event has made headlines across the country music world, cementing her status as a rising star who is unafraid to share her authentic journey.
• Musical Direction: She is focusing on a career as a full-time singer-songwriter, honoring her family legacy while carving out her own lane in the Americana and country genres, often performing at iconic Nashville venues.

Triston Harper: Recording Deals and Fatherhood

The youngest finalist of the season, Triston Harper, has also wasted no time in furthering his career. His Top 5 finish gave him the visibility he needed to pursue his dreams from McIntosh, Alabama.

• Original Music Releases: Triston released two original songs during his time on the show: "Wrapped Up in Jesus" and "H-O-P-E." He has continued to perform these songs and others on his social media platforms, indicating a strong focus on his faith-based and traditional country roots.
• Life Update: Much like Emmy, Triston shared major personal news: he is also expecting a child, making him a father at a young age. His story of resilience and his commitment to his growing family has only endeared him further to his loyal fanbase.
• Career Trajectory: Triston is actively performing and recording, with a clear path toward becoming a prominent voice in the next generation of country artists. His sound is often compared to classic country singers, appealing to fans of traditional country music.

The Legacy of American Idol Season 22

While the elimination of Triston Harper and Emmy Russell was disappointing to their fans, their time on American Idol Season 22 (2024) was undeniably successful. They both made it to the Top 5, an incredible achievement that launched their names into the national spotlight.

The season was ultimately won by Platinum Ticket winner Abi Carter, with Will Moseley as the runner-up and Jack Blocker finishing third. However, the show’s history is filled with non-winners who achieved massive success—a trend that both Harper and Russell appear poised to follow. They are two of the most talked-about contestants from the season and continue to generate buzz with their new music and life updates in 2025. The journey on American Idol may have ended for them in the Top 5, but their professional music careers have just begun, proving that the competition is often just the beginning.