Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were faced with the tough task of narrowing down their pool of talent to the Top 24 for the first set of American Idol live shows.
The group of contestants for season 21 are quite stellar, a struggle the judges were faced with when deciding between PJae and Malik Heard.
The duo, who were branded by their R&B stylings and sultrier performances, were lumped into the same category by the panel, who called for a season-first: a sing-off.
PJae and Malik were asked to perform Billie Eilish's "Everything I Wanted" to prove their worth and fight for a place in the Top 24.
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After another strong showing from both of them following a quick rehearsal, the judges were left just as flummoxed as before.
However, Katy made a bold suggestion when she turned to her fellow judges and said: "The person that we were thinking about…is out."
Both PJae and Malik Heard were made to face off directly
Luke and Lionel were apprehensive but eventually agreed with the "Unconditionally" singer as they called PJae and Malik back, leaving it ambiguous to viewers.
Both were complimented for the choices they made and the overall quality of the vocals, although it seemed like Katy's comments that Malik would be progressing.
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It was then presented as a shock when PJae was put through into the final group, but then the mom-of-one turned to Malik and told him that he'd be going through as well.
"We've never done this. We've actually moved someone else out of the competition, and you are going to the top 24 as well."
© Getty ImagesFans, however, were a little more conflicted with the decision of the judges, as one wondered on social media: "I wonder who they cut out of the top 24."
Another wrote: "If you cut someone by giving someone else an extra chance that's not cool. That actually sucks," while a third said instead: "So happy they both made it!!! They are so amazing."
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