With only a few weeks left of Season 23 of American Idol, the competition is getting intense as eliminations seem to be happening at a rapid pace.

American Idol‘s 23rd season is jam-packed with talent and memorable personalities, making every elimination emotional for the judges and viewers. During Sunday night’s episode (April 29), two more hopefuls were eliminated as the Top 12 were revealed. Two more were sent packing Monday night, leaving the final 10.

The theme of Monday’s episode was “Iconic Idol Moments.” Each of the final 12 performed memorable songs that previous Idol contestants performed on their respective seasons.

The voting window opened at the beginning of the live show and closed during the last commercial break, meaning that America only had two hours to determine the contestants’ fates.

Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino returned to American Idol to perform and mentor the contestants alongside this season’s Artist in Residence, Jelly Roll.

Monday Night’s “Iconic Idol Moments” Performances

Slater Nalley sang “Angel From Montgomery” as a nod to one of his favorite Idol performances from Season 21 competitor Megan Danielle. Lionel Richie complimented his confidence and style. Carrie Underwood said that she can already picture what his first album will sound like.

Che Chesterman performed “Dancing On My Own” as a tribute to his late father. “He loves his father and it pushes him and drives him,” Fantasia said of Che. The judges praised his performance and his ability to make a popular song his own. “We can tell you’ve turned the intensity up,” Luke said. Lionel told Che, “The whole idea is to get our attention … your delivery was spot on. Now we recognize you taking it to the next level.”

Thunderstorm Artis accompanied himself on guitar for a powerful performance of “House of the Rising Sun.” The performance was a nod to Season 10 contestant Haley Reinhart. Again, the judges praised him for his ability to make a song his own. “You were so into it. I feel your joy.

Platinum Ticket winner Kolbi Jordan paid homage to Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee with a stunning rendition of the Judy Garland classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Lionel Richie described the performance as “divine” and “amazing.”

Filo took the stage to sing “I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Season 7 contestant Jennifer Hudson. Hudson recorded the song for her film debut in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls. With the help of Fantasia, Filo gave the song a new life while maintaining the integrity of the original

This season’s youngest competitor, Mattie Pruitt, took on a song by Kelly Clarkson. Pruitt delivered a rendition of the Idol champ’s “Because Of You,” a song Clarkson wrote when she was only 15. The judges were impressed with Mattie’s confidence on stage with carrier saying that her voice is “so stinking good.”

Canaan James Hill stuck to his roots by revisiting a performance gospel great CeCe Winans shared with Roman Collins during the Season 22 finale. The two powerhouse vocalists performed “Goodness of God” last season when only three contestants remained. Hill’s smooth vocals were the perfect match for the song, something Luke said “baptizes me every time.”

Gabby Samone offered a nod to a performance from Season 5 finalist Elliott Yamin with a cover of “A Song For You.” Originally recorded by Donny Hathaway, the song offered Samone the chance to show off her range. The judges agreed that the performance was “absolute perfection.”

Josh King accompanied himself on piano to sing a stunning cover of “All By Myself” by Celine Dion and Eric Carmen. In his performance package, Josh shares that he was lonely as a child. He channeled those feelings as he performed and was clearly emotional throughout most of the song and finally lets the tears fall by the end. Luke Bryan was impressed by the fact that Josh was so shy at the beginning at the competition and is now willing to let his emotions show. Lionel promised Josh that he would never feel alone again due to the closeness of the Idol family.

Breanna Nix paid tribute to Danny Gokey with an emotional cover of his song “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again,” a song Gokey sang about the loss of his first wife. Breanna sang the song to encourage herself to ignore the hate she’s been receiving online. Carrie encouraged the contestants to “post and ghost” when it comes to social media.

John Foster kept to his country roots with a cover of “I Told You So,” a song Carrie Underwood performed with Randy Travis on American Idol. Foster sang without the support of his guitar tonight and it paid off as his vocals were front and center.

Jamal Roberts is the season frontrunner for a reason. His interpretation of Tom Odell’s “Heal” earned him a standing ovation and left the judges speechless. Past performances from Jamal have seen him bring great energy to the stage. But Monday night, Roberts sat on a stool throughout the song and allowed his voice to do all the work.

Who was eliminated?

At this point in the competition, every elimination feels surprising. But Monday’s was truly surprising as the first Platinum Ticket winner of the season was sent home. The eliminated contestants were: Filo and Che Chesterman.

Filo first wowed the judges with his audition performance of “Try A Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. The judges awarded him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood but upgraded it to a Platinum Ticket on New Year’s Eve. Carrie Underwood surprised Filo with the news live on television during the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special.

Che Chesterman is a British singer who first appeared on The X Factor UK a decade ago. He brought his talent to American Idol and earned a coveted Golden Ticket with his audition performance of Madison Ryann Ward’s “Mirror.”