The ‘American Idol’ competition becomes intense as 8 remain. How did the lone SC singer do?

South Carolina native Warren Peay’s “American Idol” dream continues.

The Bamberg native was voted into the top seven by viewers.

Besides 23-year-old Peay, the seven chosen by viewers were: Colin Stough, 18, from Mississippi; Haven Madison, 17, from Tennessee; Iam Tongi, 18, from Hawaii; Megan Danielle, 20, from Georgia; Wé Ani, 23, from New York and Zachariah Smith, 19, from Mississippi.

In addition, one singer was saved by Judge Katy Perry — Oliver Steele, 25, from Tennessee.

Marybeth Byrd, 21, from Arkansas and Tyson Venegas, 17, from Canada went home.

Chayce Beckham, who won American Idol in 2021, performed. That was the year Spartanburg County native Caleb Kennedy made the top three but bowed out after a video surfaced that showed him sitting beside a friend wearing what looked like a Ku Klux Klan hood.

Kennedy is awaiting trial on a charge of felony driving under the influence resulting in death after he drove into a garage and ran over a man inside in February 2022.

Beckham, of Apple Valley, California, announced he was going on tour with Judge Luke Bryan, who in turn announced Beckham’s song “23” had gone gold.

Peay sang “Colder Weather,” originally recorded by Zac Brown Band.

Judge Lionel Richie said Peay “owned the song” and called his performance amazing.

Bryan said it was a great song choice.

“Always lean on the grit,” Bryan said.

Next week there is only one show — on Sunday — when two guest judges will fill in for Perry and Richie. They will be performing at the festivities surrounding the coronation of King Charles III.

Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran are the guest judges.

The live show will have the same format as the past two — the top eight will perform, votes tabulated during the show and results for top five announced at the end.