American Idol's Sonika Vaid Faces 'Final 24'

WESTON, MA — American Idol contestant — and Weston native — Sonika Vaid wowed the judges last Wednesday with a cover of Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time.”

After the 51 contestants were cut to 24 on Thursday night, Vaid moves on with the Final 24 this week.

Now she faces another challenge. Twelve of the performers - including Vaid - are up on Wednesday night (with a results show Thursday) and another 12 sing Feb. 17 (with the results the following day), paring it down even further.

American Idol airs at 8 p.m. (ET) on FOX on Wednesday and Thursday.

Vaid, 20, was declared an early favorite to win Idol, which is in its final season.

Vaid, who grew up in Weston and lives on Martha’s Vineyard, has drawn accolades from judges.

Last Wednesday, the judges agreed her vocals were superb but said her physical performance could use work.

“You know, you sang beautifully,” said judge Harry Connick, Jr., after Vaid sang “Look at Me” by Carrie Underwood in her original audition. “That was a perfect performance. I was totally engaged. This was the only time this particular season that I saw somebody that I actually thought would win this thing. That’s a God-given voice.”

Photo: Sonika Vaid (Credit Michael Becker/FOX)