'American Idol' Recap: Female Contestants Sudden Death Round Recap from Las Vegas, Zoanette Johnson the Big Winner [PHOTOS]

Week two of sudden death rounds began Wednesday night on "American Idol" and one contestant blew the others away. Zoanette Johnson began what Nicki Minaj called "The Zoanette Era" last night during the women's sudden death round wowing the judges and propelling herself to the front of the pack.

Ten female contestants performed Wednesday night and five were sent home. Johnson's performance stood head and shoulders above the rest with her rendition of "Circle of Life." The song made famous in "The Lion King" film prompted Keith Urban to call Johnson "Queen of the Jungle."

Nicki Minaj gloated about Johnson's performance, "And I'm proud that this place right here gives people like you and me that came from absolutely nothing, from a country that we didn't probably ever think we would make it out alive, it gives us a shot. Thank you. Thank you!"

It hasn't been all great for Johnson on this season of "American Idol." The big haired 20-year-old from Liberia didn't seem the like the strongest competitor. Far from it. Her performances have been erratic at best this season and it's surprising she made it this far. However, the judges were rewarded for their patience after her performance last night in the sudden death round.

Breanna Steer also made it through to the next round with her performance of Jazmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows." Meanwhile, Mariah Carey called Aubrey Cleland "limitless" after her rendition of Beyonce's "Beautiful Nightmare."

Quite possibly the favorite coming into the night was Candice Glover, who didn't disappoint. She sang, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," much to the delight of the judges. Minaj told Glover, "It boggles my brain you didn't make it last year." Glover was cut on last season's "American Idol."

The final contestant to make it through to the next round was Janelle Arthur. It can be argued Rachel Hale out performed Arthur this week, but the judges let Arthur go on because of her previous performances. Arthur sang Lady Antebellum's "Just a Kiss" but it was Hale's performance of Grace Potter's "Nothing But the Water" that received high praise from the judges. Unfortunately Hale was sent home along with fellow singers Cristabel Clack, Jett Hermano, Juliana Chahayed and Melinda Ademi.

Going on to the next round from Wednesday night was Breanna Steer, Aubrey Cleland, Candice Glover, Janelle Arthur, and the star of the night Zoanette Johnson.

Thursday night will feature 10 male contestants battling it out for five more spots. Check it out on Fox at 8/7C. In case you miss it, check back with Mstarz as we provide you with the recap.