As the competition heats up on the 23rd season of American Idol, the Top 24 contestants are battling it out for a chance to be crowned the next singing sensation. This week, the show has taken its talent to the breathtaking Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii, where contestants have been performing for audience votes during Disney Week.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, half of the Top 24 took to the stage, showcasing their vocal prowess while receiving guidance from artist-in-residence Jelly Roll and R&B singer Ashanti. The stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian resort provided a unique setting for the performances, inspiring contestants to deliver their best.
Among the standout performances was Jamal Roberts, who delivered a powerful rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Liar.” His performance left a lasting impression on the judges, with Jelly Roll himself stating, "I would feel disrespectful to call this my song in this moment. This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight." The audience was captivated, and the judges had high praises for many of the contestants.
Tonight, April 15, 2025, the other half of the Top 24 will perform, hoping to win over the audience and secure their place in the competition. This season, the stakes are higher than ever, as only 20 of the 24 contestants will advance to the next round.
Joining the mentorship team this week is the acclaimed singer Josh Groban, who expressed his excitement about being part of American Idol. In an interview with Billboard, Groban shared, "They didn’t even mention Hawaii before I said yes. I’ve done it before, whether it’s on ‘Idol’ or through my foundation, working with after-school programs or kids that are just in need of that push and advice." He emphasized the importance of genuine mentorship, stating, "We really care. It’s not just for TV. Because we’ve been there and we know how special this is for them."
Groban’s insights and experience are invaluable, as he aims to help young hopefuls navigate the complexities of the music industry. He reflected on his own journey, crediting his choir teachers for helping him find his voice during his formative years. "The unsung heroes were my choir teachers in junior high and high school, when I was at my most insecure. They were essential in helping me find my voice, find myself," he said.
As the competition progresses, the judges—Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood—continue to provide feedback and encouragement to the contestants. During last night’s performances, Richie was particularly impressed by contestant Desmond Roberts, who sang Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do.” After the performance, Richie announced, "I’ve got to call him and say ‘don’t miss this performance tonight.’ It was incredible. Your voice is just stellar." This marks yet another instance of Richie reaching out to his famous friends to share the talent showcased on the show.
With the audience's votes determining who advances, fans are eagerly participating in the voting process. Viewers can cast their votes through various methods, including online at AmericanIdol.com/Vote, via the official app, or by texting the contestant's number to 21523. Voting begins at the start of the broadcast and remains open until 6 a.m. ET the following day.
As the competition unfolds, the anticipation builds for the next episode, which will reveal the Top 20 contestants. The upcoming show, titled “Songs of Faith,” will air on Sunday, April 20, 2025, featuring special guests CeCe Winans and Brandon Lake, alongside Jelly Roll.
In the meantime, fans can catch tonight’s episode of American Idol, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The show is also available for streaming on Hulu, allowing viewers to keep up with the latest performances and mentoring moments. With such a talented pool of contestants, this season promises to be an unforgettable journey as they strive to achieve their dreams of musical stardom.
As the clock ticks down to the next round, the excitement is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the Top 20? Tune in to find out!
