The competition heats up on season 23 of American Idol as the top 10 contestants take the stage for a themed night celebrating iconic women in music. On May 4, 2025, the show featured country superstar Miranda Lambert, who not only mentored the contestants but also performed her classic hit "Kerosene," marking its 20th anniversary. With the audience's votes determining who would advance, the stakes were high during this live episode.
As the night unfolded, the contestants showcased their talents through powerful performances, each aiming to secure a spot in the coveted top 8. Voting was open throughout the show, allowing fans to support their favorites via the American Idol website, app, or by texting the designated contestant numbers to 21523.
Host Ryan Seacrest announced the results at the end of the two-hour episode, revealing the eight contestants who would move forward in the competition. The top 8 includes Breanna Nix, Mattie Pruitt, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Josh King, Gabby Samone, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis. Unfortunately, Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan were eliminated, both of whom had previously received Platinum Tickets during auditions.
Each contestant had the opportunity to shine during the night, with Lambert’s mentorship guiding them through their performances. John Foster, 18, kicked off the night with a rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s "Something to Talk About." Lambert helped him enhance his stage presence, and the judges praised his growth throughout the competition. Carrie Underwood remarked, "You are the one that we have watched grow the most throughout this entire process. Every single time you step on the stage, you feel more comfortable, you’re working the stage more, you’re connecting with the audience more." Luke Bryan added, "Your charisma meter is peaking off the charts right now."
Kolbi Jordan, 26, took a bold approach by performing Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain," aiming to surprise the audience. Lambert encouraged her to hold back at times, and the judges were impressed by her personality and stage presence. Bryan noted, "I loved your attitude, your character, your mannerisms. Your personality is really, really amazing."
Josh King, 24, from Charlotte, brought his bluesy style to Adele’s "Rolling in the Deep." Lambert advised him to pull back a bit, but his energetic performance captivated both the judges and the audience. Lionel Richie praised his unique approach, stating, "I have never seen anyone going for the arsenal. You went for the piano – Adele plays the piano. Then you went for the harmonica. And what I loved the most, you ran around the circle."
Breanna Nix, 25, performed Adele’s "Water Under the Bridge," with Lambert helping her find the right song choice. Underwood commended her, saying, "This was the right song choice for sure. I feel like everybody’s trying different things tonight, showing us a different side of themselves, and this was just a perfect moment for you."
Canaan James Hill, 17, sang Carrie Underwood’s "Love Wins" for the first time outside of his gospel comfort zone. While he struggled with confidence, the judges appreciated his effort and growth. Bryan encouraged him to keep pushing himself, while Underwood emphasized the song's message of love.
Thunderstorm Artis, 29, performed Adele’s "When We Were Young" while accompanying himself on the piano. Lambert had concerns about his connection with the audience, but his stripped-down performance earned him a standing ovation from the judges. Richie declared, "You made cool cool," and Underwood expressed her admiration for his delivery.
Slater Nalley, 17, tackled Reba McEntire’s "Whoever’s in New England," showcasing his vocal strength and vulnerability. Lambert suggested he raise the key, and his bold choice paid off, with Underwood praising his song selection and performance.
Jamal Roberts honored Underwood with "Undo It," adding his own flair to the popular song. Lambert's guidance helped him enhance his performance, and the judges were impressed by his stage presence. Underwood noted, "All I’m gonna say is, throughout your presence here, you are mesmerizing and I love it."
Mattie Pruitt, 16, performed Lambert’s "The House That Built Me" for the first time while playing guitar in front of a live audience. Her emotional rendition resonated with the judges, with Richie stating, "You held your emotions perfectly. We felt every moment of that," while Underwood called it "really quite brilliant."
Gabby Samone capped the night with a powerful rendition of "I Was Here" by Beyoncé. Her performance moved Lambert to tears during rehearsals, and the judges were captivated by her growth. Underwood concluded with, "I have two words — wow and vote," emphasizing the importance of audience support.
As the night ended, viewers were eager to see who would advance to the next round. The competition continues on May 5, 2025, with the top 8 performing songs selected by the judges. Fans can tune in live at 8 p.m. ET to witness the next round of performances and cast their votes for their favorite contestants.
