The excitement surrounding American Idol season 23 hit new heights on March 23, 2025, with exhilarating auditions taking place in Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York City. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, watched in anticipation as hopefuls showcased their talent, vying for a coveted place in the Hollywood Round.
Penny Samar, a 23-year-old singer from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, opened the night with a striking rendition of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. Known for her passionate performances, Penny captivated the judges with a dramatic interpretation filled with emotion. However, Carrie noted the performance had a bit too much "sauce." After some deliberation, they voted 2 to 1 to send Penny to Hollywood, with Carrie offering her experienced insight based on her own early struggles with emotional expression in performances.
Next up was 19-year-old Jamier from Buffalo, New York, who performed “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims. With his soulful sound and impressive delivery, Jamier earned unanimous praise, garnering three yeses. Judges noted how he expertly balanced personal storytelling and vocal technique, making it clear that he had significant potential.
Sophia Humbert, 22, followed with a unique, bluesy cover of Carrie Underwood's “Before He Cheats.” The performance featured a staged bit where the judges hilariously pretended to destroy a truck with baseball bats as a showcase for Sophia's transformation of the song. Ultimately, the panel awarded her three yeses, praising her confidence and reinterpretation of the iconic song.
At just 15 years old, Mattie Pruitt brought along country artist Craig Campbell to support her audition of “How Could You” by Jessie Murph. The judges admired her youthful energy and vocal ability, declaring her worthy of Hollywood with another set of three yeses, while urging her to continue finding opportunities to perform.
However, not all auditions were successful. Calen Davis Santos, 27, received three noes for his rendition of “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Similarly, young Phoebe White, at 15, yodeled her way to a unanimous rejection with her performance.
On a brighter note, 18-year-old John Foster charmed the judges with a mashup of “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and “Goodbye Time,” receiving three affirmative votes. John won over Carrie and the others with his effortless, old-fashioned country sound that drew comparisons to music legends.
Nina Daig also impressed the panel with her original song “Average Joe” and secured three yeses, signaling an artist to watch. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Desmond Roberts performed “Beautiful Things” on his piano, landing another unanimous ticket to Hollywood. Desmond’s commitment to mentoring kids as part of the School of Rock added a heartwarming dimension to his audition story.
Another standout was Jamal Roberts, 26, who expressed his feelings through a rendition of “Mary Jane.” While his performance wasn't flawless, his emotional delivery earned him three yeses, showcasing the competition's overarching theme of authenticity.
Still, not everyone made a mark. Caroline Woodfill, 20, performed an original song called “Diner with the Tea,” which did not resonate with the judges, resulting in three noes. However, 26-year-old Drew Ryn, who previously competed on X Factor USA, captured the judges with her original “Walk on Water,” earning her a ticket to Hollywood. Judges noted her transformation into a seasoned storyteller and likable performance style.
In a particularly moving moment, 25-year-old Sam Sparks took to the stage with his original song “Colorado Gray.” Ever since a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, music has become a source of healing. Though he needs to work on his enunciation, his deep emotional connection resonated with the judges, who ultimately voted in favor of sending him through.
Mae Mae, 15, daughter of songwriter Toby Gad, attempted to perform “No Matter What,” but fell short, receiving one yes and two noes, indicating she needs to further develop her skills. Lola, another 18-year-old with a family history in music royalty, received three yeses for her take on “Rainbow” and charmingly conveyed her passion for pushing her vocal abilities further.
The night culminated with 19-year-old Freddie McClendon’s original piece “You Never Loved Him,” which he wrote in memory of his father, who was murdered in 2023. His heart-wrenching performance moved Carrie to tears, and he received all yeses, affirming his potential as a heartfelt storyteller.
This exciting episode wrapped up as the judges got back into Carrie’s car, reminiscing about their past while hinting at the upcoming Hollywood Week beginning on March 31, 2025. Fans eagerly await what the next chapter in American Idol will bring.
