As the excitement builds towards the next American Idol, the Top 24 contestants have gathered in Hawaii, ready to showcase their talents and win the hearts of viewers. This week marks a pivotal moment in the competition as fans have the power to vote for their favorites through three different methods, a first for this season. The stakes are high, and the contestants are feeling the pressure to deliver standout performances.
In an exciting twist, Jelly Roll made his debut last week as the show’s first-ever artist-in-residence, bringing a fresh perspective to the competition. Joining him this week are Grammy-winning artists Josh Groban and Ashanti, who are stepping in as mentors to guide the remaining contestants. Ashanti, known for her powerful vocals and impressive career, took the stage on Sunday, April 13, 2025, to not only mentor but also perform.
During the episode, Ashanti transported viewers back to 2002 with a soulful rendition of her debut hit, “Foolish.” She also performed “The Way That I Love You,” from her 2008 album, The Declaration, captivating the audience at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Ashanti expressed her admiration for the contestants, stating, “The talent is just through the roof, and they have a purpose. I’m just so happy and so proud of all of them.”
Reflecting on her own career, Ashanti, now 44, shared her journey in the music industry. In 2002, she made waves by guest starring on Ja Rule’s “Always On Time,” which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. Simultaneously, her debut single, “Foolish,” reached No. 2, making her the first female artist to occupy the top two slots on the chart at the same time. Since then, she has released six studio albums, with her self-titled debut album going triple platinum and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
As Ashanti prepares to release her comeback single, “Call You Up,” later this month, she is excited to share her new music with fans. The music video, shot in Bermuda, is anticipated to drop sometime in April 2025. “It’s amazing and I can’t wait for you guys to see it,” she told the Idol crowd, building anticipation for her return to the music scene.
Among the Top 24 contestants is Gabby Samone, who opened up about her personal struggles during the competition. On Sunday night’s episode, she revealed, “I’ve had a wall up,” but that wall crumbled as she shared her motivations for singing. Gabby expressed her desire for her parents to relax and for her siblings to see that they can pursue their dreams. As the youngest of eight children, she recalled times when her family struggled to make ends meet, saying, “There were times when we struggled to keep the lights on.”
Gabby performed “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celine Dion, dedicating her performance to her family. Her emotional rendition brought both her and Jelly Roll to tears during practice, showcasing the depth of her feelings. Jelly Roll responded with understanding, saying, “It’s a pain I understand. You keep singing with that ‘why,’ you keep sharing that ‘why.’ I know how uncomfortable it is to be that vulnerable in front of all these people on TV, but man, it’s special.”
Following her performance in front of judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, Gabby reiterated her commitment to connecting with others through her music. “There’s so many people out there just like me that’s gone through things, and they need a shoulder to cry on, and they need to know that it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to be vulnerable,” she said, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression.
This week, viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants, including Gabby Samone, on April 14, 2025, via text. The outcome will determine who advances further in the competition, and the pressure is palpable as each contestant strives to impress the audience and judges alike.
As the Top 24 continue to battle it out in Hawaii, the combination of mentorship from seasoned artists like Ashanti and Jelly Roll, along with the emotional stories of the contestants, makes for compelling television. With the stakes higher than ever, fans are eager to see who will rise to the top and ultimately claim the title of American Idol.
