In a vibrant showcase of talent, the Top 24 contestants of "American Idol" have gathered at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, for an exciting round of performances. The competition is heating up as the iconic singing show features renowned artists Jelly Roll, Josh Groban, and Ashanti as mentors, guiding these hopefuls through their musical journeys.
This season, Jelly Roll, who joined the show as an "Artist in Residence," made his debut during the latest episode, where he took on a mentorship role that contestants have embraced wholeheartedly. Contestant MKY expressed his admiration for Jelly Roll, stating, "Jelly Roll is iconic, man. You know what? When they brought him on the show, all I could think of was my song 'Save Me,' and he has a song called 'Save Me.' So I'm like, 'Man, look at that- the symbolism.' But he's a great artist, man, and he's given me some really great feedback."
Desmond Roberts, another contestant, echoed these sentiments, praising Jelly Roll’s character, saying, "Let's just start with how sweet he is as a person. Like, he is just one of the sweetest most like, down-to-earth people that I've seen in a while. He's somebody that even if he wasn't an artist, I feel like I would be friends with him." Jelly Roll’s approachable nature and insightful feedback have made a significant impact on the contestants as they prepare for their performances.
This week, voting has officially begun, allowing fans to support their favorite contestants. As the competition unfolds, viewers can cast their votes through the official app, website, or by text. Voting opens at the start of each episode, giving fans the chance to make their voices heard.
On Sunday night, April 13, 2025, the excitement ramped up as Jelly Roll became particularly fond of contestant Penny Samar, who donned a "pink penny club" top during her performance. Samar, who previously wowed the judges with her rendition of Chappell Roan’s "Pink Pony Club," was set to perform "Good Luck, Babe!" for the next round. Jelly Roll praised her unique personality, saying, "Keep being your weird, awkward, happy, bubbly self," highlighting her individuality as her "superpower."
As the competition progressed, the judges—Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan—offered their critiques and encouragement. Underwood noted, "I feel like you occupy your own lane in this group of talent," while Bryan remarked that the stage felt like Samar's "playground." Richie, who had previously critiqued Samar’s theatrical approach, acknowledged her growth, stating, "You’ve actually grown quite a bit, congratulations."
In addition to Samar, the Top 24 featured a variety of performances, including CHÉ, who sang Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin’)." The judges praised his talent, with Lionel commenting, "You were on a rocket," and Carrie adding, "You’re just so stinkin talented." Meanwhile, Kolbi Jordan delivered a powerful rendition of "New Attitude" by Patti LaBelle, which left the judges on their feet, applauding her energy and presence.
Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, performed a ballad version of "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, although the judges noted that he struggled to convey the song's upbeat message. Lionel remarked, "It took me 40 years to get the girls screaming," while Carrie encouraged him to embrace his stage presence more fully.
As Ashanti took the stage to perform a medley of her hits, the contestants felt inspired by her presence. Ashanti herself expressed pride in the talent displayed by the singers she mentored, stating, "The talent from the singers is through the roof." Her encouragement resonated with the contestants, who are eager to showcase their best selves.
Gabby Samone, another standout contestant, delivered an emotional performance of "It’s All Coming Back To Me Now" by Celine Dion. Jelly Roll was visibly moved by her story, saying, "It’s a pain I understand," and calling her vulnerability "special." The judges recognized her talent, with Carrie stating, "I felt all the things," and Lionel praising her for creating a memorable moment on stage.
Meanwhile, MKY continued to impress with his rendition of "Adorn" by Miguel, showcasing his R&B flair. The judges commended him for his performance, with Luke calling him an "old school season pro." Zaylie Windsor tackled Blondie’s "Heart of Glass," while Breanna Nix performed "Still Rolling Stones" by Lauren Daigle, both leaving a lasting impression on the panel.
As the Top 24 contestants face off in this picturesque Hawaiian setting, the competition is more intense than ever. With Jelly Roll, Josh Groban, and Ashanti providing mentorship, the contestants are not only honing their craft but also experiencing personal growth and emotional connections.
As the performances unfold over the two-night event, fans are reminded that it’s not just about the music; it’s about the stories behind the voices. With nationwide voting now open, viewers have the opportunity to support their favorites and help shape the future of this season’s "American Idol." New episodes air Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu, ensuring that the excitement continues well into the week.
