On March 23, 2025, American Idol Season 23 Episode 4 aired, showcasing a thrilling selection of auditions where 12 contestants progressed to the coveted Hollywood Week. This episode introduced talents such as Penny Samar and Jamier, setting the stage for intense competition ahead.
This two-hour special featured performances from 16 contestants, all vying for a chance to impress the judges in auditions held in Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York City. Joined by the iconic Season 4 champion Carrie Underwood, judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan critiqued a mix of six original songs and eight cover performances.
The age range of the contestants spanned from 15 to 27, with a notable presence of participants connected to the music industry through family ties. During this episode, four split decisions highlighted the judges’ differing opinions, while three contestants faced unanimous rejections. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the auditions represented a pivotal moment as the competition neared the Hollywood Week phase.
A New Batch of Hopefuls for Hollywood Week
Penny Samar, a 23-year-old from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, arrived at her audition with a spirited group of supporters, dubbing themselves the “Pink Penny Club.”She performed “Pink Pony Club”by Chappell Roan, garnering mixed reviews. While Carrie and Luke encouraged her to refine her performance, a split decision arose when Lionel voted no, but Carrie’s yes ultimately secured her advancement.
Nineteen-year-old Jamier from Buffalo, New York, chose to sing “Lose Control”by Teddy Swims. His backstory revealed a deep commitment to his five younger siblings, stepping into a parental role after their father left. The judges suggested he improve his balance of technical prowess and emotional delivery, leading to a unanimous decision to advance him.
John Foster, an 18-year-old from Louisiana, brought local flair to his audition by sharing regional dishes with the judges. His performance included “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”by Alan Jackson and “Goodbye Time”by Conway Twitty, demonstrating his vocal range, which impressed all three judges and earned him a spot in the next round.
Highlighting Unforgettable Auditions and Split Decisions
Drew Ryn’s return to competition marked a significant comeback, as she previously appeared on X Factor USA in her teenage years. Now 26, her original song “Walk on Water”received accolades for its polished production and emotional depth, affirming her growth since her last appearance.
Desmond Roberts, aged 26, commutes 70 miles to teach at School of Rock in Los Angeles while pursuing his musical career. His connection with students and impressive technical abilities convinced the judges of his strong potential.
Nina Daig, performing her original song “Average Joe”for the first time on stage, conveyed a heartfelt message intended for her brother who has disabilities. Despite her limited performance experience, the judges appreciated her narrative and unanimously advanced her, overcoming initial reservations from Luke and Lionel about her readiness.
Alongside these standout contestants, Sophia Humbert, Mattie Pruitt, Jamal Roberts, Sam Sparks, Lola, and Freddie McClendon also earned their tickets to Hollywood Week.
Contestants Who Faced Elimination
Calen Davis Santos, at 27, took a risk by performing “What You Won’t Do for Love”by Bobby Caldwell. Following a montage that showcased contestants bringing refreshments to the judges, he reflected on his early performances, including singing Carrie’s “Before He Cheats”at his first gig. However, his heavy reliance on improvisation resulted in three no votes.
Fifteen-year-old Phoebe White displayed impressive yodeling skills, even inciting Carrie to join in. Despite her technical flair surpassing Carrie’s attempt, the judges felt her performance was not aligned with the overall competition standards.
Caroline Woodfill, 20, showcased her original tune “Diner with the Tea,”which discussed small-town rumors. Lionel found it entertaining, but unfortunately, all three judges voted against her further advancement.
Lastly, Mae Mae, also 15, performed “No Matter What”by Callum Scott, a song written by her father. Despite a heartfelt attempt, she struggled with pitch, leading Luke to suggest she needed further vocal training, while Carrie offered the only supportive vote.
The episode concluded with an announcement for the final audition round set to air the following Sunday, followed by the onset of Hollywood Week. This episode truly encapsulated the diverse array of musical styles and experiences among contestants, as Season 23 continues its thrilling journey.
Mark your calendars for American Idol Season 23 Episode 5, scheduled to air on March 30.