At 8 PM ET on April 6, 2025, viewers tuned in to watch the latest episode of American Idol Season 23, airing on ABC. This iconic singing competition, conceived by Simon Fuller, continues to captivate audiences, with Ryan Seacrest hosting yet again. The judging panel features the return of seasoned artists Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, now alongside surprise guest judge Carrie Underwood, the winner of Season 4, who replaces Katy Perry from the last season.
In the preceding episode, the excitement peaked as contestants advanced through Hollywood Week. Notable performances included the collaborative act of Platinum Ticket winners Filo, Kolbi Jordan, and Canaan James Hill, while Josh King and Jamal Roberts stood out, impressing the judges during a round of eliminations that affected nine hopefuls.
Highlights from Season 23, Episode 7
In this riveting episode, the judges promoted four contestants directly into the coveted Top 24 after a thrilling Showstopper Round, featuring live band performances for the first time this season.
Joining the show’s lineup, Jelly Roll took on the role of in-house Artist in Residence, guiding the contestants as they honed their acts. One standout performance came from Victor Solomon, a previous finalist from The Voice, who delivered a stirring rendition of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Having called L.A. home for two years, Solomon overcame personal hurdles to craft a unique arrangement with the accompanying band.
Fifteen-year-old Mattie Pruitt delivered an emotional performance of “A Man’s World” by James Brown, sharing insights about growing up in a large family with 12 siblings and grappling with self-doubt. The judges, particularly Luke Bryan, responded enthusiastically, dubbing her “a star.” Another performer, Kolbi Jordan, showcased her vocal prowess with a powerful rendition of “River Deep – Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner, marking her status as one of the three Platinum Ticket holders.
Isaiah Misailegalu took the stage next, performing “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts, and he skillfully adjusted his performance at the judges’ suggestion to lower the key. Meanwhile, Breanna Nix sang “The Trouble with Love” by Kelly Clarkson, sharing her personal revelations regarding her family’s history, including her father’s incarceration and the complexities of paternal relations.
Drew Ryn, a familiar face from X Factor USA, gave a heartfelt performance of “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson. Despite a rehearsal mishap, he left a strong impression on the judges. Mississippi’s own Jamal Roberts wowed the audience with “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, earning a standing ovation.
Amanda Barise showcased her unmatched confidence with “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan, eliciting another standing ovation from the audience. Other noteworthy performances included Desmond Roberts’s take on “Barracuda” by Heart, John Foster’s rendition of “In Color” by Jamie Johnson, and Zaylie Windsor’s captivating performance of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.”
Filo shared a touching rendition of “Anything Worth Holding On To” by Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett. Slater Nalley’s performance of “Ophelia” resonated, while MKY brought emotion to “Sabor a Mi” by Luis Miguel. Gabby Samone counted her blessings with “Four Women” by Nina Simone and Thunderstorm Artis artistically interpreted “Imagine” by John Lennon, marking a significant moment as he had previously performed “Blackbird” by The Beatles on The Voice.
Olivier captivated the judges with “Like a Stone” by Audioslave. Meanwhile, Platinum Ticket holder Canaan James Hill faced his nerves while performing “Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp. As the episode concluded, judges selected Hill, Samone, Pruitt, and Windsor to continue on to the Top 24, resulting in the elimination of 16 contestants from the competition.
As anticipation builds, the remaining 42 contestants are set to face off in the next episode on April 7, 2025, vying for the last 20 spots in the Top 24.