American Idol Season 23 Episode 10 Recap
Season 23 of American Idol aired its tenth episode on April 14, 2025, showcasing the Top 24 contestants as they performed at the stunning Aulani Resort in Hawaii. This episode included a special appearance by guest judge Ashanti, who provided valuable insights and feedback to the singers throughout the two-part event.
Zaylie Windsor’s Anticipated Performance
Among the contestants, Zaylie Windsor garnered significant attention after her captivating audition. As she took the stage to perform a revamped version of “Heart of Glass”by Blondie, the 18-year-old expressed her nerves, feeling uncertain about her song choice compared to others. Nonetheless, she opted for a unique rendition, incorporating an energetic dance beat in the latter half of her performance. The judges, consisting of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, praised her for her distinctive interpretation.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
Despite the judges’ accolades, viewers were split in their opinions about Zaylie’s performance. Social media platforms were abuzz with comments, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where some users expressed skepticism towards the judges’ responses. One user remarked:
“In my opinion, Zaylie is not that great, and the judges are acting like it was the best performance of the night,”a fan said.
Critics voiced concerns that Zaylie’s performance was off-key, suggesting that the judges might need to reconsider their evaluations. Comments included sentiments like:
“Zaylie needs a few more years. Great foundation, but needs time & development,”said another.
“These judges really need their hearing checked honestly. Zaylie was just absolutely off-tune,”added a third.
Supportive Voices Emerge
Conversely, many fans rallied behind Zaylie, praising her performance and potential. Comments celebrated her interpretation and nostalgic feel, with users stating:
“Perfect rendition of a classic song Zaylie is going to be a star,”an X user wrote.
“Hearing Zaylie singing Blondie on @americanidol the week we lost Clem Burke… I like this girl… @zayliewindsor – you struck a chord tonight,”commented one.
Judges’ Encouragement and Expert Feedback
During the performance, Ashanti encouraged Zaylie to infuse her personality into the piece without losing the essence of the original song. Following her captivating rendition, judges delivered their thoughts, highlighting various aspects of her performance.
Carrie Underwood noted its musical “coolness,”commending Zaylie for blending disco elements with country flair. “You have sparkle stardust sprinkled all over yourself,”Underwood remarked, expressing her admiration for the young contestant. Lionel Richie complimented Zaylie’s ability to make the song uniquely hers, stating:
“It was the right song for you,”Richie added.
Meanwhile, Luke Bryan lauded her maturity and the poise she demonstrated on stage, suggesting that the future holds limitless possibilities for her talent.
Stay Updated on American Idol Season 23
For those eager to keep up with the latest happenings in American Idol Season 23, be sure to follow the official Instagram account, @americanidol.