American Idol Season 23: Top 14 Reveal Highlights
The much-anticipated episode of American Idol Season 23 aired on April 21, 2025, under the banner of “Top 14 Reveal.”Host Ryan Seacrest officially unveiled the contestants who secured their places in the Top 14, thanks to a combination of audience votes and judges’ evaluations. Aspiring artists took to the stage, delivering heartfelt performances as they aimed to progress to the next phase of the competition.
Elimination and Advancements in the Competition
In the previous episode, the Top 20 finalists were introduced, leading to the departure of four contestants: MKY, Grayson Torrence, Kyana Fanene, and Penny Samar. In this latest episode, an additional six artists faced elimination, allowing 14 singers to continue their journey toward the coveted title.
How the Top 14 Was Determined
The competition saw ten singers automatically advance based on their popularity with voters. For the remaining contestants, the stakes were high, as judges selected four additional wildcard singers to join the Top 14. Sadly, six contestants were sent home, narrowing the field.
Meet the Top 14 Contestants
The finalists who made it to the Top 14 are:
- Kolbi Jordan
- Thunderstorm Artis
- Filo
- John Foster
- Mattie Pruitt
- Canaan James Hill
- Breanna Nix
- Jamal Roberts
- Slater Nalley
- Gabby Samone
- Desmond Roberts (wildcard)
- Josh King (wildcard)
- Ché (wildcard)
- Amanda Barise (wildcard)
Memorable Performances from the Top 14
Among the contestants, Kolbi Jordan, the last to enter the Top 20, stunned audiences with her rendition of I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan, receiving enthusiastic feedback from the judges. When asked about her journey, she expressed:
“I mean to be last and then to be first… Y’all, see I’m plus size, I’m trying to walk on the stage because I’m excited, and thank you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Isaiah Misailegalu, facing a tight spot, performed Sleepwalker by Sammy Johnson. Judge Luke Bryan praised Isaiah, recognizing him as one of his favorite voices this season. Drew Ryn delivered a heartfelt version of Million Reasons by Lady Gaga, which resonated well with the panel.
Thunderstorm Artis followed with I Love You by Billie Eilish, expressing gratitude to his fans for their support. Olivier Bergeron, also in the danger zone, gave a passionate performance of It’s Not My Time by 3 Doors Down, paving the way for Top 14 member Filo, who sang Skyfall by Adele.
John Foster impressed the audience with Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn, receiving warm applause. Meanwhile, Josh King, battling elimination, performed Never Gonna Give Up by Rick Astley, prompting a positive remark from Lionel:
“Give me more of that,”
Other standout performances included Mattie Pruitt with In the Stars by Benson Boone and Canaan James Hill’s rendition of Stand by Donnie McClurkin. Ché, hoping to sway the judges, performed Jealous Guy by John Lennon, highlighting the significance of song choice in a competition filled with talent.
Baylee Littrell and Desmond Roberts also showcased their abilities with All of Me by John Legend and Titanium by Sia, respectively. Breanna Nix, who secured a spot in the Top 14, delivered a powerful rendition of The Show Must Go On by Queen, while Jamal Roberts concluded his performance with Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding, further solidifying his place among the finalists.
Following Slater Nalley’s cover of This Ain’t It by Jason Isbell and Victor Solomon’s performance of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, Gabby Samone captivated the audience with Don’t Rain on My Parade by Barbra Streisand.
Amanda Barise, facing uncertainty, performed Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin, leading to a tense moment as the judges selected the final wildcard entries from the danger zone contestants. Ultimately, Desmond, Josh, Ché, and Amanda earned spots in the Top 14, while Isaiah, Baylee, Drew, Olivier, Zaylie, and Victor were eliminated.
The excitement of American Idol Season 23 continues, now available for streaming on Hulu.