American Idol 2025 Recap – We’re live blogging the Top 7 Disney Night Pt 1 performances. Top 5 REVEALED
American Idol season 23 continues as the Top 7 contestants perform songs from beloved Disney properties. Lin-Manuel Miranda serves as mentor as the contestants visit Disneyland Resort. The Top 7 will celebrate Mother’s Day with a second performance.
American Idol 2025 Top 7 Contestant Rankings, Facebook Views
American Idol will broadcast LIVE COAST TO COAST. Fans can vote for their favorites in REAL TIME. But act fast. After the Top 7 perform, the Top 5 will be revealed, based on America’s vote, at the end of the episode! Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan serve as judges. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
American Idol 2025: Disney Nights Details and SONG SPOILERS
American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule
HOW to VOTE
Viewers can cast their votes at idolvote.abc.com, the American Idol official phone app or via Text message (Text the contestant’s number to 21523). Voting begins at the BEGINNING of the broadcast. Fans can submit up to ten (10) votes for each contestant per voting method for a total of 30 votes for each contestant. Voting closes after the last commercial break. More at Voting Faq.
Gabby Samone – How Far I’ll Go from Moana
Lin-Manuel wrote the song and he admits that it’s hard both range-wise and lyric-wise. He coached Gabby to navigate the tricky wordplay. She’ll be thinking of young Gabby as the singer hits the stage.
Yeah, there a lot of words, and the trick seems to be figuring out where to breath! She’s doing fine, though seems to be working a little too hard. Still, she hits all the dramatic notes. Her range is impressive. Overall, a solid song choice for her.
Lionel says, “You have that showstopping…I know it’s coming. I just loved your performance.” Carrie says, “Your voice is made for songs like that. You look gorgeous, comfortable.” Luke says, “That is the most clear I’ve heard you deliver a song from top to bottom.” – Text 6 to 21523
Jamal Roberts – Go the Distance from Hercules
Lin declares Jamal possesses the R&B voice of “the gods.” Jamal connects to the songs lyrics, which is why he chose it. Lin feels the song choice is smart.
This song boasts a beautiful melody, and when sung by a skilled singer like Jamal, can be quite powerful. The song lends itself to a Gospel rendering, which he delivers here. He doesn’t embellish the song too much, but hits the very upper reaches of his raspy range without using falsetto.
Carrie says, “Every thing we throw at you…you make it your own. You make it fit you.” Luke says, “Lin-Manuel…didn’t really have to give you any tips.” Lionel says, “You put on flashy clothes and it gets BIGGER than that.” Lionel compares Jamal to Otis Redding. – Text 12 to 21523
Breanna Nix – Reflection from Mulan
She was drawn to the song because of how much she’s changed over the course of the competition. Lin suggests she begin the song as if she just walked into the audition room, but to end it as the singer she is today. He coaches her to keep her eyes open.
Breanna is dressed elegantly, alongside a string section. She takes Lin’s advice, starting the performance tentatively, but then picking up strength as the song proceeds. This Christina Aguilera song is made for an artist like Breanna with tremendous range. Yet she could have belted her way through the song, but showed nuance throughout.
Luke says, “You are always in total control. That song was a perfect choice for you.” Lionel says, “You have poise and grace. When you finally stretch out…you pull that off. I love what you did.” Carrie says, “I was fighting back tears watching your journeys.” – Text 9 to 21523
John Foster – Almost There from The Princess and the Frog
Lin and the singers rehearse on a balcony as fans watch below. John chose the song because the original movie was set in his hometown, New Orleans. Lin suggests that he embrace his inner rock star. John admits the song is different than what he usually tackles.
He’s not playing an instrument this week. He sing-talks the first verse. It’s very folksy, as opposed to the original, sung by the female lead. It’s more like how the songwriter, Randy Newman would sing it. John is always so RELAXED on stage. However, the arrangement is a little choppy. The shoutouts are a little awkward, but he delivers a big finish. The crowd is crazy.m for him m.
Lionel says, “That was amazing.” Carrie says, “No matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster. They were loving it.” Luke notes his charisma. That’s the thing about John. Charm oozes out of his pores. – Text 13 to 21523
Slater Nalley – Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King
Slater is a HUGE fan of Hamilton. He calls Lin A LEGEND while giving him a big hug. Lin helps Slater phrase the song, suggesting he start quiet before going big.
It’s too bad Slater didn’t have opportunities to sing original songs. I have a feeling that’s where he shines–as a thoughtful songwriter. I don’t love the twangy arrangement, and he missed his opening cue. OOPS. But Lin’s suggestion to start off quiet is paying off. The second half of the song is powerful and better than the first.
Carrie says “I loved seeing your excitement working with Lin-Manuel.” I bet she did. Hm. Luke mentions that he missed some words, but recovered well. Lionel calls him a storyteller “You have a storytelling voice, use it more.” – Text 11 to 21523
Mattie Pruitt – Remember Me from Coco
Mattie loves the movie Coco, and relates to this particular song because dish is homesick. Lin suggests that she keep her eyes open. “Go make Tennessee feel you,” he advises her.
Mattie hasn’t always been able to connect to the audience or express feelings. But she’s doing a great job tonight. For her, it connecting to lyrics personally is important. She’s thinking of her hometown. It means something to her. She might have bought herself a spot in the Top 5.
Luke calls it one of his favorite performances of hers. Lionel says, “You’ve grown up. I’m loving this new you.” Carrie says, “That was a reminder of why you are here.” – Text 22 to 21523
Malachi Barton is in the upcoming Zombies 4 movie and sitting with co-star Freya in the audience. His mom Felicia Barton is a background singer for Idol. She was also a season 8 Top 36 contestant!
Thunderstorm Artis – Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas
Thunderstorm grew up listening to his song pick. Lin admits he was most excited to hear Thunderstorm sing. Lin suggests he not smile all the way through a serious song, especially through the beginning.
The song is about climate change, basically. And how people are ruining the land. But we don’t own the land! Nice message, but the lyrics are corny. It’s probably the worst song of the night, but Thunderstorm interprets it well. His voice cuts through every time.
Luke says, “You are an amazing storyteller. I love every way you perform these songs.” Carrie calls it her favorite arrangement of the night. Luke was totally immersed in his performance. – Text 23 to 21523
Carrie Underwood’s mom Carol visits the panel. Ryan interviews her for a bit.
Breanna Nix – Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina
Breanna and her mom share a hug at the park. “You’re my best friend,” she gushes.
Mother’s day dedications are usually emotional. Breanna feels more at home singing a country song. Was it Luke or Lionel who mentioned the Disney songs were hard because they tend to be out of the singers’ wheelhouses. Breanna hits the high notes, and tears up on the last line.
Carrie calls it “beautiful” and confesses she’s gonna cry through the second half. “Luke says we love where you’re trending in the competition.” Lionel says, “Once you hit the tear, you’ve got everyone in the room.”
Gabby Samone – Home from The Wiz
Her mom raised 8 children but has been a mother to so many more, Gabby shares.
The song suits Gabby’s theatrical style. After American Idol, I wouldn’t be surprised if she wound up on the Broadway stage. Again, the singers are SO MUCH MORE comfortable singing songs in their own genres. Good thing Disney was first.
Luke calls it his favorite performance of hers. Lionel says, “You were singing that song like you were closing.” Carrie says, “You deliver with ease.”
Slater Nalley – Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright by Bob Dylan
Dylan is one of his favorite songwriters. The song reminds him of the reassurance his mother has given him over the years.
Slater is in his comfortable place, performing a classic Dylan song. These tunes are fresh in folks’ minds after the Dylan biopic made a big splash last year. I appreciate when he sings songs appropriate to his vibe instead of trying to flip stuff. He plays the harmonica break! A nice surprise. It’s a solid performance from Slater.
Lionel says, “This is the way you break out the surprise secret weapon. You pulled it off.” Carrie says, “You seemed in your element…so comfortable.” Luke calls him an artist. “Your sound is so identifiable,” he says.
Jamal Roberts – A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
The song was his step-mother’s favorite song. She passed unexpectedly five years ago during the Covid pandemic.
Oh boy. This song was calling out to Jamal to sing. What is there more to say. Soulful, full of emotion, an impeccable vocal—Jamal makes it all look easy. I hope he wins it all.
Carrie says, “You just proved why you are here.” Luke says, “That is fun to watch go down right there. Your timing and your delivery…how good you are is humbling to me.” Lionel says, “I want to see your birth certificate son!” Lionel calls him an “old man.” He begs America to VOTE.
Mattie Pruitt – Those Kind of Women by Lauren Alaina
Mattie was raised by her mom and step mom. They are both a big support.
Season 10 runner-up Lauren gets a TWOFER this week. Mattie is having a good night. Tonight’s eliminations are going to be tough. Freedom in this round has allowed the singers to sing comfortable songs. There isn’t a bunch of risk taking–that’s the down side. The upside, voacalists like Mattie can show their best sides.
Luke says, “You’re getting more comfortable in this. You’re getting the sass.” Lionel says, “You’re getting the attitude” He calls it a “star wash.” Carrie calls her pick a great song choice. The thing about Mattie. She’s not really “sassy.” Her problem is when she sings songs she doesn’t understand or connect with.
Thunderstorm Artis – Out of the Blue (Original)
He wrote the song for his wife after he met her.
Thunderstorm closing the night with an original song. He’s the only singer taking a risk tonight. Or maybe he isn’t. Thunderstorm is a talented songwriter who delivers his compositions with heart and confidence. What’s better for Mother’s day than a song written for the mother of his children?
Lionel says, “You’re about to turn your thunderstorm into a tornado. The sky is the limit for you.” Carrie says, “You are an artist. You brought some amazing songs to us.” Luke says, “We are so comfortable of what you are as a songwriter.” Ryan joins him on stage with the lyrics. “I’ve never been more depressed to be single,” he quips.
John Foster – Believe by Brooks & Dunn
His mom has always inspired him to “Believe” in himself.
Singing a religious song at crunch time is smart. Not that John needs it. He’s so popular that he could sing anything, skip a lyric, mess up–it wouldn’t matter. This performance felt a little lazy. I mean, John is usually easy going but that felt somewhat phoned in.
Carrie calls it a perfect song choice. Luke says, “You keep surprising me very week.” Lionel says, “I now believe you as an artist.” John says that he’s spent the competition following the advice the judges gave him.
RESULTS
TOM DIM THE LIGHTS. Over 20 million votes came in. After the nationwide vote. The first person in the Top 5 is SLATER. I was not expecting that. Breanna is next. John is third. The next person in the Top 5 is…Jamal. AND the final person in the Top 5 is Thunderstorm. MY GIRL GABBY IS LEAVING SO MAD. Mattie is also eliminated.
I was POSITIVE Slater was leaving the competition tonight. Especially since the judges made such a big deal of him missing lyrics at the beginning of his first song. He redeemed himself with the Bob Dylan cover, though.
REALLY disappointed that Gabby left the competition. She tends to go for the big showy numbers. Maybe she played it safe when she should not have. Her interpretations of big familiar songs are so unique. But maybe it was time to shake things up.
Thunderstorm often does poorly when it comes to social media views–Facebook at least. Unlike Gabby, Thunderstorm took a risk and sang an original. The risk taking paid off. If Slater wants to pull off the impossible, he’s got to sing an original song tomorrow.
But I’m convinced that John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix are going to be the Top 3.
American Idol 2025 Top 5
Slater Nalley
Breanna Nix
John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Thunderstorm Artis
ELIMINATED
Gabby Samone
Mattie Pruitt
