American Idol 2025 Recap: Top 14 REVEALED. The show goes LIVE for the first time this season
American Idol 2025 Top 14 are REVEALED tonight LIVE for the first time on season 23. The finalists return to the stage in front of judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan with powerful, emotional performances from Hollywood. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
American Idol 2025 Top 20 POLL Results – You Predict the Top 14
American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule (Updated 4/19)
The Top 10 is chosen by America. As in prior seasons, Ryan will call each of the Top 20 to the stage one by one. The singers will either perform in celebration before heading to the “victory zone” or sing for their lives. The judges will choose FOUR wildcards at the end of the show.
THE BRANDED DRINK CUPS RETURN. Not Coke, but Poppi.
Kolbi Jordan – I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan
Kolbi MAKES the Top 14. She sings in celebration. Kolbi delivers a solid performance. But this song pick is SO TIRED. She’s playing it real safe tonight. But no matter, she’s heading off to the VICTORY ZONE.
Isaiah Misailegalu – Sleepwalker by Sammy Johnson
Isaiah will SING FOR HIS LIFE. Tonight was the night for Isaiah to try and break out. The singer brings reliable performances to the stage every time. But he’s become predictable. Luke says, “I don’t know if you’ve hit a bad note all season.” He hints at the singer’s predictability.
Drew Ryn – Million Reasons by Lady Gaga
Drew is IN THE DANGER ZONE! I’m not surprised. Drew has faltered in her last few outings on the stage. It’s like she’s lost confidence. She begins the song dramatically sitting on the floor, before getting on her feet to deliver the rest of the song. She’s flat in spots. Regardless, a talented vocalist, she may be worth saving. Lionel says, “You have to perform now. I need the energy from this point on. Your voice is spectacular.”
Thunderstorm Artis – I Love You by Billie Eilish
Thunderstorm is IN THE TOP 14. He celebrates with a Billie Eilish hit. Tonight, he sings WITHOUT HIS GUITAR. A band member plays it for him, so to speak. The arrangement is typical. Still, with all the focus on his vocal, he can show off his beautiful raspy tone and phrasing.
JAMES TAYLOR is the Mentor for a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame show on Sunday, 4/27And Season 3 winner Fantasia mentors an “Idol Moments” theme Monday 4/28.
Olivier Bergeron – It’s Not My Time by 3 Doors Down
Considering Olivier is in the DANGER ZONE “It’s Not My Time” is apt. Tonight, something is off. The band drowns out the singer who is hitting flat notes. Can he not hear himself? He works the stage and interacts with the band, but seems distracted. Carrie says, “That was the perfect song choice. You’ve done so much already in this competition.”
Filo – Skyfall by Adele
Filo is in the Top 14. He’s wearing a nifty bun to celebrate. This is the way to do it. If Filo needed to sing for his life tonight (He does not!) a big dramatic song like “Skyfall” is the way to show off his big vocals. Despite his safety, he still gives the song his all. MOM IS STILL CRYING.
John Foster – Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn
John is IN the Top 14. He had a great buzzy night Sunday, so no surprise there. John’s tone is gorgeous. Maybe the best sounding singer of the bunch. In the next few years he needs to develop a distinct sound and personality, however.
Josh King – Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Josh is IN DANGER. Is Josh SERIOUSLY RICKROLLING THE AMERICAN IDOL AUDIENCE? Hm. Not the song choice for a do or die situation. And I say that as a fan of Mr. Astley. Josh whips out his harmonica half way through the song. But he seems nervous on stage tonight. Lionel remarks, “Give me more of that.” Really?
Mattie Pruitt – In the Stars by Benson Boone
Mattie is IN the Top 14. The newly 16 year old accompanies herself on piano. If she were in danger, she would not be now. It’s a heartrending and mature rendition of the song. She’s on her feet at the chorus as she employs her raspy tone to hit the big notes. She’s a little flat and the band too loud. Overall, though. Good effort.
Canaan James Hill – Stand by Donnie McClurkin
Canaan is IN the Top 14. All three Platinum Ticket holders move on (Filo and Kolbi too). Canaan gives heightened meaning to the phrase “Took us to church.” He’s compelling because his faith is so obviously sincere. I believe every word he sings.
CHÉ Chesterman – Jealous Guy by John Lennon
“Let’s do it,” said CHE assuming the inevitable Danger Zone fate. Interesting song choice from CHE. Probably a better pick for a UK audience, where he comes from. However, his soulful take on the song is solid, but will probably not propel him into a Top 14 wildcard spot. Luke says “We are chock full of great singers.” He stresses that song choice is important.
Baylee Littrell – All of Me by John Legend
OH NEPO BABY IS IN DANGER. You guys may be correct that he’s leaving the competition tonight. But he’s probably a good candidate for the wildcard. I mean. We need daddy Brian in the audience every week, right? John Legend would probably NOT turn for this rendition on The Voice. He seems really nervous. Carrie says “I feel like this was your best performance today.” Yeah, they picking him.
Desmond Roberts – Titanium by Sia
Jon Baptiste returned his performance on social media last night! Still, Desmond is IN DANGER. The singer is back behind the piano. He is arguably the most musical of all the contestants. He deserves to move on. He stays at the piano and delivers a powerhouse performance. Lionel says, ” That simplicity is what we need more of.” Lionel suggests he concentrate on song selection and simplicity.
Brianna Nix – The Show Must Go On by Queen
Of course, Brianna is in the Top 14. However, I did not have Brianna covering Queen on my Bingo card. She’s the gal who usually covers CCM and Gospel. Tackling a big rock song by a secular band is a risk. Again THE BACKING BAND IS SO LOUD. She’s fiddling with her earpiece. The second half of the performance offers her opportunities to hit some big notes.
Zaylie Windsor – Still Into You by Paramore
She’s in danger. And the judges should do her a favor and send her home. She’s not ready. Her performance is once again wobbly and off key. Sure she has that Taylor Swift vibe going, but she needs more experience. Carrie calls it a good song choice “Everybody had fun.” She noted the nerves, adding, “You made the Top 20, you should be so proud of yourselves.”
Jamal Roberts – Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding
Jamal is in the Top 14! He deserves it. His stage presence is OFF THE CHARTS. He’s so comfortable on stage. He brings it home without seeming to try hard. His dance moves are on point. Love the pink sparkly suit. Luke takes the stage for a “footwork” lesson.
Slater Nalley – This Ain’t It by Jason Isbell
Slater is IN the Top 14. The singer performs a song by one of his favorite artists, Jason Isbell. Good taste. It’s country music I can get behind. Slater cuts right through, even with Bandzilla wailing away behind him. Fans in the audience are chanting for him. Slater tripped on his way off the stage. Not caught on camera, though.
Victor Solomon – Staying Alive by Bee Gees
Victor is IN THE DANGER ZONE and unfortunately this is not the song pick that will save his life. He looks silly slinking around the stage and the arrangement is doing him no favors. Luke says, “You have brought the entertainment every week. You have always been authentic to who you are.”
Gabby Samone – Don’t Rain on My Parade by Barbra Streisand
Gabby is IN the Top 14! The song is a bold choice. She ornaments it in places where it’s not needed, and she hits a few wobbly notes. But the effort is still a dramatic showstopper. She earned that last spot.
Amanda Barise – Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin
Amanda is a solid belter but she’s old fashioned. Her growls and adlibs could be more creative here. The judges love her though. She’s hitting high notes galore, and unlike some of her fellow singers, she’s staying on pitch. Lionel says, “That’s called standing up and reminding us who you are.”
Judges choose FOUR Wilcards
The final four picks. Carrie wants everyone to know that making the Top 20 is an incredible accomplishment. “You’ve done amazing…be proud of that.”
DIM THE LIGHTS AND HERE WE GO. The first person the judges chose for the Top 14 is DESMOND ROBERTS. Hooray! The second spot goes to Josh King! Oh wow. The third is CHE! OK I’m floored. The final spot goes to Amanda Barise!
I am properly chastised. I was wrong. You voters in yesterday’s poll were right. Nepo baby Baylee Littrell was ELIMINATED. Also, I did not think the judges would choose Desmond, although he deserved it. Olivier has been a darling all season. Jelly Roll is gonna be mad about that decision. And the judges choosing CHE just blows me away. They didn’t seem very excited about him making the Top 20 cut.
Having said all that–the judges made the right decisions. Of the six who were eliminated, NONE of them were robbed of a spot they deserved. And thinking about it more, a fan backlash against “nepo babies” may have kept the panel from choosing Baylee, although he’s been great for buzz. He’s been decent on and off this season, but not spectacular.
American Idol 2025 Top 14
Kolbi Jordan
Thunderstorm Artis
Filo
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt
Canaan James Hill
Brianna Nix
Jamal Roberts
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Josh King – WILDCARD
CHÉ Chesterman – WILDCARD
Desmond Roberts – WILDCARD
Amanda Barise – WILDCARD
ELIMINATED
Isaiah Misailegalu
Drew Ryn
Olivier Bergeron
Baylee Littrell
Zaylie Windsor
Victor Solomon
