American Idol 2025 Recap – We’re live blogging the Top 20 REVEAL on Songs of Faith night
American Idol season 23 continues as the Top 20 contestants are REVEALED on the 3 hour Easter special, Songs of Faith.
Besides the performances, special guest stars include CeCe Winans, American Idol alum Roman Collins, and the Brown Four. Brandon Lake and Artist in Residence Jelly Roll perform their song, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan are also set to perform. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
American Idol 2025 Top 24 POLL Results – YOUR Predictions
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 END 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. Top 20 voting locks at 6 am ET/3am PT the next morning. More at Voting Faq.
Ryan Seacrest hosts.
American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule (Updated 4/19)
Lionel Richie opens the show singing “Eternity.”
The Jesus waving has already begun in the audience. The Top 24 serve as a choir behind him.
Ryan reveals that viewers sent in 30 million votes last week.
Ryan will introducethe folks who are safe followed by their performance. In other words, if they sing, they are safe. Night 2 contestants are first. I guess he’s working backwards!
Canaan James Hill – Better Days by Le’Andria Johnson
It really is easy to forget that Canaan is only 17. He totally has old man vibes. I bet he’s been that way his entire life. The kid knows how to deliver a rousing and spirit filled gospel song. HALLELUJAH.
Lionel says, “Do you have any idea what you just did. VOTE EVERYBODY.” Carrie says, “You understood the assignment.” She suggests that he work the stage even more. Luke says, “I have not heard a voice like yours in this show. Make it look a little harder please! You are a 100 dollar Easter egg.” Text 16 to 21523
Drew Ryn – Yellow by Coldplay
Not sure how Yellow is a “song of faith.” But I AM NOT COMPLAINING. Still, in the middle of the song she shouts “THANK YOU JESUS.” OK then. She’s still seems nervous on stage and continues to have trouble hitting high notes. It’s like the gal suddenly got the yips.
Carrie wonders why she chose the song. Drew explains that the first time she heard it, it felt like a conversation with the Lord. Luke calls her a “diamond in the rough.” Lionel says, “You made that song so much yours.” Text 15 to 21523
Desmond Roberts – Worship by John Batiste
Yay. Desmond is safe. He’s been under the radar in this competition, despite his creative and engaging vocals. He’s not only a great singer, but his musical instincts are on point. He makes every performance his own and is excellent when it comes to vibing with the band. He hits impossible falsetto notes amid tricky rhythms. Wow.
Luke says, “So many tools and tricks in your bag. Impressive.” Lionel says, “I don’t know what register you sing in. Amazing. Tight, tight, tight.” Carrie calls the performance “exciting.” She adds, “Well done.” Text 14 to 21523
Filo – Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel
Filo is from Egypt, but is a Coptic Christian. It’s the reason why his family fled to America. Whatever the motive, it’s great that some contestants are choosing secular songs to sing. Filo has a tendency to oversing. But if a vocalist is gonna oversing, Bridge Over Troubled Water is the perfect song choice. (Although Art Garfunkel’s vocal is beautifully understated.)
Lionel says, “You aced it. You took it from a whisper to a crescendo.” Carrie says, “We know you’ve got the big voice. You reminded us you’ve got the intimate voice.” Luke says, “Great song choice. It felt theatrical in the right way.” Text 17 to 21523
The Brown Four
The Brown Four from Memphis, Tennessee take the stage next to sing “How I Love Jesus.” The group are four kiddos. Obviously a family group. And they sing a’cappella. Oh. They’ll be singing all night.
Josh King – You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
So…Josh thinks Jesus is beautiful? Or is he imagining Jesus saying people are beautiful? Or did he think whatever, I’m picking a nice song that I like. Having said that. This is his best performance so far. It’s not hokey and he seems comfortable out from behind his piano. It’s a lovely vocal performance.
Carrie says, “The sweet and soft Josh.” He was thinking of his mother as he sang it. She’s crying her eyes out in the audience. Luke says, “You keep us guessing, you keep us surprised.” Lionel says, “Every breath we were hanging on.” Text 21 to 21523
Luke Bryan – Jesus ‘Bout My Kids
He used to talk to his kids about Jesus, now he talks to Jesus ’bout his kids.
Thunderstorm Artis – Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
Thunderstorm is on stage doing his Thunderstorm thing. He may have trouble over the next weeks keeping his performances surprising. That’s going to be his challenge going forward. He’s got a style, he’s a gorgeous singer, but he’s got to keep viewers on their toes. Luke says, “That felt like a big Christian rock concert. I loved seeing the energy.” Lionel says, “We discovered something about you tonight.” Carrie says, “You took it to the next level.” Text 23 to 21523
Amanda Barise – If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
I guess if Amanda ain’t got Jesus, she don’t want nothing at all. I can’t stop joking about the secular song choices. There are more than I expected, considering the theme. CCM is a NICHE, a thing Idol producers obviously understand. Anyway. a bunch a people got mad at Amanda’s choice to jazz up “Defying Gravity” last week (Not me). This week, her arrangement sticks to the original. She’s back to being the retro diva.
Lionel says, “You turned it into your song.” Carrie notes that the song was popular the year she auditioned, and many a hopeful bombed singing it. “You crushed it,” she says. Luke calls it her “crowning moment.” Text 24 to 21523
John Foster – Tell That Angel I Love Her (Original Song)
It’s the first original song of the night. His pristine voice is gorgeous. But it lacks specific character. Maybe he should take up smoking? Kidding. But developing a style can take time and experience. So many crying moms tonight! Ryan teased out that the song is about John’s friend Maggie who suddenly passed away. John becomes so emotional speaking about her he swears.
Carrie says, “I like that we heard a sweet tender voice.” Luke says, “What you just did there removed all doubts in my mind.” Lionel calls him “storytelling country.” Text 13 to 21523
The Brown Four is back to sing “This Little Light of Mine.” Somebody’s got to stick to the theme. Heh.
Mattie Pruitt – Rescue by Lauren Daigle
There was bound to be a Lauren Daigle song tonight. The performance starts off slow, but Mattie positively soars on the chorus. Her raspy alto is perfect for the song and to show off her range.
Luke says, “You’re going through the star wash. Make sure we hear every word.” Oh, she turned 16. Lionel says she has “Instantly identity.” Carrie says, “You got the goods. I had chills.” Ryan presents a birthday cupcake to her. Text 22 to 21523
ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT.
Olivier Bergeron – Stay by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
Maybe Jelly Roll boosting the heck out of the singer, or that he’s got his own lane in the competition helped Olivier stick around. He hasn’t had a ton of screen time. AND he’s Canadian, which means no home grown fan base. Tonight, he brings his raspy rock vocals to bear on a Rihanna classic.
Lionel calls him intense. He suggests that he open his eyes on stage. Carrie says, “It’s like you’re singing for your life.” She suggests he listen closely to the lyrics in the song. Luke says, “Keep growing on stage.” Text 19 to 21523
NIGHT 2 RESULTS
Kyana Fanene (ROBBED) and Grayson Torrence are ELIMINATED. They don’t even get a proper goodbye.
Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake – Hard Fought Hallelujah
The two sing their Gospel hit. Brandon loves American Idol. He was afraid to audition for the show back in the day. He meets fellow Christian Carrie for the first time.
Now, on to Night 1 results.
Brianna Nix – Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin
It’s a perfect song choice from Brianna. It may be her first song choice with crossover appeal in the competition. She throws in a key change, which she navigates perfectly. Her range is crazy and her high notes stunning.
Carrie calls her “solid.” Luke says, “This night is tailor made for you. We can listen effortlessly. I was captivated.” Lionel says NOTHING was wrong with that performance. Text 9 to 21523
Victor Solomon – For Every Mountain by Kurt Carr
The singer explains that he grew up in the church. Gospel is a genre where he’s comfortable. The black sparkly gloves are a special touch. With different lyrics, this song could be a Bond theme. It contains dramatic heft and theater. But it is a praise song, which Victor sings with passion.
Luke says, “You get every aspect of entertainment. I love your approach. Lionel calls him electrifying. “A great performance.” Carrie says, “You immediately engage the audience.” He sings the song regularly at church. Text 5 to 21523
Baylee Littrell – Gone Without Goodbye by Brian Littrell
The nepo baby LIVES. Baylee chooses a song by his father, Backstreet Boy, Brian Littrell, who is sitting in the audience. This is a big improvement over his performance of “Happy” in Hawaii. Only, he needs to enunciate better. It was hard to tease out what the song was about. Baylee notes that Brian recorded the song, which is dedicated to 9-11. His mom was supposed to be on one of the flights that crashed. (Correction: originally wrote that Baylee wrote the song. He did not.)
Lionel says, “Put pressure on yourself. Press forward. Scare yourself to death.” Carrie calls it one of his best vocal performances. “I feel you growing.” Luke says, “Lean in an enunciate on everything.” TEXT 4 to 21523
Isaiah Misailegalu – Give You Blue by Allen Stone
It’s another easy breezy performance from the sweet and smooth Isaiah, delivered in a relaxed and confident style.
Carrie calls him “smooth.” Isaiah picked the song because it was an early favorite of his and his dad. and it inspired him. “You didn’t miss a note,” says Luke. “Dig in give us more.” Lionel says, “You reminded me of that falsetto silk.” Lionel wants more power to go with the silk. TEXT 10 to 21523
Gabby Samone – I Am Changing from Dreamgirls
Gabby is a dark horse. She started off with little attention before the judges plucked her out of Hollywood to go straight into the Top 24. Her song choice is HUGE and it’s almost too big for her. But she hits her stride in the second half of the performance.
The judges are on their feet. “I think you are a star,” says Luke. Lionel begs America to vote. Carrie says, “You are not a star YOU ARE A SUPER STAR.” Ryan mentioned that Jennifer Hudson inspired Gabby to audition for Idol. TEXT 6 to 21523
The Brown Four are back to remind us that it’s Jesus Night.
Slater Nalley – Soulshine by the Allman Brothers
The number of secular songs tonight is surprising. It’s like any other week of competition, except anchored by a nebulous Easter theme. However, a loose theme allows the contestants to choose songs that truly fit their abilities and talents. Slater is a case in point, a southern rock song like “Soulshine” is perfect for his gravely rock voice. It’s a favorite song of his dad’s.
Lionel says, “You got here because you stayed in your lane and you’re solid.” Carrie says, “You were at ease. Keep doing you.” Luke says, “You’ve figured out who you are as an artist. It’s so impressive.” TEXT 11 to 21523
Zaylie Windsor – Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac
Boy Zaylie looked shocked when her name was called. “Silver Springs” is one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac songs. Having said that, Zaylie is no Stevie Nicks. I stick by my view that Zaylie needed a few years to marinate before getting this far on Idol. She’s been pitchy and tentative throughout the competition.
Carrie says song choice is important. Luke says, “That was a good job.” Lionel says, “Your sound is appealing. Just bring it to us some more.” The judges remarks are tellingly muted. Carrie doesn’t even offer advice. TEXT 8 to 21523
Jamal Roberts – Forever by Jason Nelson
Oh look. It’s an actual gospel song! Man, Jamal brings it every time he takes the stage. Not only are his vocals passionate, but he has the ability to work the audience into a frenzy. Incredible.
Luke says, “You’ve got the magic. It’s current but it’s old school too.” Lionel says, “That was some outrageous singing.” Carrie says, “Your talent is as sparkly as your outfit.” Jamal shares that it’s the anniversary of losing the woman who raised him. TEXT 12 to 21523
CeCe Winans and Roman Collins – Come Jesus Come
The iconic CeCe Winans takes the stage to perform her song “Come Jesus Come.” She’s praying for the end of the world! Season 22 contestant, Roman Collins joins her towards the end of the number m. The two performed on last season’s finale. Aw. Carrie wipes a way a “tear.” The song, from both of them, will be out soon.
CHE – Redemption Song by Bob Marley and the Wailers
OK. As the numbers dwindled, I assumed he was in danger. He’s from the UK with no homegrown voting base. Still, the spot is not underserved. His tone is sweet and high, but when he goes big, his vocal has a raspy quality that gives his performance heft.
CHE has been listening to the song all his life. “You delivered that song so well,” says Lionel. Carrie says, “You did a great job.” Not much to say.” Luke says, “I’m so glad you flew all this way to join us.” The judges seem disappointed that he garnered the votes to advance. TEXT 1 to 21523
Penny, MKY and Kolbi remain. But only ONE spot in the Top 20 is left. Gonna be a shock boot tonight.
Kolbi Jordan – Amazing Grace
And of course the night ends with a rendition of Amazing Grace. I had no doubt Kolbi was sticking around. She delivers a churchy, big voiced rendition of the song. It’s a fitting end to Jesus Night, even though there really wasn’t much Jesus in it. Heh. Kolbi is in tears.
Carrie compliments the contestant’s level of camaraderie. Luke calls it “breathtaking.” Lionel says, “Who knew that we were going to create the Church of American Idol.” TEXT 3 to 21523
MKY and Penny Samar are eliminated
Carrie Underwood – How Great Thou Art
Carrie ends the show with a bang. It’s amazing after all these years, Carrie can still easily hit the high notes. And not just hit them, but SUSTAIN them. Carrie never has to drop out of a tour stop due to vocal issues. I wonder how she takes care of her voice? She’s gotta follow a rigid routine.
Tomorrow night (Monday April 21) After YOU vote, American Idol reveals the Top 14.
American Idol 2025 Top 20
Amanda Barise
Canaan James Hill
Desmond Roberts
Drew Ryn
Filo Ebid
John Foster
Josh King
Mattie Pruitt
Olivier Bergeron
Thunderstorm Artis
Baylee Littrell
Breanna Nix
Che Chesterman
Gabby Samone
Isaiah Misailegalu
Jamal Roberts
Kolbi Jordan
Slater Nalley
Victor Solomon
Zaylie Windsor
ELIMINATED
Grayson Torrence
Kyana Fanene
MKY
Peggy Samar
