American Idol 2025 Recap - Top 7 Revealed Judges Song Contest (Videos)

JOSH KING Eliminated - American Idol 2025 — RYAN SEACREST, JOSH KING

American Idol 2025 Recap – We’re live blogging the Top 8 Judges Song Contest performances. Top 7 REVEALED

American Idol season 23 continues as the Top 8 contestants perform songs chosen “secretly” by the judges. Each of the panelists will pick a song for each of the Top 8. The contestants will choose a song not knowing which judge picked it. The judge with the most picks WINS.

American Idol 2025 Top 10 Contestant Rankings

American Idol will broadcast LIVE COAST TO COAST. Fans can vote for their favorites in REAL TIME. But act fast. After the Top 8 perform, the Top 6 will be revealed, based on America’s vote, at the end of the episode! Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan will choose a wildcard to make a Top 7. It’s the BINGO BLITZ SAVE! Ryan Seacrest hosts.

Each singer will play “Two lies and a truth” in their video packages. And with only 11 performances (including duets/trios) and there is plenty of time to talk smack about the judges choices.

American Idol 2025: Details on Ladies Night and Judges Song Contest

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.

American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule

Breanna Nix – Independence Day by Martina McBride

Breanna tears up sharing about her mother who faced domestic abuse. She thinks of her mom each time she hears her song choice, which tells the tale of a woman breaking free of an abusive relationship. The singers work with the vocal coaches tonight. Jelly Roll is in the house but he’s not mentoring them. (Song Choices: The Blessing by Elevation Worship ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes, Independence Day by Martina McBride, Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande.)

It’s one of the few pure country songs Breanna has performed on the show. She’s mostly covered Christian and pop songs. But she’s comfortable singing emotional country songs that tell a story. She’s most confident singing songs she connects to. Jelly Roll is off stage watching.

Breanna thinks Luke picked the song. And she is correct. Luke picked the song! Luke mentions that she missed a word or two, but it’s hitting those high notes that matter. Lionel says, “That voice you have catches on right away.” Carrie picked The Blessing and feels she did a good job covering for the missed lyrics. – Text 9 to 21523

The American Idol 2024 runner-up Will Mosley is in the house!

Mattie Pruitt – Always Been You by Jessie Murph

Mattie is undecided between two songs. One is by Leann Rimes and the other by Jessie Murph. The latter would bring out her “sass” which the judges are looking for. But she wants to avoid comparisons to the original singer. What will she choose? (Song Choices: Always Been You by Jessie Murph, I Need You by LeAnn Rimes, Parachute by Chris Stapleton.)

Viewers don’t find out until she steps on stage. The song is challenging. There are high parts, and talk-singing in spots. This at least feels appropriate for a teen girl to sing. Heartache is always a relatable subject for a young singer. But she seems to be thinking every moment she’s on stage.

Mattie believes Luke picked the song. AND AGAIN. Luke is two for two. Luke doesn’t believe Mattie has to worry about comparisons. “Vocally it was amazing.” Lionel says, “I DON’T LIKE THIS GAME.” Carrie still thinks she could bring more sass. – Text 22 to 21523

Gabby Samone, Josh King and Jamal Roberts – Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richie

The upside down camera work is very, very CORNY. I’ve never been a big fan of this song. These duets and groups songs are always hit or miss. None of the singers are at their best, but they seem to be having fun, at least. Lionel is feeling much better about losing the song contest to Luke.

John Foster – I Cross My Heart by George Strait

George Strait is John’s biggest musical influence. He mentions his girlfriend who he has been dating for about a year. She’ll be in the audience, and he’ll sing straight to her. (Song Choices: Two Dozen Roses by Shenandoah, I Cross My Heart by George Strait, Crazy by Willie Nelson).

I don’t love this song choice, but then I’m not a mainstream country music fan. He’s delivering a sweet love song in an easygoing style. He’s cultivated an extremely comfortable stage presence. He doesn’t break a sweat, yet he’s fully engaged with the audience. He still needs to cultivate an original style. But he’s got the vocal chops and stage presence. Ryan chats a little with Brooklyn, John’s girlfriend. She’s all giggles sitting in the audience.

John thinks Carrie picked the song. AND SHE DID. Carrie says, “I’ve been in your shoes. I feel like I know what will showcase your voice the best.” She adds, “That was absolutely perfect. This is one of your best performances.” Luke knew he was toast, “Your singing better week after week.” Luke brings up how he wasn’t sure about John in the beginning. He feels chastised. Lionel picked the Willie Nelson song. “I’m losing and I’m loving what you’re doing.” – Text 13 to 21523

Josh King – Home by Michael Bublé

Josh ditched Great Balls of Fire and felt the Hall & Oates song had no moments. At a David Foster concert, he was plucked out the audience to sing Home. (Song Choices: You Make My Dreams Come True by Daryl Hall & John Oates, Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis, Home by Michael Bublé.)

He takes the stage without an instrument. He begins the performance seated on a stool, but eventually gets up and works the stage. IDOL LOVES KEY CHANGES THIS SEASON. He’s not the best singer left by any stretch, but he brings a likeability and sincerity to the competition. Josh LOVES Michael Bublé, saying, “It just sucks that he’s on the other show.” NO HE DIDN’T OH YES HE SAID THAT. Ryan jokes that Michael watches the show (He’s a coach on The Voice this season). Josh believes Carrie picked the song.

Carrie thought about the song, but did not want him to sing about “going home.” Ha. She knows. Lionel picked the song! He says, “You embodied that song.” Carrie says, “You seemed in your element. That felt like a comfortable performance.” Luke says, “That was a perfect song choice for you.” – Text 21 to 21523

Gabby Samone – Hero by Mariah Carey

Gabby is nervous about singing the Power of Love. But she loves Hero. It’s her journey right now. She connects to the song. Not only has Gabby sung with Justin Timberlake, but she’s met Mariah and sang in front of her. (Song Choices: The Power of Love by Celine Dion, Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Hero by Mariah Carey).

I’m not a big fan of this song. And unlike other weeks, something feels off tonight. The rendition is too much like Mariah’s and she seems flat in spots. She’s typically great singing big diva songs. But at this point, it’s become predictable. Still love her though!

Gabby thinks Lionel picked it. And she is correct! Lionel says, “You have taken a Mariah song and turned it all into your song. You took it to another level.” Carrie says, “You delivered it beautifully. It felt like your moment.” Luke says, “The perfect song choice for you. Those big notes–where does all this power and air come from.” – Text 6 to 21523

Thunderstorm Artis, John Foster, Slater Nalley – Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Everyday by Luke Bryan

One guy doesn’t seem to belong in this trio. The song isn’t in Thunderstorm’s wheelhouse, while the country song fits nicely into Slater and and John’s style. In any case, this is a very dumb song. The beer and girls country lane is my least favorite, to say the least. “You all just got huntin and fishin credits from me. That was so fun,” says Luke. He feels they each put their signature sauce on the song. Jelly Roll is proud that Thunderstorm held his own.

Jamal Roberts – I Believe by Fantasia

Jamal had a baby girl TODAY! Her name is Gianna Grace Roberts. He kept it secret until now. Aw. That means he couldn’t be there at her birth. He decided between Fantasia and Stevie Wonder. He picked “I Believe.” (Song choices: I Believe by Fantasia, Lately by Stevie Wonder, Grenade by Bruno Mars)

“I Believe” is a terrible song that Fantasia managed to elevate to the heavens. But Jamal is built for the heavy lift of imbuing heart and meaning into any lyric. He’s like a male Fantasia with James Brown mixed in there. He ends the song nearly in tears. Fantasia should be proud. Jamal says the message is that he’ll always be there for his family.

Jamal believes Carrie picked the song. BUT SHE DID NOT. Lionel picked it! He’s winning the song contest now! Lionel says, “You are an emotional being. It was the perfect choice. You had me crying.” Carrie says, “I was the Stevie Wonder pick. But Lionel made an excellent song choice.” Luke says, “You have to sing Lately at some point. You were able to drum up in a song a feeling that made tears well up in our eyes.” – Text 12 to 21523u

Breanna Nix and Mattie Pruitt – Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood

It’s the final group number. A duet is easier than a trio, which is why these two are delivering the best group number of the night. Breanna is singing rings around Mattie though. It’s not that she’s a better singer, it’s that her high notes and sturdy midrange overwhelm the young singer. Carrie had tears in her eyes, “That was really wonderful. It was just beautiful. I feel honored.”

Thunderstorm Artis – Faithfully by Journey

Thunderstorm REALLY connected to “Faithfully” so he picked it. It felt like a love letter to his wife. (Song Choices: Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan, Let it Be by The Beatles, Faithfully by Journey)

The singer is back behind the guitar tonight. His wife is out in the audience listening as he croons the song to her. She’s wiping away a tear. OH THE IDOL AUDIENCE LOVES THIS STUFF. Thunderstorm loses the guitar to bust loose on the chorus. This song is usually tackled by singers with big voices. But his tender rendition does the trick. After, he addresses his wife directly. It’s very mushy. Ryan fake faints.

Thunderstorm guesses Luke picked the song. Carrie picked the song! She’s not going to win the song contest, she will but she won’t finish pathetically. Carrie says, “You have the ability to take it and mold the lyrics. You understand the road. I had chills.” Of course. Carrie loves her some rock power ballads. Luke says, “It is an honor to watch.” He appreciates Thunderstorm’s musical approach. Lionel says, “I know Steve Perry. Steve did you hear that? It was amazing. You have the ability to make instant identity.” – Text 23 to 21523

Slater Nalley – Atlantic City by Bruce Springsteen

Slater is between the Jason Isbell and Bruce Springsteen songs. He settles on Atlantic City. (Song Choices: Hope the High Road by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Atlantic City by Bruce Springsteen, Believe by Brooks and Dunn.)

I LOVE this song choice. Slater’s taste in music tends to be A+. He gravitates toward storytelling folk/country singers. This is a wonderful cover of a great song. Slater has the gravel and grit in his voice similar to Bruce, but he countrifies it a bit.

Slater believes that Luke picked the song. And he is correct! LUKE and LIONEL TIE THEY WIN THE SONG CONTEST. Luke says, “I love the way you did bring the energy to it.” Lionel says, “You pulled that off with such amazing abilities.” Carrie says, “THIS GAME IS STUPID.” She adds, “I DON’T LOSE ON AMERICAN IDOL I WIN.” – Text 11 to 21523

The final Judges Song Contest score: Lionel – 3, Luke – 3, Carrie – 2.

RESULTS

Over a million votes came in for each finalist, says Ryan. The first person safe is Slater Nalley. Also safe is Thunderstorm Artis. Gabby Samone will be back again next week. Breanna Nix is safe. Jamal Roberts is in the Top 7. Only one spot left. John Foster is safe.

Mattie Pruitt and Josh King remain. Luke and Lionel pick a wildcard. They want help from Carrie, but she’s like NOPE. As they deliberate, Josh nods towards Mattie and then just before the decision he nods more vigorously. He’s probably not up for the backlash if the judges chose him. But besides that, he seems like a straight up nice guy. And of course, they save Mattie. Josh is eliminated.

Eh. I would have saved Josh. Mattie is underbaked. But the judges love her. Still, Josh had a good run. He lasted longer than many fans predicted.

Also: Can anyone explain the point of Jelly Roll? He’s not even around to mentor the contestants. He’s like the greek chorus off stage or in the audience making comments. Literally the most useless mentor the show has ever had, and that’s saying something.