American Idol 2025 Top 20 Polls: VOTE for your FAVORITE Performance, PREDICT who will LEAVE the show
The American Idol revealed its season 23 Top 20. The format like previous seasons, had host Ryan Seacrest reveal safe contestants who took the stage to perform their song choice. The Top 24 performed across two nights. Two singers went home from each group. So the field was split into two parts. (Read our Recap)
The eliminations were not surprising…mostly
Mid-way through the three-hour spectacular, Ryan revealed the first two eliminated contestants–Grayson Torrence and Kyana Fanene. Grayson never found her footing (or got much screen time) in the competition. Kyana got little screen time, but her performances were always a delight. I’d vote her MOST ROBBED.
At the end of the show, Ryan revealed that Penny Samar and MKY were heading home. Penny was in the same boat as Grayson. She had little screen time and never broke out. MKY however, was somewhat surprising.
When CHE was revealed as safe, the judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan all seemed disappointed in the result. CHE is talented, but there are similar R&B singers in the competition. I assumed a singer from the UK didn’t have the local voting fan base, like the US singers do. Plus, MKY brought performance skills and a retro soul vibe to the stage, and he was a judges favorite. Fans may have found him kinda corny with the gyrating hips and obvious plays to the ladies. But still, he possessed a unique tone and performed with charisma.
Reports say some crew members were uncomfortable with the overtly Christian theme. Song picks were often NOT overtly religious
Also, being generous, 11 of the 20 songs choices were overtly religious. I expected more Christian song choices considering the theme revolved around the Easter holiday and “Songs of Faith.” Additionally, all the guest performers were CCM/Gospel artists. But think of it–Christian Contemporary and Gospel music don’t appeal to everybody. Some of the artists may not even know any religious songs (Or go to church, or may be Jewish. Are any of the Top 24 Jewish?)
The idea of an all Christian song night seemed….problematic in the outset. This report from a UK rag may not be accurate. But the outlet reports that Carrie pushed for “Faith Night.”
“A source close to production told The U.S. Sun that some crew members were uneasy about the overt religious theme, though they hesitated to speak up,” the report said. “It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode, and the crew was polarized by it,” the source said.
“Some didn’t think it was totally appropriate but didn’t want to make waves. Others were all for it—especially those who appreciated the religious focus,” said the report. “According to the insider, Underwood was instrumental in making the idea a reality.”
“Carrie was a big advocate for it and pushed to make this night happen. She felt it was important,” the source said. “Lionel and Luke supported it too, but Carrie was the most vocal.”
Eh. But in the end, while the show featured religious themes, the contestants were free to choose secular songs and twist them into the theme in whatever way made them comfortable.
American Idol 2025 Top 20 Polls
NOW it’s time to predict the SIX singers who will leave the competition on the Monday April 21 episode. It’s a huge cut! Monday is also the first LIVE show of season 23. Also vote for your favorite Top 20 performance and pick a singer you feel American Idol voters ROBBED.
We will publish results of the polls on Monday afternoon (April 21)
The American Idol Top 14 Reveal episode airs Monday April 21 on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT and streaming next day on HULU.
