Season 23 of American Idol is closing in on its finale, and the voting drama is more intense than ever. After a magical (and emotional) Disney-themed night at Disneyland Resort, only five contestants remain — and America gets to decide who makes it to the final three.
Top 5 American Idol Contestants Reveal Emotional Performances
Sunday’s live episode featured the Top 7 performing twice: once with guidance from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and once more with a song dedicated to Mothers. The Broadway and Oscar-nominated star, who wrote music for Disney hits like Moana and Encanto, served as a mentor — and he didn’t just help the contestants hit the notes. He pushed them to respect the material while making the songs their own.
“Getting to work with Lin as a mentor was something so special," said Thunderstorm Artis. “He helped me keep it real me, but also connected to the original.”
And the performances? They delivered. From Jamal Roberts’ soulful take on Hercules’ “Go the Distance” to Breanna Nix’s powerful Mulan’s “Reflection,” the remaining five gave Disney Night the energy it deserved.
Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone Were Eliminated
Despite standout moments, Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone didn’t get enough votes to move forward. Mattie, only 15, wowed with her original flair but couldn’t carry it past the finish line. Gabby, who often ignited the stage with her soulful delivery, sang “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana — a moment made even sweeter by Miranda’s presence. It wasn’t enough.
“This was an amazing experience!! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!” Samone wrote on Instagram after the show.
Pruitt echoed the sentiment, calling the experience a “dream come true.”
Who Are The Final Five Competing For The Idol Crown?
- John Foster – The 18-year-old country neo-traditionalist from Louisiana continues to win hearts. His Disney performance of “Almost There” felt personal and energetic, and his second song, “Believe” by Brooks & Dunn, was pure crowd-pleasing instinct.
- Jamal Roberts – The 27-year-old elementary gym teacher from Mississippi brings emotional weight to every song. His “A Change Is Gonna Come” performance was a tribute to his late stepmom and a reminder of his storytelling power.
- Thunderstorm Artis – The 28-year-old Hawaiian soul singer with a pen name as bold as his voice. Having been on The Voice before, he’s redefined himself with original songs like “Out of The Blue.” His “Colors of the Wind” earned a standing ovation.
- Slater Nalley – The 18-year-old Atlanta country singer who moved Carrie Underwood with an original at audition. He recovered smoothly from a flubged intro on “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and turned it into one of his most sincere performances yet.
- Breanna Nix – The 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Texas who’s learning to believe in herself. Her emotional “Like My Mother Does” brought tears — hers and the judges’. She’s quieted the doubt and doubled down on control.
How To Vote For Your Favorite American Idol Contestant
With only three spots left in the finale, the next episode will cut two more contestants. Here’s how you can make sure your Idol gets the microphone one last time:
- Go to AmericanIdol.com/Vote
- Use the official American Idol app (available on iOS and Android)
- Text the contestant’s unique number (shown on screen) to 21523
You can cast up to 10 votes per method, per contestant. So if you’re really rooting for someone, don’t hold back.
When To Watch The Penultimate Episode And Finale
The penultimate Disney-themed episode airs Monday, May 12 at 8 PM ET on ABC. It features another round of performances from the top five — again with Lin-Manuel Miranda on hand. The show will also include a performance from Idol Season 21 winner Iam Tongi, who’ll sing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the new Lilo & Stitch movie.
The grand finale is set for Sunday, May 18. That’s when we find out who wins the mic, the fame, and the next chapter in their career.
What The Final Episodes Mean For The Show And The Singers
This isn’t just about winning — it’s about momentum. John Foster, Slater Nalley, and Breanna Nix all have strong fanbases and distinct styles. Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis bring emotional depth and original flair. Any of them could walk away with the title, but all five are leaving with more exposure than most artists get in a decade.
With Disney magic, Mother’s Day emotion, and a legend like Lin-Manuel Miranda steering the ship, American Idol Season 23 has given these singers a platform — and now it’s up to America to decide who makes the most of it.