American Idol 2025 Auditions Recap – We’re Live Blogging More Auditions
American Idol season 23 continues tonight (March 23) with judges auditions from Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City. Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, joins veterans Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Who will make it through to the Hollywood Round? We’re live blogging here.
American Idol 2025 Contestant Preview: Ones to Watch
American Idol 2025 Spoilers: Top 24 Season 23 Contestant List & Song Picks
American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule
Penny Samar – 23 – Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan
Penny brought her friends and family–whom she calls the pink penny club–to her audition. The Williamsport PA singer performs a torchy version of the Chappel Roan hit. It’s a very INTENSE and DRAMATIC interpretation of the song. Vocally, she’s got the goods. A beautiful alto tone and an impressive range.
Carrie and Luke felt there was a little too much “sauce” in her interpretation. Carrie mentions that early in her career she had trouble emoting. But notes that Penny does not. Carrie suggests she dial it back somewhat. Actually, that’s good advice. Luke mentions Penny’s facial expressions, which were weird and distracting. Luke says yes, but Lionel says no. Carrie breaks the tie and sends Penny to Hollywood – 2 yeses, 1 no
Jamier – 19 – Lose Control by Teddy Swims
Jamier grew up in Buffalo, New York, is the oldest of five and served like a father to his younger siblings after their abusive father left the family. His mom is his “rock.”
Between raising his siblings, Jamier found time to develop his soulful sound. His tone is sweet and his delivery dynamic. He overdid the runs a little, however, while performing the Teddy Swims hit. Lionel noticed that Jamier sang “the longest run ever.” Luke loves his velvety voice, but also mentions his runs. “You have other gears you can switch into,” Carrie suggests. The panel does the teasing thing for TV (Will they say yes or no?) when they know they’re going to say yes. The family comes in to hear the judges deliver 3 yeses – 3 yeses
Sophia Humbert – 22 – Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
Sophia wants to be “the next Carrie Underwood.” Accompanying herself on piano, she performs a bluesy, ballady version of the song. She strips all the country venom out of the arrangement putting a spin on it that’s more deliberate and contemplative than angry.
“You have a great voice,” says Carrie, who didn’t love the arrangement. She wanted more rage and anger. Luke adds, “You’ve got to amp this thing up.” Oh. It’s time for a bit. They go out on a golf cart to a red truck and hand Sophia a baseball bat. Carrie carves up the side of the truck with her keys while Sophia knocks out the headlights. Lionel, Ryan and Luke get in on the act. After that, the judges say yes – 3 yeses
Mattie Pruitt – 15 – How Could You by Jessie Murph
The Tennessee teen brought Craig Campbell to accompany her audition. Craig and Luke go way back. He used to accompany luke before he was famous.
Mattie, who comes from a family of 12, still needs to develop her voice. She possesses a lovely tone, but could use help on enunciation and needs more life experience to tell emotional grown-up stories. Her voice features an impressive range and a touch of rasp. She has potential.
“You have a maturity in your voice,” says Carrie. “You have that little raspy thing that happens ever so often,” says Lionel. “Outstanding.” She plays at Craig’s coffee shop. Luke lets him vote for her. Lionel is willing to put his vote in Craig’s hands as well. After the audition, Carrie advises Mattie to play in front of audiences as much as she can. – 3 yeses
Calen Davis Santos – 27 – What You Won’t Do for Love by Bobby Caldwell
After a montage of hopefuls shown bringing food and drinks to the judges, Calen shares that on his first gig he sang “Before He Cheats” and brings a “royalty check” for Carrie. Calen could sing, but made the mistake of vamping his way through the performance. – 3 nos
Phoebe White – 15 – YODELING
The high school singer yodels, which prompts Luke to encourage Carrie to yodel. Phoebe is actually better! It’s a no from the judges – 3 nos
John Foster – 18 – Don’t Rock the Jukebox by Allen Jackson and Goodbye Time by Conway Twitty
John brings with him coolers full of Louisiana cuisine for the judges. He’s studying medicine and hopes to be a doctor someday.
John is a youngster, but sings like an old man. He reminds me a little of Scotty McCreery in that way. His tone is effortless and he is a natural born entertainer. Carrie sings along at the end. But she wants him to sing another song that showcases his voice. This kid sings old time country like he was around back then, which takes the panel aback somewhat. Now Luke sings along to a tune he obviously really digs.
Carrie is now satisfied. In the future, Lionel wants to hear more of who he is. Luke agrees. But they all admit that the second song got them to yes. – 3 yeses.
Nina Daig – Average Joe (Original)
Nina is from a small Virginia town and confesses that she’s never performed in front of an audience before. She sings an original that she wrote for her younger brother who was born with disabilities. “He’s the reason I’m here.”
Accompanying herself on piano, Nina is a solid storyteller despite her inexperience. The song is heartfelt and personal, if vocally she’s tentative. Carrie wipes away a few fake tears!
Luke admires that she’s writing from a personal place. But he and Lionel believe she needs more experience. Carrie says, “We felt your heart, adding that the singer needs to work on her confidence. Still, the judges put her through. – 3 yeses.
Desmond Roberts – 26 – Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
He works at the School of Rock in Los Angeles. But it’s a 70 mile drive to get to work. He loves working with kids. Desmond accompanies himself on piano for a soulful version of the Benson Boone hit. He lets loose on the chorus, showing the judges what he’s got, including a crazy high range.
“You invented notes I think!” Carrie jokes. Luke calls him an incredible singer. 3 yeses
Jamal Roberts – 26 – Mary Jane by Rick James
Jamal teaches PE in an elementary school. He tries to be a role model to his kids. Also, he has two young daughters.
The song choice surprises the judges a litte. Jamal has some rough edges. He didn’t mention it, but the small town he lives in Mississippi probably doesn’t offer many opportunities to sing in front of an audience.
Lionel likes his voice, but suggests he relax. Luke says it wasn’t perfect, but feels Jamal sings from the heart. Carrie thinks he needs to loosen up and gain more confidence. – 3 yeses
Caroline Woodfill – 20 – Diner with the Tea (Original)
Caroline is a “character” contestant. She borders on a joke, but came into the room with an original song. It’s about her small hometown and is kind of like Harper Valley PTA where she calls out all the folks with baggage–cheating and STDS. It’s a little raunchy. Lionel feels the song is entertaining but says no, as does Carrie and Luke – 3 nos
Drew Ryn – 26 – Walk on Water (Original)
At 14, Drew competed on X Factor USA and got pretty far. Now, more than a decade later, she comes to her audition with an American Idol microphone she played with as a little girl. She loved “A Moment Like this,” she says. Originally from Arizona, she’s living in Nashville now. Carrie also inspired Drew, the singer adds.
Drew has grown up a lot, as she demonstrates while singing her well-written original with a soulful pop tone, like the lifetime pro that she is. She’s developed into a talented storyteller.
The panel is impressed with her “whisper tone.” Luke calls the audition one of his favorites of the day. Lionel feels like he knows who she is. Carrie calls her “very believable.” Drew and Carrie can compare notes about being judged by Simon Cowell! The judges all say yes. – 3 yeses
Next, the judges ride around in the car that Carrie won on American Idol. Jokingly, the car plays Bo’s version of their drecky coronation single, “Inside Your Heaven.” Cut to Alabama. LOOK IT’S BO BICE DRIVING IN THE CAR HE WON. And it’s Carrie’s version. And he’s still alive. Good to know. UPDATE: See photo above! Bo visited the judges in Nashville, but the show did not include it in the episode. However, the moment does live on in a production still….
Sam Sparks – 25 – Colorado Gray (Original)
ABC previewed this audition last week. Sam spent his teen years building and racing cars in his small southern town. But fatefully, his car spun out of control, flew in the air, and hit a parked car head on. The crash left Sam paralyzed from the waist down. In the hospital, he would take his guitar out to the parking garage to play and sing. Music and songwriting helped him cope with the aftermath of the life-changing event.
Sam performs an original titled Colorado Gray. He needs to work on enunciation. It’s hard to understand the lyrics. But he sings emotionally with his full voice.
The judges note the rough edges, but appreciate his unique voice. Sam’s friend Malik, who signed him up to audition is there to support his friend. Luke advises that Sam not let a friend like Malik go. Although the judges feel his voice and songwriting skills need work, they all say yes. Next, Sam is back home in Arkansas with his Golden Ticket, kicking off a drag race. – 3 yeses.
Mae Mae – 15 – No Matter What by Callum Scott
GOOD LORDT! Another nepo baby! Mae Mae’s dad is Toby Gad who is a famous Los Angeles producer and songwriter. He’s not a household name, but music fans who read liner notes know who the heck he is. He cowrote John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Fergie’s “Big GIrls Don’t Cry” for instance.
Mae Mae’s father co-wrote her song choice. Her tone is pretty, but the young singer needs to work on her range and dynamics. The song just lays there without much emotion. She hits a few bad notes and then giggles. If she makes it to Hollywood, it’s the nepo baby talking.
Luke wants more out of her voice. Carrie agrees. Toby has mixed feelings about his daughter entering the music business. Lionel suggests she go into the studio with her dad and “bake” a little more. Carrie says yes, because she didn’t believe Mae Mae deserved 3 nos – 2 nos, 1 yes
Lola – 18 – Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves
Speaking of nepo babies, the next hopeful, Lola, comes from pop music royalty. She enters the audition room with her father Rob. Then she brings in her mother Carnie Wilson and Aunt Wendy Wilson from the 90s vocal band Wilson-Phillips. More importantly, her grandfather is the great Brian Wilson of the iconic pop group, The Beach Boys.
Carrie is so excited as Lola and her family sing the massive 90s hit “Hold On For One More Day.” Like Wilsons do, the harmonies are effortless. Thing is, Lola isn’t a strong singer compared to most singing show talent. Like her mom and aunt, she’s better as a harmonizer than a solo.
Next, Lola sings “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves. Interestingly her dad does NOT accompany her on piano. Afterward, she talks like she expects rejection. She says that she feels the audition will help her grow and “push” herself. Her solo voice is unremarkable. Nice tone, but limited.
Lionel suggests that during the performance she “hold the story out longer.” He adds, “Your voice is there.” Luke compliments her tone, but mentions that the competition will require her to be more dynamic. Carrie appreciates the “honesty” in her voice. “You have a lot to offer.” She gets 3 yeses. A regular gal from bumf—- USA would not have even made it to the judges.
Plus it’s absolutely INSANE that the clip never mentioned her grandfather Brian Wilson. That’s why I’m glad I wrote about Lola’s family legacy earlier today.
Freddie McClendon – 19 – You Never Loved Him (Original)
Freddie shares his favorite memory of his father with the judges—traveling to Nashville for the first time. Currently he attends Belmont University. He explains that he’s been playing all his life but became serious about songwriting after his dad “passed away.” A euphemism, as his father was actually murdered by his girlfriend’s estranged husband.
Davis McClendon was mowed down by a car, on May 7 2023, seemingly a hit and run. But quickly the investigators followed an oil leak, which led them to the culprit’s home. Earlier this year, 48 hours aired a piece on the murder. Eventually the ex-husband was convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison
Unsurprisingly, Freddie hates that his father is now a “true crime” story. He wants the world to know that he’s more than that. So he wrote a song about his father’s life.
Freddie’s voice is odd, but a listener would never mistake him for anyone else. “We never got the chance to say goodbye” Freddie sings. There is so much pain in his voice. He seems to be still working through his grief.
At the end, tears stream down Carrie’s face. She needs a second! She calls him brave for choosing the narrative to remember his father. The family is outside crying. “It was a good song,” she says calling his voice “super cool.” Luke compares him to Paul Simon. “You move people,” says Lionel. His family joins him in the audition room to hear the judges send him to Hollywood – 3 yeses
Next Sunday the final audition episode airs. Then, Monday episodes begin as Hollywood Week kicks off.
