American Idol 2025 Recap – We’re live blogging the Showstopper Round!
American Idol season 23 continues with the Showstopper round (April 6). Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan eliminate contestants after the Top 62 perform solos in front of an audience and a live band for the very first time. More will leave the competition this week. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
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
Jelly Roll joins American Idol as its in-house “Artist in Residence.” The singer will help the remaining contestants prepare their performances.
Victor Solomon – In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Victor, a former The Voice finalist, takes the stage first. He’s been in L.A. for two years and it hasn’t been easy, he says. He works closely with the band to create an arrangement. I don’t love this song choice. It’s been sung many times on this show. But Victor gives it his own spin. It sounds like 80’s R&B, keeping with the song’s time period. Since he hit TVs with his The Voice performances, Victor has been reliably great. He brings something new to the stage every time.
A disembodied voice announces that Victor will wait until the end of the night to learn his fate. I guess it’s Ryan? It threw me off!
Mattie Pruitt – A Man’s World by James Brown
Because she grew up in a family with 12 siblings she feels different than other people. She experiences self doubt. It’s easy to forget that Mattie is only 15. Maybe coming from a large family and having to fend for herself and maybe even for some of her siblings has made her grow up faster. Most 15 year old singers sound young. Mattie reminds me of Season 8 singer Allison Iraheta, somewhat. She was only 16 years old too, and she always sounded self-possessed and mature on stage. The judges keep repeating SHE’S ONLY 15. Luke calls her a “massive star.”
Kolbi Jordan – River Deep Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner
Kolbi, one of three platinum ticket holders this season, struggles through rehearsal. She’s having issues keeping up with the band. Plus she’s feeling under the weather. Her timing does seem off in this performance. But she’s managing her throat issues pretty well. In any case, there is a ton of raw talent here. She doesn’t hold back. With a little work, she could be a major powerhouse. Afterward, Kolbi expresses disappointment. The judges note that she seemed worried about her band cues.
Isaiah Misailegalu – What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts
Isaiah admits that he’s not used to performing with a band. He’s only been performing in front of people for a few months. It’s suggested that he lower the key, and he takes that advice. Isaiah’s tone hits the listener in right in the face. It’s so sweet and unique. His phrasing is easy and effortless. He takes the song in an R&B direction, but keeps the country bones in place. His vocal flourishes are refreshingly original. Luke thinks his voice was a little tired. Maybe? Not like Kolbi, who sounded obviously hoarse
Breanna Nix – The Trouble with Love by Kelly Clarkson
Breanna grew up feeling unconfident. She didn’t find out until she was older that her father was in prison and the guy she thought was her dad was actually her step dad. Her husband and family’s support means everything. The song choice, a song from Kelly Clarkson’s later Atlantic period, is a perfect fit for her soulful voice. Somehow, she’s found the confidence she claims to lack. She’s the best of the night so far, while also being at her personal best. She hits a few impressive high notes. This chick can WAIL. “Where’d she come from!” shouts Luke.
Drew Ryn – Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
As a young teen, Drew competed on X Factor USA. That was over a decade ago. Drew felt off her game during the Idol Arena. Hoping to up her game, she takes a risk and begins her performance a’cappella. But during rehearsal, she started in the wrong key, and It made her nervous. But once she hits the stage, finds her footing. The a’cappella trick is always dramatic. It also serves to show off a singer’s voice. She slowly builds drama during the performance, until she’s wailing in full voice. That was risky, but it paid off. “That is not easy,” Carrie commented.
Jamal Roberts – Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton
Jamal is from a small Mississippi town where he is raising two daughters. Recently, he bought a house. The singer feels he’s stepping out of his comfort zone by covering a country song. But Tennessee Whiskey is soulful and has been covered by many R&B artists on these shows. Still, he nails it. His tone is smooth and easy. The edges of his vocals are raspy which gives the performance heft. His runs are never too much. So tasteful and appealing! Lionel is on his feet, freaking out! However, the judges felt he missed a few notes. Maybe, but his passion and originality made up for it.
Kam’ron Smith – Makin’ Me Look Good Again by Drake White
Kam’ron, sporting a pair of overalls, reveals that he has NEVER performed with a band before. OH BOY. The singer struggles with self-confidence. He hopes to come out of his shell tonight. He’s a country singer, through and through. But his lack of experience is obvious. He’s shouty in spots and his phrasing lacks finesse. He’s definitely nervous. He stares at the floor as he sings. The crowd cheers him on, nevertheless. “I missed half the words,” Kam’ron laments afterward, upset.
Samantha Ray, Jazzy Mae and Nina Daig allow nerves to get the best of them during their performances. Samantha admits she’s never performed with a band before. Jazzy is so nervous, she stops in the middle of her song. After Nina sings, Carrie says to the panel, “She’s better than that.” Luke adds, “I’ve got a lot of nos written down.”
Amanda Barise – Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Amanda had a great performance at the Idol Arena. She feels pressure to keep the momentum going. The singer has performed with bands often, so she’s not worried about that. Amanda is an old fashioned belter. For sure she can SANG. But she performs like she’d feel at home in a tribute band. Here, she’s trying so hard that she’s screaming by the end. But the judges are on their feet and like it! “She put the stank on that!” says Carrie.
Desmond Roberts – Barracuda by Heart
He’s competing on American Idol for his family. They are all living with his grandma now, because they could not afford to pay rent. He wants to help his parents financially. Desmond does the unexpected and transforms himself into a heavy metal singer. He beatboxes the guitar parts which is….what? Let the band do that? Not loving the arrangement. The high notes are outside of his vocal range and he sounds pitchy in many places. Oof. A misstep, for sure. Heavy metal singing is NOT easy. The judges love it for some reason. That was actually not great. Carrie thinks he nailed it. OK, then.
John Foster – In Color by Jamie Johnson
John sings with a professional tone that is beautiful, but could use a few rough edges. He’s only 18 and hasn’t created his own sound yet. But, there is no denying his beautiful, clear country baritone. It goes down like smooth whiskey. The judges are enthusiastic. ‘I love him!” Carrie gushes.
Zaylie Windsor – Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish
Zaylie is a teen singer walking in the footsteps of Taylor Swift. She sang an original for her audition, but Luke said no. This time, she’s singing “Happier than Ever.” In rehearsal, she struggles with the high notes. I agree with Luke that Zaylie isn’t quite ready yet. The young singer struggles with holding back, she says. But on stage she manages to let loose even if it means struggling for the high notes. The judges are impressed. “What was in your cereal this morning,” Lionel wonders. Luke believes she put herself into the Top 10.
Filo – Anything Worth Holding On To by Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompset
Filo is one of the three Platinum Ticketholders, and we only get a glimpse of his performance here without a video package. The judges approve.
Slater Nalley – Ophelia by The Band
Slater will sing his first cover on American Idol. But he assures us that he performed covers in the past, it’s not unusual for him. Slater plans on bringing dance moves to the stage. Dance moves aren’t really necessary for this particular 70’s gem. But OK. On the second verse, he slings his guitar back and swivels his hips. It’s a move that Luke relies on. Slater is pandering to him, for sure. The singer has that raspy sound that’s perfect for Americana singer/songwriter covers. But maybe ditch the dance moves. Predictably, Luke loves it.
MKY – Sabor a Mi by Luis Miguel
American Idol previewed this performance last week. MKY sings in full Spanish for the first time. The song seems risky at first glance, but the song allows the singer show off his voice and his appeal as a romantic heartthrob. Plus, he’s a beautiful guitar player. He wanted to pay homage to his Mexican roots, and indeed he did. Carrie calls it a “bold song choice.” Luke says he doesn’t need to be a “perfect Ken doll” each time he takes the stage. A little jelly Luke?
Gabby Samone – Four Women by Nina Simone
The singer wants to inspire young girls with an empowering performance. Gabby admits that she’s not always confident. It’s an obscure song choice for a singing show. But she brings power to the the stage. Her jazzy phrasing and impressive range make this song a true showstopper. The judges feel she came out of nowhere. Gabby is a contender, for sure!
Grayson Torrence, Krystal Molina, JMarie, Cali Morris, Rylie O’Neil get a few moments on camera singing cut with the singers sharing in a sit down about their Idol experience.
Thunderstorm Artis – Imagine by John Lennon
He scored big on The Voice with a cover of Blackbird by The Beatles a few years ago. Now, he’s hoping to have a moment with John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Tender, emotional songs are in his sweet spot. He would NOT be served by a loud backing band. And indeed, his vocal is front and center as he adds his own flavor to the often performed song. The judges call out to him, as if they want more. And afterward, they think he’s done more previously. It was his first cover. I’m not sure how much more they wanted? Maybe they aren’t a fan of the song.
Olivier – Like a Stone by Audioslave
Olivier is a French speaking Canadian from New Brunswick. The singer brings out his 90s rock star and he’s impressive. Carrie is TOTALLY INTO IT. OK, I am also totally into it. The song choice helps him find his own lane and separate from the rest of the field. Right now, there is nobody like him. He’s an awesome indie singer. Lionel loves his tone and “that little growl.”
Canaan James Hill – Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp
Canaan admits that he’s only performed with a band a few times. He probably sings mostly in church with piano accompaniment. If Canaan, the third Platinum Ticket holder of the night, makes it as far as the big Easter special featuring faith songs, he’s going to clean up and easily sail to the next round. He’s a rousing and passionate Gospel singer who performs with an earnest authenticity on stage. He loves him some Jesus with that incredible soulful voice. The judges are on their feet. Lionel is so excited, he takes the stage to hug him. “That was the greatest performance I’ve ever seen!” He gushes. “He’s 17!” Carrie adds.
RESULTS With a TWIST: Four move on, some are eliminated, the rest will compete in the new Head to Head round with mentor Jelly Roll
Major shakeup regarding the format! First the judges lined up a bunch of contestants. Several were eliminated, but four moved on to the Top 24.
But then they surprised the group. The remaining singers will compete in a duet round. They have 24 hours to pick a partner and prepare a performance. Jelly Roll is introduced as the Artist in Residence and he will coach the singers as they prepare their performances. After the duets, the judges will pick the remaining 20 singers to join the four singers already in the Top 24.
Advancing to the Top 24: Canaan James Hill, Gabby Samone, Zalie Windsor and Mattie Pruitt
Eliminated before Head to Head: The first group has 8 contestants, including JMarie, Will Carter, Santina, ?, Christina Stetman. Another group containing 8 more contestants going home includes Isaiah Moore, Jazzy Mae, Samantha Ray.
