As American Idol Season 23 heats up, one name is suddenly on everyone’s lips: Gabby Samone. During Sunday night’s live performance episode, Gabby took a massive risk by choosing to sing Celine Dion’s iconic ballad “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” And the result? Absolute magic.
Currently in the Top 12 round, the pressure is at an all-time high as contestants fight for America’s votes to move on to the next phase of the competition. But if Gabby was feeling the nerves, she didn’t show it for a second. Instead, she commanded the stage like a seasoned pro, delivering one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged performances of the season so far.
Wearing a sleek, dramatic black gown and framed by moody lighting, Gabby poured her heart into every note. Her vocals were flawless — from the soft, whispered verses to the explosive chorus. She didn’t just hit the big notes… she owned them, adding her own soulful edge that made the song feel fresh and deeply personal.
The judges were floored. Katy Perry said, “Gabby, you took us somewhere tonight. That wasn’t just singing — that was storytelling on a Broadway level.” Lionel Richie called her voice “a gift,” and Luke Bryan praised her for taking on such a vocally challenging song and nailing it under pressure.
Social media lit up immediately after the performance, with fans calling it “a showstopper,” “the moment of the night,” and even “a turning point in the competition.” Many viewers who hadn’t seen Gabby as a frontrunner before now believe she could go all the way.
As the votes pour in and the competition tightens, one thing is clear: Gabby Samone has arrived. Her performance wasn’t just a highlight of the night — it might be one of the defining moments of American Idol Season 23.
