With just two weeks remaining before the grand finale of American Idol Season 23, the competition is entering its most thrilling and fast-paced phase yet. The Top 7 contestants are heading into a whirlwind of performances, travel, and back-to-back eliminations that will soon determine this season’s winner.
During the live show on May 5, 2025, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the six contestants who secured America’s votes that night (in no particular order):
Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, Thunderstorm Artis, Jamal Roberts, and John Foster.
Mattie Pruitt and Josh King landed in the Bottom 2, and judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie chose to save 16-year-old Pruitt, marking an emotional farewell for Josh King after a heartfelt journey on the show.
Faceboook / Jamal Roberts
Disney Week: A First in Idol History
There’s no time to rest. Just hours after the May 5 episode, the contestants packed their bags and headed straight to Disneyland Resort. In a quick post-show Facebook Live, Jamal Roberts confirmed that the Top 7 were whisked off that same night—Disneyland is just an hour’s drive from the American Idol stage in Hollywood.
For the first time ever, American Idol will air two consecutive Disney-themed nights:
- Night 1 airs Sunday, May 11
- Night 2 airs Monday, May 12
“They’re all taking an unforgettable trip to Disneyland Resort,” said Seacrest. “They’ll experience the park and be mentored by a true Disney icon.”
That icon is none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda — the multi-award-winning creator of Hamilton, and a major force behind Disney hits like Moana, Encanto, Mary Poppins Returns, and the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King.
Miranda will mentor the contestants through their Disney song choices and appear live on May 12. He said in a pre-recorded segment, “I know my way around a Disney song, and I’m here to help.”
Also appearing on the May 12 show is Iam Tongi, the 2023 American Idol winner, performing a fresh rendition of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the new Lilo & Stitch live-action film (in theaters May 23).
Voting, Eliminations & The Road to the Finale
The next week and a half will bring rapid eliminations:
- On May 11, fans will have less than two hours to vote for their Top 5, and two contestants will be eliminated live that night.
- On May 12, the remaining five will perform two songs each, aiming to earn a spot in the Top 3.
As in past seasons, the final three will return to their hometowns for special celebrations and hometown performances.
The Season 23 finale airs on Sunday, May 18, where the finalists will deliver multiple show-stopping performances. Voting will likely remain open overnight, with the winner being revealed on Monday, May 19, during a star-studded final episode featuring guest performers and celebrity appearances.
Who Will Be Crowned the Next American Idol?
With emotional storylines, powerhouse vocals, and the magical mentorship of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in American Idol history. Don’t miss a moment as the journey to the crown reaches its most exciting stage.
Tune in to American Idol every Sunday and Monday at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC. Episodes stream the following day on Hulu.
