On May 12, 2025, American Idol Season 23 narrowed the competition from five to three contestants during its second Disney Night, where each hopeful performed two songs in front of a live audience. The pressure was high, with a place in the May 19 finale and a hometown visit on the line. After 19 million votes were cast during the coast-to-coast live broadcast, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix had secured their spots in the Top 3. That meant the end of the road for fan favorites Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley.
The show opened with a whimsical dream sequence featuring judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan working behind the scenes at Disneyland. Each contestant had the chance to work with guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped them bring their Disney songs to life with emotional depth and storytelling.
Jamal Roberts: A Soulful Standout
Jamal Roberts once again delivered a powerful, emotionally charged performance that brought both the crowd and the judges to their feet. His first number, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from Remember the Titans, had the entire audience clapping along. Bryan and Richie were visibly thrilled, leaping to their feet, while Richie said Roberts “Jamalarized” the classic hit, giving it a soulful twist that made it uniquely his own. Carrie Underwood praised his voice but noted he could have moved more on stage given the song’s high energy.
For his second song, Roberts took on a challenge with “Beauty & the Beast,” a ballad he initially struggled to connect with. With Miranda’s guidance, he found personal meaning in the lyrics and stunned the judges with a stirring, R&B-infused rendition that drew thunderous applause. Bryan declared, “Let’s win this baby!” and Richie said no one but Roberts could have turned the song into something so moving and original.
John Foster: Charming and Confident
John Foster charmed both the audience and judges with his playful yet polished stage presence. His first performance, “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, began with a slower tempo before picking up the pace and injecting a dose of fun. Richie praised his “likability,” while Bryan said he had found a sound and style that audiences love.
In the second round, Foster slowed things down with “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie, inspired by Willie Nelson’s rendition. Miranda challenged him to bring his own voice to the song rather than mimic Nelson’s style, and Foster delivered. Sitting on a stool with his acoustic guitar, he gave a heartfelt and vulnerable performance. Richie complimented the timbre of his voice, calling him a “stylist,” while Underwood reflected on his growth since his audition, boldly stating, “If you’re not careful, you could win this whole thing.”
Breanna Nix: Emotional and Powerful
Breanna Nix took the audience on an emotional journey through both of her performances. She started with “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” from The Parent Trap, a lively number complete with horns and backup singers. Although she admitted upbeat songs scare her, she embraced the challenge and was praised for her confidence under pressure. Underwood advised her to relax and have fun, noting how much viewers don’t see of what contestants go through emotionally.
For her second performance, Nix sang “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan, a deeply personal choice dedicated to her husband, who was in the audience with tears in his eyes. Walking across the stage and locking eyes with him, Nix delivered a strong, emotionally resonant vocal. Richie marveled at the strength of her voice, calling it “so strong it ain’t going nowhere.” Underwood noted the sweetness of the family moment and praised Nix for drawing the audience into her world.
Thunderstorm Artis: A Heartfelt Goodbye
Thunderstorm Artis brought his signature soothing sound to the Disney stage, beginning with “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella, a lullaby he often sings to his young sons. The performance was quiet and intimate, earning a standing ovation from Bryan and Richie. The judges praised the authenticity of his performance, with Underwood saying the song was a perfect fit for his “all heart” delivery.
His second performance, “Go Find Yourself” from Cars, continued his streak of heartfelt ballads. Sitting on a stool with his acoustic guitar, Artis dedicated the song to his late father, a musician who taught him how to play. The performance was another emotional highlight, with Richie calling him a “vibe master” and Bryan noting how powerfully Artis connects with his audience. Despite the glowing reviews, he did not advance to the finale.
Slater Nalley: Youthful Energy, Bittersweet Exit
Seventeen-year-old Slater Nalley gave it his all in what turned out to be his final night on the Idol stage. He opened with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story, performing without his guitar for the first time. Dressed in a tux and using a classic microphone, Nalley impressed the judges with his comfort and charm, earning compliments on his growth and stage presence.
Later, he returned with a high-octane performance of “Born To Be Wild” from Mighty Ducks: D3. Flames lit up the stage as he rocked out with his electric guitar. The crowd and judges were visibly hyped, with Richie saying, “You’re out of control!” and Bryan praising the bold song choice. Despite working “his tail off,” as he told Seacrest, Nalley fell short of making the Top 3.
As the final three contestants — Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix — prepare to return to their hometowns, American Idol gears up for the highly anticipated Season 23 finale on May 19, 2025. Only one will be crowned the next American Idol.
