The Top 24 contestants of American Idol Season 23 brought their A-game to the sunny shores of Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii, delivering unforgettable performances as they competed for America’s vote. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan praised the group as one of the strongest in recent memory, setting the stage for an intense showdown ahead of the Top 20 reveal on Sunday, April 20.
Before we dive into the performances, one common question fans ask: Do contestants actually get paid to be on the show? The answer is yes—those who make it to the Top 24 start receiving stipends that cover living expenses and compensate them for their time and performances during the competition. It’s a sweet bonus as they chase their dreams of becoming music’s next big star.
On Sunday night, the first half of the Top 24 took the stage, and it was clear the competition had leveled up. Jamal Roberts emerged as the frontrunner with a stunning performance of Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” earning 24.9% of the vote in a fan poll conducted by Gold Derby.
Close behind were Slater Nalley with a heartfelt version of “Over the Rainbow” and Breanna Nix, whose soulful take on “Still Rolling Stones” captured hearts. Both tied at 20.95%, showing that this year’s field is packed with talent.
Here are the full results from Sunday’s fan poll:
- Jamal Roberts – 24.9%
- Slater Nalley – 20.95%
- Breanna Nix – 20.95%
- Gabby Samone – 9.49%
- Baylee Littrell – 4.94%
- MKY – 4.55%
- Victor Solomon – 3.95%
- Kolbi Jordan – 3.36%
- Isaiah Misailegalu – 1.78%
- Zaylie Windsor – 1.78%
- Penny Samar – 1.78%
- Che – 1.58%
Based on these numbers, it looks like Penny Samar and Che are the most at risk of elimination, though Zaylie Windsor and Isaiah Misailegalu may also be in the danger zone.
Monday night featured the second group of Top 24 hopefuls, and it was Thunderstorm Artis who left the biggest impression. His laid-back but powerful performance of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” won him 19.19% of the poll vote and the top spot for the night.
Right behind him were John Foster with “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” Amanda Barise with her Broadway-worthy “Defying Gravity,” and Mattie Pruitt’s emotional “Wide Awake.”
Here’s how Monday’s fan poll shook out:
- Thunderstorm Artis – 19.19%
- John Foster – 14.52%
- Amanda Barise – 10.48%
- Mattie Pruitt – 9.60%
- Canaan James Hill – 9.33%
- Olivier Bergeron – 8.54%
- Drew Ryn – 7.22%
- Filo – 6.16%
- Josh King – 5.55%
- Grayson Torrence – 3.52%
- Desmond Roberts – 2.99%
- Kyana Fanene – 2.90%
Predictions for eliminations? Desmond Roberts and Kyana Fanene are likely to be cut, while Josh King and Grayson Torrence are skating on thin ice.
The Top 20 will be revealed during a special three-hour live episode airing Sunday, April 20, on ABC. The theme? Songs of Faith. It promises to be a powerful night of music, featuring special guest performers Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, and Roman Collins—an Idol favorite from Season 22.
Each contestant will have the chance to move America with music that touches the soul—an emotional, spiritual, and artistic milestone on their Idol journey.
