Season 23 of American Idol is bringing something special to the table tonight. Not only will fans get to watch the top 14 battle it out for the right to advance to the top 12, they’ll also get to witness the reveal of the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.
You can keep up with all the viral moments and performances with American Songwriter’s Season 23 Live Blog below.
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(Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Che Brings "Fight And Angst" To James Brown Cover
British sensation Che delivered another flawless performance of “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown.
While Carrie Underwood was “crossing her fingers” for more rocking out, she called the performance “incredible.”
“It was great seeing that fight and then angst,” added Luke Bryan.
Wow Ché just killed it #AmericanIdol
— Melissa Racicot (@DelightfulMelis)
Kolbi Jordan Has "Arrived"
From leading her church’s praise team at just 11 years old to the American Idol stage, Kolbi Jordan was born to sing. The 26-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, proved that yet again with her performance of “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.
“I know I’m going to be mad at America no matter what happens tonight because we have so much talent on this show,” exclaimed judge Carrie Underwood.
Added Luke Bryan, “Your whole aura was like, ‘I’m here. I’ve arrived.’ It’s sensory overload!”
I think that was one of Kolbi’s best performances. Loved that and how she also got away from the mic stand. Very good song choice! #AmericanIdol
— Alexander (@aalleexx101)
Breanna Nix Steps Out of Her Comfort Zone, Sings Journey
Breanna Nix has cultivated a strong fanbase this season of American Idol. Tonight, the 25-year-old from Denton, Texas delivered a soaring cover of Journey’s “Open Arms.” However, Carrie Underwood encouraged her to avoid the temptation “to make things too fancy.” Lionel Richie seemed to agree, urging Nix not to overthink.
Luke Bryan was slightly gentler, saying, “Maybe that song is a little outside your comfort zone, but your voice is beautiful.”
Breanna’s performance of “Open Arms” had all the POTENTIAL to be a CLASSIC and absolutely CEMENT her striding to the final too — but at the end she pushed a bit TOO hard (like she was thinking “I HAVE to push”) and the end had a couple surprisingly off notes #AmericanIdol
— Josh Kennon (@skatefan78)
Gabby Samone May Have Just Won With This "Phenomenal" Whitney Houston Cover
Gabby Samone just may be the frontrunner after that cover of “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston. Covering Queen Whitney sure ain’t easy, but the 23-year-old from Baltimore made it look easy.
“We are so spoiled,” exclaimed Carrie Underwood. “That was incredible.”
Luke Bryan also offered exceptionally high praise. “”Top to bottom, one of the best things I’ve ever seen sitting in this chair,” said the country singer. “I just believe you’re a star.”
Nothing makes Gabby sweat and that was a Whitney Houston song. #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/4pX8HzRoKm
— CRulez (@CRulez)
Josh King Gives "Charming" Billy Joel Performance; Thunderstorm Artis "Unabashedly" Puts His Own Spin On James Taylor
After Luke Bryan saved Josh King from elimination, the 24-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, did his best not to make him regret it with a lively cover of Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.”
“Charming, endearing, throwing winks at the piano!” Bryan said. “Just another day at the office.”
However, Lionel Richie urged King to “push yourself.” “You can do it!” said the “Hello” crooner.
Next, Thunderstorm Artis took a leaf out of mentor James Taylor’s book with “Fire and Rain.”
“It had hints of James Taylor, but a lot of you.” Bryan said. “Way to be you!”
Carrie Underwood also praised him for “unabashedly singing it your way,” and Richie called the performance “masterful.”
That felt like I was at a Thunderstorm concert and he was singing an original song. He hasn’t missed with a song choice all season 🔥 #Americanidol
— Wyatt 🛸👽 (@Wyatt_fann)