During her American Idol audition, Mattie Pruitt stunned judges when she revealed she was only 15. Celebrating her 16th birthday on set, the Tennessee native easily moved through the rounds on season 23. She never faced danger until last week, when Pruitt found herself in the bottom alongside Josh King. Ultimately, the judges decided to spare her, sending King back to his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Determined to prove them right, Pruitt gave a tear-jerking performance of a more recent favorite during Disney Night.
Videos by American Songwriter
Mattie Pruitt Sings “Remember Me” on ‘American Idol’
With tonight marking the return of Disney Night on American Idol, Mattie Pruitt made us all tear up. The teen phenom sang “Remember Me,” from the 2017 animated film Coco.
A tender story of intergenerational connection through music, “Remember Me” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. And in Pruitt’s hands, it was positively devastating.
Mattie- That was very pretty. Found Mattie to be at her most emotionally connected. Really solid!#AmericanIdol
— Franky (@RKOBlackSwan) May 12, 2025
Ahead of Sunday’s (May 11) episode, Pruitt took to social media to share her feelings about surviving another week on Idol.
“Disney songs are coming and I’m still HERE and so thankful for the outpouring of supporters!” she wrote on Instagram. “Getting saved by the judges was a moment I’ll never forget — and I’m so ready to prove why I deserve this spot in the Top 7.”
This time next week, we will know the identity of our next American Idol. Season 23 wrap up Sunday, May 18, with its grand finale episode on ABC.
[RELATED: Mattie Pruitt Shows Off Her Sass During Latest ‘American Idol’ Performance]
Josh King Opens Up on ‘Idol’ Elimination
As mentioned above, last week’s Top 7 episode of American Idol came down to Mattie Pruitt and Josh King. At King’s urging, the judges saved Pruitt, sending him home at the Top 7.
Mattie looks beautiful too. She should keep doing music. When she’s a few years older she’ll be a force. Such a unique voice. #AmericanIdol
— Hilary ~ MollyVegas ミ☆ (@MollyVegas) May 12, 2025
In an interview with The Charlotte Observer, the 24-year-old airport lounge pianist shed some light on his thought process.
“There were like a couple things running through my head. Like, ‘OK you know there’s a chance they could save me again, but you know I doubt they would,’” King said. “At that point, I was kind of a bit sick of Hollywood, and I’m like, ‘You know what? I think Mattie could really benefit from being on the show longer than I could.’”
Featured image by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
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