American Idol standout Slater Nalley is still alive in the competition. Following remarkable covers of Elton John and Bob Dylan, the Atlanta 18-year-old joins Thunderstorm Artis, John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts in the Top 5. Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone did not earn enough votes to advance during Sunday’s (May 11 episode, sending them home. During the second Disney-themed night Monday (May 12), Nalley made his case for the May 18 finale with this performance.
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Slater Nalley Tries to Sing His Way to the ‘American Idol’ Finale
Only three contestants will advance to next Sunday’s season 23 finale of American Idol, and Slater Nalley is determined to be among them. For the show’s second Disney-themed night, Nalley performed ” You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” from the 1995 film Toy Story.
Man, I think slater is so good! I don’t see how people don’t think this is one of the most talented years. #AmericanIdol
— Hilary ~ MollyVegas ミ☆ (@MollyVegas) May 13, 2025
“Slater’s playing the American Idol game!” judge Luke Bryan exclaimed. “That song’s a classic for us on Disney night and that was certainly one of my favorite versions.”
The Top 7 each performed twice during Sunday’s (May 11) episode. For his first Disney-themed performance, Nalley sang Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Despite stumbling over the words at one point, the high school senior finished strong. Afterwards, judge Luke Bryan praised Nalley for his quick recovery. “You’ve done what we’ve all done. Right before you gotta sing, you go blank,” said the five-time Entertainer of the Year. “We’ve all done it. But man, what a recover from that. Not to expose you, but I want you to just understand that stuff happens. I’ve done it on awards shows and hard pressure moments. Way to recover and great job on the finish.”
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Expressing his gratitude on social media, Nalley shared a photo of himself and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is mentoring the contestants this week. “TOP 5! A special thank you to @lin_manuel for all of your help this week,” he wrote. “Getting to work with you was a dream come true! And the biggest thank you to all that voted and have continued to support me on this wild ride. We’re not done yet!!”
Gabby Samone Reacts to Shocking ‘American Idol’ Elimination
While Slater Nalley moved forward in American Idol, last night’s episode sadly meant the end of the journey for Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt. The former elimination stunned and saddened many viewers who had seen Samone as a frontrunner all season.
Addressing her exit on social media, Samone thanked fans for the love and support. “I am soo grateful to have made it this far!” wrote the Baltimore singer-songwriter. “I love you all! Please continue to support my friends On their journey! This was an amazing experience!! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!”
Featured image by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images
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