The May 4 episode of American Idol Season 23 brought electrifying performances and emotional farewells during its “Ladies’ Night” live show. The Top 10 contestants paid tribute to legendary female artists, guided by guest mentor and country star Miranda Lambert.
But it wasn’t just about the music—live voting determined who would advance. By night’s end, host Ryan Seacrest announced the Top 8, delivering results that both thrilled and surprised fans.
John Foster Opens Strong with Bonnie Raitt Classic
John kicked off the night with a confident take on “Something to Talk About.” Though nervous about performing in front of Miranda Lambert—his childhood crush—her mentorship helped him shine. Carrie Underwood praised his growth and stage presence.
Kolbi Jordan Goes Bold with Fleetwood Mac
Kolbi broke expectations by choosing “The Chain” over the usual ballads. Luke Bryan applauded her courage, but despite a strong performance, she didn’t earn enough votes to move forward.
Josh King Powers Through Adele’s Hit
Josh brought raw emotion and bluesy depth to “Rolling in the Deep.” The judges loved his vocal strength and musicality, with Richie and Underwood commending his fearless delivery.
Breanna Nix Lights Up the Stage with Adele
With Lambert’s guidance, Breanna performed “Water Under the Bridge” and brought down the house. Richie praised her vocal command, while Underwood called it a standout diva moment.
Canaan James Hill Honors Carrie Underwood
Canaan stepped out of his comfort zone with “Love Wins,” aiming to honor Underwood. While she appreciated his interpretation, the performance wasn’t enough to secure his spot.
Thunderstorm Artis Moves with Emotional Adele Cover
Thunderstorm delivered a soulful rendition of “When We Were Young,” with Bryan calling it his favorite performance from the artist so far.
Slater Nalley Surprises with Reba McEntire’s Classic
Slater impressed with “Whoever’s in New England,” showcasing unexpected vocal range. Luke Bryan praised his bold song choice and emotional delivery.
Jamal Roberts Reinvents “Undo It”
Jamal gave Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” a soulful twist. Richie called him mesmerizing, and despite a few lyrical slips, Underwood smiled through it all.
Mattie Pruitt Closes with Heartfelt Miranda Lambert Tribute
Mattie ended the night with “The House That Built Me,” playing guitar for the first time on stage. The vulnerability resonated deeply—Underwood admitted she was nearly brought to tears.
Top 8 Revealed
After over 22 million votes, the Top 8 moving forward are:
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Breanna Nix
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Mattie Pruitt
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Jamal Roberts
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John Foster
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Josh King
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Gabby Samone
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Slater Nalley
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Thunderstorm Artis
Platinum Ticket holders Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan were unexpectedly eliminated, leaving viewers stunned.
With just a few episodes remaining, the competition is more intense than ever. Tune in next Sunday at 8/7c on ABC for another round of unforgettable performances.
