“American Idol” has officially narrowed its contestants down to the top five following an engaging live episode aired on Sunday night. Viewers participated in a robust voting process, contributing over 20 million votes that determined the season’s top contenders while sadly eliminating two singers.
During this week’s episode, which took a festive turn with a Disney theme, the show featured an exciting guest mentor, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Known for his groundbreaking work on “Hamilton” and his music contributions to Disney films such as “Moana” and “Encanto,” Miranda guided the top seven contestants through performances of beloved Disney songs. Contestants also honored Mother’s Day by including heartfelt tributes in their selections.
Thunderstorm Artis, one of the finalists, expressed gratitude for Miranda’s mentorship, stating the importance of maintaining the essence of iconic songs while personalizing their renditions for fans.
The top seven showcased their talents with a mix of Disney classics and contemporary pieces:
– Breanna Nix performed “Reflection” from “Mulan” and “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina.
– Gabby Samone sang “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” and “Home” from “The Wiz.”
– Jamal Roberts presented “Go the Distance” from “Hercules” and “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
– John Foster performed “Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” and “Believe” by Brooks and Dunn.
– Mattie Pruitt chose “Remember Me” from “Coco” and “Those Kind of Women” by Lauren Alaina.
– Slater Nalley sang “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” by Bob Dylan.
– Thunderstorm Artis capped it with “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” and an original song.
Following the performances, host Ryan Seacrest disclosed the results, revealing the top five contestants: Thunderstorm Artis, John Foster, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, and Slater Nalley. Unfortunately, Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt were eliminated from the competition.
Looking ahead, the top five will take the stage again on Monday night, continuing the Disney celebration. Each contestant will perform twice in a live episode from Disneyland Resort, vying for a spot in the high-stakes season finale. Special appearances will include a performance by Miranda and Season 21 winner Iam Tongi, who will sing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the upcoming “Lilo & Stitch” film.
The grand finale of “American Idol” Season 23 is set for Sunday, May 18th at 6 p.m. MDT, promising an exciting culmination with performances by guest artists and the season’s top three contestants, culminating in the announcement of this season’s champion.
As the competition heats up, audiences can look forward to showcasing even more musical talent in the coming episodes, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding the show’s outcome.