In a jaw-dropping turn of events, American Idol Season 23 unveiled its Top 5 finalists on May 11, 2025, after a staggering 20 million votes were cast during a live, two-hour episode packed with show-stopping performances. The Disney Night-themed show, which also featured heartfelt Mother’s Day tributes, left both fans and judges reeling as one of the competition’s frontrunners was unexpectedly eliminated, sparking outrage, disbelief, and heated debates across social media. With the finale just days away, the stakes have never been higher—who made it through, and who was sent packing in one of the most controversial cuts of the season?
A Night of Disney Magic and Mother’s Day Tributes
The Top 7 contestants—John Foster, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Mattie Pruitt, and Gabby Samone—took the stage at Disneyland Resort on May 11, 2025, delivering enchanting performances of Disney classics under the mentorship of special guest Lin-Manuel Miranda. The night was charged with emotion, as each contestant also performed a Mother’s Day tribute, bringing judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan to the edge of tears. Breanna Nix, the last woman standing in the competition, dedicated her rendition of Lauren Alaina’s “Like My Mother Does” to her mom, choking up as her husband and son cheered from the audience.
John Foster, an 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, impressed with a soulful performance of a song from The Princess and the Frog, paired with a country classic by Brooks & Dunn that left his mother in tears. Jamal Roberts brought his R&B flair to a Beauty and the Beast track, while Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis captivated with their powerful vocals. Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone, both known for their steady growth, poured their hearts into their performances, hoping to secure a spot in the Top 5. With Idol Season 21 winner Iam Tongi making a guest appearance to perform “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch, the night was a magical celebration—until the results turned everything upside down.
The Shocking Elimination: A Frontrunner Falls
As the votes were tallied, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the Top 5: John Foster, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis. But the announcement came with a devastating blow—Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone were eliminated, and the decision sent shockwaves through the Idol community. While Mattie’s exit was less surprising after landing in the bottom two the previous week, Gabby’s elimination left fans and judges floored. Gabby, who had shown consistent improvement throughout the season, was widely considered a frontrunner, with many predicting she’d make it to the finale.
The judges’ reactions mirrored the audience’s disbelief. Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan appeared visibly stunned as Seacrest read the results, their expressions a mix of shock and disappointment. Fans took to social media to express their outrage, with some calling the elimination “rigged” and others threatening to boycott the show. One user on X wrote, “Gabby Samone deserved better—this is an absolute travesty! #AmericanIdol has lost its way.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I can’t believe they let Gabby go. She was a finalist in my book. I’m done with this season.” The controversy surrounding the Top 5 reveal has cast a shadow over the competition, with many questioning the voting process and the influence of fanbases over talent.
The Top 5 React: Gratitude Amid the Chaos
Despite the uproar, the Top 5 contestants expressed gratitude for their journey on American Idol. John Foster, a fan favorite known for his modern cowboy vibe, shared a heartfelt post on social media, saying, “Top 5, baby! I’m so thankful for everyone who voted—I’m giving it my all for y’all!” Breanna Nix, the last female contestant in the competition, reflected on the emotional night, noting how her family’s support kept her grounded. “I got choked up on stage, but seeing my husband and son in the crowd gave me strength,” she said in an interview with EntertainmentNow.
Jamal Roberts, the 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, celebrated his advancement with a nod to his roots, saying, “I’ve been singing since I was a kid in church, and now I’m in the Top 5. This is a dream come true.” Slater Nalley, the 17-year-old Atlanta high school student, remained optimistic despite the controversy, posting a video captioned, “Thank you @americanidol – thank you #teamslater – this is just the beginning, buckle up.” Thunderstorm Artis, who previously placed third on The Voice in 2020, shared his mixed emotions, saying, “I’m honored to be here, but my heart goes out to Gabby and Mattie. They’re incredible.”
The Fallout: Fans Divided and the Road to the Finale
The elimination of Gabby Samone has divided Idol fans, with some praising the Top 5 as a talented group and others arguing that the wrong contestants were sent home. Breanna Nix’s inclusion in the Top 5 has been particularly contentious, with some fans questioning her vocal strength compared to Gabby’s. “Breanna is sweet, but Gabby had the range and the stage presence to win it all,” one viewer commented on X. Others defended Breanna, pointing to her emotional connection with the audience and her consistent fan support.
The Top 5 faced another grueling challenge on May 12, performing two Disney-themed songs each—one honoring heroes and another celebrating villains. The night resulted in another shocking elimination, with Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis being cut, leaving John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts as the Top 3 finalists heading into the finale on May 18, 2025. The double elimination further fueled fan discontent, with many expressing disappointment over Slater and Thunderstorm’s departures. “Slater and Thunderstorm were robbed! I’m not even sure I’ll watch the finale,” one fan wrote on X.
What’s Next: The High-Stakes Finale Awaits
The American Idol Season 23 finale, airing live on May 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, promises to be a star-studded affair, with the Top 3 giving their final performances alongside appearances from music legends. The winner will walk away with a recording contract with Hollywood Records, mentorship opportunities, and a cash prize historically ranging from $125,000 to $250,000. But with fan sentiment at an all-time low, the show faces an uphill battle to win back viewers who feel betrayed by the recent eliminations.
As the competition narrows, predictions are swirling about who will take home the title. Some see John Foster as the frontrunner, with his versatile performances and loyal fanbase. Others believe Jamal Roberts’ R&B flair could clinch the win, while Breanna Nix’s emotional resonance might carry her to victory. Yet, the controversy surrounding Gabby Samone’s elimination lingers, leaving a bittersweet taste as the season draws to a close. Will the finale deliver the redemption American Idol fans are hoping for, or will the shock of this elimination overshadow the crowning of the 2025 champion?
Watch the Emotional Moment Below
[Insert Video: Clips of Gabby Samone’s final performance, the Top 5 announcement, and fan reactions on social media]
The road to the American Idol crown has never been more unpredictable. Tune in on May 18 to see who will rise above the drama and claim the title—or if the fallout from this shocking elimination will change the course of the competition forever.
