It was a night to remember on American Idol as the Top 10 contestants paid tribute to iconic women in music. With country superstar Miranda Lambert serving as both mentor and performer, the episode was full of standout vocals, emotional moments, and more than a few surprises.
Adding to the excitement, Season 22 winner Abi Carter returned to debut her new single “Burned.” Her emotional performance reminded viewers exactly why she won it all last year.
But Idol nights are never complete without a twist—and this time, it came in the form of two heartbreaking eliminations after more than 22 million votes were cast. Here’s how the evening unfolded:
John Foster – SAFE
Usually cool under pressure, John turned into a bundle of nerves when he met Miranda Lambert—his longtime celebrity crush. But on stage, he pulled it together and delivered a playful, crowd-pleasing take on Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About.” It wasn’t the most polished of the night, but his charm and connection with the audience helped carry him into the Top 8.
Kolbi Jordan – ELIMINATED
Kolbi went against the grain, choosing Fleetwood Mac’s edgy hit “The Chain” instead of a traditional ballad. Her performance was bold and full of energy, showing real artistry and stage presence. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to move her forward, and she became one of the night’s surprise eliminations.
Josh King – SAFE
Who dares to bring a harmonica to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”? Josh did—and he nailed it. His raw, rootsy version gave the familiar hit a whole new feel, earning him praise for creativity and confidence.
Breanna Nix – SAFE
Breanna hit the stage with Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge” and owned it from start to finish. Her vocals were strong and full of personality, showing major growth and star potential.
Canaan James Hill – ELIMINATED
Canaan chose Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins,” hoping to show off a more heartfelt side. Though the message was powerful, the performance fell a little flat, and the judges took notice. His Idol journey ended with gratitude—but also with a sense that we hadn’t seen everything he had to give.
Thunderstorm Artis – SAFE
Thunderstorm brought his signature soul to Adele’s “When We Were Young,” adding piano to his performance for an extra emotional punch. His falsetto gave everyone chills, proving once again he’s one of the season’s most captivating performers.
Slater Nalley – SAFE
Slater surprised everyone by taking on Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England.” With his gritty tone and heartfelt delivery, he turned it into a tender, emotional performance that reminded fans why he’s one of the show’s most unique voices.
Jamal Roberts – SAFE
Jamal unleashed his inner rocker with Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It.” Even though he stumbled on a lyric, his high-energy performance made up for it. His boldness and personality continue to shine.
Mattie Pruitt – SAFE
With just her guitar and Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me,” Mattie delivered one of the night’s most emotional performances. Her vulnerability moved both Miranda and the audience to tears.
Gabby Samone – SAFE
Gabby closed the show with Beyoncé’s powerful anthem “I Was Here.” Her vocals soared, and the emotion behind each word told her story loud and clear. It was a show-stopping finish to an already unforgettable night.
The Results
Eliminated: Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill
Safe and Moving On: John Foster, Josh King, Breanna Nix, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Jamal Roberts, Mattie Pruitt, Gabby Samone
With only eight contestants left, every note and every vote will matter more than ever. The competition is getting fierce, and the road to the finale is wide open.
