The May 4 episode of American Idol paid homage to legendary women in music, and the Top 10 contestants truly rose to the challenge, creating one of the most exciting and memorable nights of the season. With country queen Miranda Lambert as their mentor, each contestant picked a song from an iconic female artist, giving fans an unforgettable mix of powerful vocals and creative performances.
The night was full of emotion, with each contestant pushing themselves beyond their limits. As the live show came to an end, Ryan Seacrest announced the results, revealing the Top 8: Breanna Nix, Mattie Pruitt, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Josh King, Gabby Samone, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis. Unfortunately, Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill’s journeys came to a close, leaving no platinum ticket holders remaining in the competition.
Here’s a quick look at how the performances went down:
John Foster
John kicked off the night with Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About.” Despite being nervous to rehearse with his childhood crush, Miranda Lambert, he quickly found his confidence on stage. Judges praised his growing stage presence, with Carrie Underwood calling him the one to watch.
Kolbi Jordan
Kolbi took a bold risk with Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” stepping away from the usual power ballads. Her dark, rock-inspired rendition impressed Luke Bryan and showed her ability to bring personality to the stage, even though it wasn’t enough to keep her in the competition.
Josh King
Josh gave a fresh twist to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” showcasing his raw, bluesy style. With some helpful guidance from Lambert, Josh brought the house down with his fiery energy and was praised for his versatility.
Breanna Nix
Breanna chose Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge” after some internal struggle, and she nailed it. Her confidence and control made it clear that this performance was a standout, with judges applauding her diva-worthy presence.
Canaan James Hill
Stepping out of his comfort zone, Canaan performed Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins.” Despite his nerves, his heartfelt rendition resonated with the judges, but it wasn’t enough to secure his spot in the Top 8.
Thunderstorm Artis
Thunderstorm wowed with his soulful rendition of Adele’s “When We Were Young,” adding piano to his performance. His ability to make simplicity feel powerful earned him high praise from the judges, with Lionel Richie calling it his best performance yet.
Slater Nalley
Slater surprised everyone by taking on Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England,” raising the key and bringing a new level of emotion to the song. Judges praised his authenticity and evolution as an artist.
Jamal Roberts
Jamal brought full energy to Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It,” delivering a fun and commanding performance. Despite a small lyric slip, his stage presence captivated the crowd, earning him praise from the judges.
Mattie Pruitt
Mattie gave an emotional and raw performance of “The House That Built Me,” complete with a live guitar. Her heartfelt delivery moved Miranda Lambert to tears, and the judges were equally moved by her emotional connection to the song.
Gabby Samone
Gabby closed the night with a stunning performance of Beyoncé’s “I Was Here,” earning a standing ovation. Her vocal growth and the emotion behind her performance were enough to make even the most seasoned judges take notice.
The Top 8 are now set, and the competition is heating up. With each contestant showcasing unique talent and emotional depth, it’s clear that this season will be full of surprises until the very end.
