On the exciting May 12, 2025, episode of American Idol, the competition was at its peak, with five incredibly talented contestants vying for a spot in the Top 3. For one lucky artist, it meant a chance to return home as a hero, celebrated by parades and cheers, all while pushing toward the Season 23 crown.
Among the standouts that night was 18-year-old John Foster, who stole the show with his energetic and charming performance of “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. Dressed to impress and full of charisma, Foster delivered a performance that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
He began with a soulful, slowed-down intro that hooked the audience, then quickly picked up the pace with a fun and playful spin on the iconic Disney tune. His vibrant stage presence and confidence made it impossible to look away.
The judges were all in, with Lionel Richie praising his irresistible likability, while Carrie Underwood, glowing in her Rapunzel-inspired outfit, called the performance “just a good time,” clearly enjoying the fresh twist Foster brought to the song. It was clear from the reactions that he was creating a memorable moment, not just performing a song.
This wasn’t the first time Foster had wowed the judges that night. Earlier, his emotional rendition of “Believe” had everyone—including his mom—wiping away tears. The heartfelt performance earned him a rare standing ovation, solidifying his place as one of the frontrunners in the competition.
With the final minutes ticking down for fans to vote, Foster’s captivating performances weren’t just entertaining—they were his golden ticket to securing a spot in the finale. The roar of the crowd and the energy in the air made it clear that he was giving it his all.
As the Disney-themed stage sparkled behind him and the last notes of his performance echoed across the nation, viewers were left eagerly awaiting to see if John Foster would make it to the next level of American Idol.
No matter what happens, one thing’s for sure: John Foster has already shown that he has the talent and heart to go all the way.
Disney Night on American Idol on May 12 brought all the excitement, charm, and emotion fans could wish for. With a spot in the Top 3 up for grabs, the five remaining contestants—Slater Nalley, John Foster, Thunderstorm Artis, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts—took the stage at Disneyland Resort to deliver memorable performances. The night’s theme, centered around heroes and villains, also featured a special appearance by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. As America voted live, the tension was high—who would secure their place in the finale, and who would fall just short?
Slater Nalley
Slater kicked off the evening with a smooth rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. This time, he performed without his guitar, bringing a relaxed vibe to the stage. Carrie Underwood called it a “fun way to kick things off,” while Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “Son, you’ve come a long way.” Luke Bryan noted how Slater is mastering the game, making it one of his best versions of the iconic tune.
John Foster
Next up was John Foster with a playful take on “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. Known for his charm and consistency, John had the judges smiling throughout. Carrie Underwood described the performance as “just a good time,” and Lionel Richie highlighted how important likability is, while Luke Bryan praised John’s “full package”—his voice, look, and sound.
Thunderstorm Artis
Thunderstorm Artis brought his signature heart and vulnerability to “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella. Carrie Underwood said it was a perfect match for him, complimenting how he “doesn’t do too much or too little.” Lionel Richie was equally impressed, calling it a perfect performance, and Luke Bryan was nearly speechless, describing it as one of those magical moments that define the show.
Breanna Nix
Breanna followed with “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” from The Parent Trap. Carrie noticed a slight hesitation early on and encouraged Breanna to relax in her next performance. Lionel acknowledged the pressure at this stage, reminding her it’s part of her journey, while Luke praised her unique vibe and the challenge of the song’s fast-paced notes.
Jamal Roberts
Jamal Roberts brought a powerful, soulful performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from Remember the Titans. Carrie noted that while his voice was undeniable, she wanted to see more movement and engagement on stage. Lionel, always the poet, said, “You have the ability to Jamal-orize everything—you could take ‘Three Blind Mice’ and make it soulful.” Luke reflected on Jamal’s journey, recalling his first audition and how far he’s come since.
With all performances done, the tension hit a peak. Ryan Seacrest dimmed the lights as America’s votes determined who would advance to the Season 23 finale. After two electrifying Disney-themed nights, only three would make it. The stakes were higher than ever, and the magic of Idol felt more real than ever.
It was a night full of emotion, energy, and unforgettable moments—but one spotlight truly belonged to Keith Urban. During the live broadcast of the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, Urban reached a major milestone in his career, receiving the Triple Crown Award, one of country music’s most exclusive honors.
The Triple Crown isn’t just any trophy—it’s a recognition reserved for artists who have earned New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year during their careers. For Keith, it’s been a journey over two decades in the making. He took home New Artist back in 2001, was named Male Vocalist in 2005 and 2006, and finally won Entertainer of the Year in 2019. This wasn’t about delay—it was about legacy.
Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the show hit an emotional high when Urban stepped into the spotlight at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. But before the award presentation, the ACMs treated fans to a tribute performance that brought the house down—and had Keith and wife Nicole Kidman dancing in the front row.
The tribute was packed with country star power:
Megan Moroney delivered a heartfelt take on “Stupid Boy,” bringing fresh emotion to the hit.
Chris Stapleton followed with a soulful version of “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” his signature voice sending chills through the crowd.
Then came Brothers Osborne, turning up the energy with a rocking cover of “Where the Blacktop Ends.”
But the real magic happened when Keith himself joined Brothers Osborne onstage, guitar in hand, jamming with effortless joy. The crowd went wild. It was raw, fun, and 100% country.
After the music faded, Keith was presented with the Triple Crown Award, and the emotion on his face said it all. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he thanked his team, his loyal fans, and most of all, Nicole—who was glowing with pride.
“I’ve always believed in country music,” Urban shared. “It’s not just what we sound like—it’s the stories we tell and the hearts we touch. I’m incredibly honored.”
This was the first time the ACM Triple Crown had been awarded live onstage in 15 years, the last being Carrie Underwood in 2010—making Keith’s moment even more historic.
From a fresh face in 2001 to one of country music’s most beloved icons, Keith Urban’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and passion. And on this unforgettable night, he reminded us all why he’s still at the top of his game.
Season 23 of American Idol is heading into its final stretch, and the excitement is building. With just two weeks left until a new winner is crowned, the show is pulling out all the stops—including a magical, two-night Disney celebration packed with music, mentorship, and live voting.
Sunday, May 11 – Disney Night Part 1 (Mother’s Day Special)
📺 8:00–10:01 p.m. EDT | Live on ABC
The Disney fun kicks off on Mother’s Day as the Top 7 contestants take a trip to Disneyland Resort with their families. Then it’s straight to the stage for live performances of classic Disney songs—plus a very special tribute to the moms who helped shape them.
Broadway icon and Encanto creator Lin-Manuel Miranda joins as the guest mentor for the night, helping each singer find the magic in their chosen song. After the performances, real-time coast-to-coast voting will determine who moves forward.
Top 7 Song Lineup:
Breanna Nix – “Reflection” (Mulan)
Gabby Samone – “How Far I’ll Go” (Moana)
Jamal Roberts – “Go the Distance” (Hercules)
John Foster – “Almost There” (The Princess and the Frog)
Mattie Pruitt – “Remember Me” (Coco)
Slater Nalley – “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (The Lion King)
Thunderstorm Artis – “Colors of the Wind” (Pocahontas)
At the end of the episode, the Top 5 will be revealed!
Monday, May 12 – Disney Night Part 2 (Heroes & Villains Theme)
📺 8:00–10:01 p.m. EDT | Live on ABC
The magic continues Monday with a new twist—each of the Top 5 will perform two songs: one inspired by Disney heroes, and the other by villains. Lin-Manuel Miranda returns as mentor, helping contestants bring new energy and emotion to their performances.
The night also features a special performance by Iam Tongi, winner of American Idol Season 21, singing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from Lilo & Stitch.
By the end of the show, only three finalists will remain.
Sunday, May 18 – The Grand Finale
📺 8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT | Live on ABC
It all comes down to this: a three-hour finale packed with big performances, surprise guests, and one final round of voting. The Top 3 finalists will give it everything they’ve got in hopes of being crowned the next American Idol.
Expect stunning duets, celebrity collaborations, and a night full of unforgettable moments.
More Info:
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC
Episodes stream next day on Hulu
Judges: Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan
It was a night full of music, magic, and unexpected moments as American Idol Season 23 treated fans to a double dose of Disney magic on May 11. With the Top 7 contestants fresh from a heartwarming trip to Disneyland with their families, the stakes couldn’t have been higher—they were competing for a place in the Top 5, and only five could move on.
In an Idol first, viewers got two Disney-themed episodes back-to-back. The energy was electric, and so were the votes—an incredible 20 million poured in during the live broadcast, beating last week’s tally by five million.
The Top 5: Cheers, Surprises, and Bittersweet Goodbyes
As host Ryan Seacrest began revealing the Top 5—in no particular order—the room was filled with suspense. Here’s who made it through:
Slater Nalley
Breanna Nix
John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Thunderstorm Artis
That meant heartfelt goodbyes to Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone, both fan-favorites whose exits left the judges visibly shaken. But there’s no slowing down—the remaining five contestants return for another live episode on May 12.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins the Magic
The contestants had a once-in-a-lifetime mentor this week: Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who guided them through their Disney performances. Add the emotional weight of Mother’s Day, and the night turned into one of the most touching episodes of the season.
Jamal Roberts — “Go the Distance” (Hercules)
Jamal soared with this power anthem, dressed in a glowing iridescent suit and pouring heart and soul into every note. Miranda and the judges were floored—Lionel Richie even compared him to Otis Redding.
Breanna Nix — “Reflection” (Mulan)
With elegance and grace, Breanna delivered a moving version of this Disney classic, bringing both strength and softness to the stage. Underwood admitted she was teary-eyed.
John Foster — “Almost There” (The Princess and the Frog)
Performing a Louisiana anthem, John was right at home. In his signature hat and a gold suit, he charmed the crowd and judges with a fun, crowd-pleasing performance.
Thunderstorm Artis — “Colors of the Wind” (Pocahontas)
Thunderstorm’s stripped-back version, paired with a string quartet, was pure magic. Carrie Underwood called it her favorite arrangement of the night.
Slater Nalley — “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (The Lion King)
Despite a small lyric stumble, Slater bounced back beautifully with a tender, acoustic performance. Bryan and Richie praised his authenticity.
Mattie Pruitt — “Remember Me” (Coco)
The youngest contestant, Mattie gave a heartfelt performance in a sparkly gown, earning a standing ovation for her vulnerability.
Gabby Samone — “How Far I’ll Go” (Moana)
Gabby’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery made a lasting impression. Carrie Underwood said it was her best of the season.
Mother’s Day Tributes Bring All the Feels
The second half of the night was dedicated to moms, and every contestant had us reaching for tissues.
Jamal Roberts honored his late stepmother with Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” earning a standing ovation.
Breanna Nix moved the crowd with “Like My Mother Does,” singing through tears.
Gabby Samone delivered a powerhouse performance of “Home” from The Wiz, honoring her incredible mother of eight.
Thunderstorm Artis debuted an original love song, “Out of the Blue,” for his wife and mom—pure artistry.
Slater Nalley kept things simple and heartfelt with Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice,” showcasing his storytelling.
John Foster had everyone emotional with “Believe” by Brooks & Dunn, singing straight to his mom in the audience.
Mattie Pruitt honored both her mom and stepmom with “Those Kind of Women,” showing maturity far beyond her years.
What’s Next?
The countdown to the finale is officially on. With only one week left, the pressure’s on—and these five artists are ready to rise to the occasion.
Will Jamal keep stealing the spotlight? Can Breanna continue her emotional streak? Will John’s Southern charm carry him to victory?
We’ll find out soon enough. American Idol continues live on May 12 at 8 p.m. ET with more unforgettable performances.
LeAnn Rimes brought the house down at the 60th ACM Awards with a performance of “Blue” that left everyone in awe. Nearly three decades after she first captivated the world with the song at just 13, LeAnn’s voice has only grown richer and more powerful. At 42, she infused the classic hit with deeper emotion and flawless vocal control, proving why she’s still a force to be reckoned with in country music.
During the performance, she held a note so long and so perfectly that the camera cut to Carrie Underwood, who was visibly stunned. Even Chris Stapleton, known for his own powerhouse vocals, was leaning forward in awe.
By the time LeAnn finished, the audience erupted into applause, with Reba McEntire wiping away a tear and Keith Urban cheering loudly. Jelly Roll, too, was seen with his hands raised in a moment of pure admiration.
After leaving the stage with nothing but a smile and a slight bow, it was clear: LeAnn Rimes is back, and the world is ready for her next chapter. Rumors are swirling about a new tour and a possible duet album, but for now, her performance of “Blue” will be remembered as nothing short of legendary.
On April 28, 2025, during the Top 12 live show of American Idol Season 23, 18-year-old John Foster gave a deeply moving performance of Randy Travis’s iconic song “I Told You So,” earning praise from both the judges and the audience. His heartfelt rendition not only helped him secure a spot in the Top 10, but also created a touching moment in the competition, especially since the performance was directed toward judge Carrie Underwood, who famously covered the song in 2007.
Foster revealed that Underwood’s version of “I Told You So” had a major impact on his own journey into music. He shared, “The fact that she was sitting there on the panel… the pressure was on. She has such a great version of the song, but I knew I had to sing to her and let America see my passion.”
Underwood, clearly moved by Foster’s performance, likened him to her own son, praising his sincerity and raw talent. “He’s so sweet and fresh-faced,” she said, “When he sings, you feel it.” Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also expressed their admiration, with Bryan acknowledging Foster as a “wildcard” and Richie praising his emotional delivery. “When you sing, it’s so believable,” Richie said.
Foster’s performance came on the heels of an emotional tribute he had delivered on April 20, performing his original song “Tell That Angel I Love You,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn. That heartfelt moment had already showcased his depth as an artist, further cementing his authenticity and emotional range.
By choosing “I Told You So,” Foster not only paid homage to Randy Travis’s legacy but also demonstrated how far he’s come in his musical journey. His ability to connect emotionally with both his songs and the audience has made him a standout contestant on American Idol Season 23, leaving fans eager to see what he will do next.
In the Showstopper round of American Idol Season 23, Jamal Roberts delivered a breathtaking performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” that had both the judges and the audience in awe. A 26-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts brought a soulful twist to this country classic, proving just how versatile he is as an artist.
The song, originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, has been famously covered by several artists, with Stapleton’s 2015 rendition standing out as one of the most celebrated. For Roberts, taking on this iconic track was a bold choice, especially given his background in gospel and R&B rather than country music. Before stepping on stage, he shared his nerves with the audience, admitting, “I’m not a country singer. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.”
As soon as he began to sing, it was clear that Roberts was owning his decision. He added a soulful, gospel-infused touch to the song, making it his own while still paying tribute to the original. His smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery created a fresh and captivating version of the song. By the end of his performance, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were on their feet, applauding his outstanding effort.
Roberts’ ability to blend genres showed his artistic range and highlighted his potential to go far in the competition. His version of “Tennessee Whiskey” wasn’t just a cover—it was a showcase of his unique style and creative talent. This unforgettable performance has quickly become a standout moment in this season of American Idol.
As the competition heats up, fans are eager to see how Roberts will continue to surprise and impress with his musical versatility, building on the momentum from his incredible performance.
At the 54th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on November 11, 2020, Chris Stapleton captivated the audience with a stunning performance of his song “Starting Over.” Held at Nashville’s Music City Center, the performance featured Stapleton alongside his wife, Morgane Stapleton, who added beautiful backing vocals that enhanced the emotional depth of the song.
“Starting Over,” the title track from Stapleton’s fourth studio album, was co-written with Mike Henderson, a former member of Stapleton’s band, the SteelDrivers. Released in August 2020, the song resonated deeply with listeners, offering a message of hope and fresh starts—an especially powerful theme in a year marked by global challenges. Critics, like Rolling Stone’s Joseph Hudak, praised the song for its relevance and optimism in the face of adversity.
This CMA Awards performance marked the song’s live debut, and it did not disappoint. With his soulful voice and an intimate stage setup, Stapleton mesmerized the audience, while the chemistry between him and Morgane added an authentic touch that perfectly aligned with the song’s themes of love and perseverance.
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to several performers having to pull out of the event, Stapleton’s performance was a beacon of resilience. His appearance also served as a preview to his album “Starting Over,” which was released two days later, on November 13, 2020. The album, praised for blending country, blues, and rock influences, further solidified Stapleton’s place as a versatile and soulful artist.
In a year full of uncertainty, Stapleton’s performance was a reminder of the power of music to heal and inspire, offering a much-needed message of hope during tough times. His appearance at the 2020 CMA Awards was truly a standout moment, both musically and emotionally.
On April 30, 2025, rising country star Zach Top made a big impression during his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing his fan-favorite single, “I Never Lie.” The song—featured on his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music—has already earned platinum status and landed a spot in the Top 5 on country radio.
Staying true to his roots, Top brought a fresh yet nostalgic energy to the stage, channeling the sound and spirit of ‘90s country. Backed by his touring band, he delivered a heartfelt and down-to-earth performance that struck a chord with both the live audience and viewers at home.
Fans and critics quickly took to social media to share their love for the performance, calling him “the man saving country music” for his dedication to keeping the traditional sound alive.
Zach Top’s career continues to rise. He was recently named ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year and is scheduled to perform at the 60th ACM Awards on May 8, 2025, sharing the stage with country legends like Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert.
