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.
