It was an emotional farewell on American Idol as two standout artists, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, took their final bows — but not before delivering heartfelt performances that reminded everyone why they captured America’s attention in the first place.
Slater Nalley: A Young Artist with a Big Heart
At just 18 years old, Slater Nalley from Atlanta, Georgia, made an unforgettable entrance into the competition. His original song, “Traces of You” — a touching tribute to a late student from his high school — moved Carrie Underwood to tears. “I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better,” she told him.
On Disney Night, Slater charmed viewers with his take on “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story and amped things up with “Born to Be Wild” from D3: The Mighty Ducks. Judge Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You’ve come a long way, son.”
Over the season, Slater showed impressive range and heart with performances of:
“Over the Rainbow”
“Your Song”
“Angel From Montgomery”
“Whoever’s in New England”
“Atlantic City”
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Though his time on Idol has come to an end, Slater leaves with a devoted fanbase and a future full of promise.
Thunderstorm Artis: Soulful, Steady, and Always Genuine
For 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, American Idol was a chance to reintroduce himself to a national audience following his standout third-place finish on The Voice in 2020. The Hawaiian-born singer quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his rich vocals and heartfelt delivery.
His Disney Night performances — “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Find Yourself” — were packed with warmth and honesty. Carrie Underwood said it best: “You are all heart. We feel your heart behind it.”
Throughout the season, Thunderstorm’s setlist told a story of grace and emotional depth, including:
“Imagine”
“Is This Love?”
“Reckless Love”
“Faithfully”
“Colors of the Wind”
“When We Were Young”
“Out of the Blue”
Though he won’t be moving on, Thunderstorm exits the competition with his head held high and a legacy of soul-stirring moments.
Eyes on the Finale
With Slater and Thunderstorm exiting, the American Idol Top 3 is officially set:
John Foster – The smooth crooner with timeless charm
Jamal Roberts – The soulful standout with unmatched stage presence
Breanna Nix – The rising country-pop storyteller
Each finalist brings something special to the table, setting up an epic Season 23 finale.
Catch the grand finale Sunday, May 18 at 8PM ET on ABC — and get ready to see who will be crowned the next American Idol.
