American Idol Nears The Finale: What To Expect In The Final Two Weeks
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In two weeks, American Idol will announce the winner of Season 23 and their life will be changed forever. This season did not disappoint as viewers watched incredibly talented singers and songwriters from all walks of life audition in front of judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and new addition and Season 4 Idol winner, Carrie Underwood.

Only seven contestants remain as they head to Disneyland Resort, ready to give it their all and sing their hearts out to keep their Idol journey alive. All seven singers have proven that they have what it takes to be crowned the reality TV show’s Season 23 winner, but it’s all in America’s hands to vote for the one that shines among the rest.

American Idol Has Two Weeks Left With The Top 7 Heading To Disneyland Where The Final 3 Will Be Announced

The Top 7 Will Be Narrowed Down To Five On A Special Mother’s Day Episode


Via: Disney/Eric McCandless

In two weeks, a winner will be announced on Season 23 of American Idol. However, before viewers cast their final vote, there is still plenty of singing to do with the remaining Top 7 contenders.

On May 5th, viewers watched as the Top 8 performed songs chosen by the judges. Then, host Ryan Seacrest revealed which six contestants received the most votes to head to the next round. Those six contestants were: Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, Jamal Robert, Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Thunderstorm Artis. That meant that Mattie Pruitt and Josh King received the least votes.

In an Idol twist, the judges were able to save either Mattie or Josh. In a selfless act, Josh nudged his head towards the youngest Idol contestant. In the end, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie (Carrie Underwood opted not to participate in the pick), chose Mattie to move forward.

The Top 7 are now headed to Disneyland where they are in for an intense weekend. It will be a first for American Idol as they will have two nights dedicated to Disney. The singers will also be mentored by award-winning actor and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

On the May 12th episode, 2023 American Idol winner Iam Tongi will take the stage to perform his new rendition of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.

On May 11th, which is also Mother’s Day, the contestants will take on Disney classics as America will be given a two-hour window to vote for their favorites. That same night, Ryan will announce the five singers that will move on to the next round, meaning two contestants will go home. The following day, May 12th, the Top 5 will get a chance to sing twice (here’s hoping fans can hear more original tunes by the contenders), and again, America will vote for the three contestants that will head to the finals.

Who Is In Season 23’s Top 7?

The Top 7 Are Some Of The Best Talents The Show Has Seen

The Top 7 contestants that remain on American Idol are some of the best singers that the beloved reality show has heard. They have showcased powerful vocals, incredible stage presence, and even impressive songwriting abilities.

Those that are left in the Top 7 consist of 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, who auditioned for Idol with a touching original song about his wife titled, “Don’t Let Me Let You Go” that touched the judges. He has soared through the competition with his unique voice, guitar skills, and touching personal story. Country singer John Foster, 18, has been a fan-favorite for Carrie Underwood, who shared that he gave an “absolutely perfect” rendition of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” during the May 5th episode.

25-year-old Breanna Nix also wowed both the judges and America with her voice. In an interview with Parade, the “just stay-at-home-mom” revealed how her Idol journey has changed her life.

“I do feel like I belong now,” she said. “When I first came into American Idol, I was hoping that I would just get through the audition, and not even get through to the point of getting a Golden Ticket, but just to make it through that moment,” she shared.

American Idol Top 7

Age

Thunderstorm Artis

29

John Foster

18

Mattie Pruitt

16

Breanna Nix

25

Jamal Roberts

27

Slater Nalley

17

Gabby Samone

23

27-year-old Jamal Roberts has captivated audiences with his powerful song renditions. He’s shared an amazing personal journey of life with his three daughters — one who was born while competing on Idol! In his own interview with Parade, Jamal hoped to do a Temptations song before the season was over. “I’m going to try to bring it out of the hat. I’ve seen so many comments and so many fans and viewers and friends that were like, ‘You should get up there and do a Temptations song.’ I’m going to try to get up there and give it a try,'” he shared.

23-year-old Gabby Samone has been leading the pack with her commanding vocals. She’s taken on songs by the likes of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Whitney Houston. She’s received standing ovations from the judges, and she’s proven to be a rising star with her breathtaking renditions.

There’s also 17-year-old Slater Nalley, who went viral after his Idol audition. Slater sang an original tune titled, “Traces of You,” dedicated to his teacher’s son, who had tragically lost his life. Slater continued to impress the judges with his originality and country voice throughout his journey. During the May 5th episode, he chose to sing Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” and made it feel like it was his very own concert.

Lastly, there’s Idol’s youngest contestant, 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt, who was saved by the judges. During her Idol audition, the judges were impressed with her voice, with Lionel sharing, “you have that little raspy thing that happens every so often. I loved every minute of it.” Since then, the judges have wanted to see Mattie come out of her shell and showcase her sass, which she slowly but surely has been achieving.

What Can Fans Expect In The Season 23 Finale?

The Season 23 Finale Airs On May 18th


American Idol judges
Via: Disney/Christopher Willard

After the May 11th and May 12th episodes are over, and the Top 3 finalists are revealed, they will have a busy week ahead before performing one last time in front of America. As per usual, the remaining three contestants will be traveling back to their hometowns where they will be celebrated for making it so far in the competition as one of them will soon be crowned the winner.

The finale of Season 23 will air on May 18th. On that night, the three contestants will take the stage to sing multiple songs, with it being the last chance that they have to prove to America that they should be the next Idol.

An ABC press release shares that this will likely be the last and finale episode and that the winner will be announced at the end of the night.

“It’s the grand finale! The Top 3 give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars. Then, this year’s “American Idol” winner is revealed live.”

The finale also promises to be “a star-studded night” with performances by influential singers in the industry. It will certainly be an ending that viewers do not want to miss.

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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