American Idol Top 8 Revealed: Stunning Eliminations, Beloved Favorites, and the Most Explosive Results Night Ever!

The May 4 episode of American Idol Season 23 was a rollercoaster of powerhouse vocals, emotional tributes, and bold risks—all wrapped in a glittering “Ladies’ Night” theme. With country icon Miranda Lambert stepping in as guest mentor, the Top 10 contestants tackled iconic hits by legendary female artists in a night packed with unforgettable moments.

But this wasn’t just about the music. With live voting open throughout the show, fans across the country held the fate of the contestants in their hands. By the end of the night, Ryan Seacrest revealed the Top 8—and the results sent shockwaves through Idol Nation.

🌟 Standout Performances from the Night

🎸 John Foster Opens Strong with Bonnie Raitt Classic
Kicking off the show, John Foster faced his nerves—and his childhood crush Miranda Lambert—as he delivered a confident, high-energy version of “Something to Talk About.” The judges loved his newfound stage presence, with Carrie Underwood noting, “America can feel that growth.”

⚡ Kolbi Jordan’s Bold Stevie Nicks Move Backfires
Kolbi made a gutsy song choice with Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” veering away from the usual diva ballads. While Luke Bryan applauded her boldness, it didn’t resonate with enough voters. Her shocking elimination left fans reeling.

🎤 Josh King Turns Adele Bluesy
In a gutsy twist, Josh brought blues grit to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” His raw delivery and instrumental flair earned high praise, with Richie calling it “a masterclass in authenticity.”

🔥 Breanna Nix Delivers Diva Realness
With Lambert’s guidance, Breanna Nix lit up the stage with a fiery rendition of “Water Under the Bridge.” Carrie Underwood called it “the perfect diva moment”—and America clearly agreed.

🙏 Canaan James Hill Honors Carrie Underwood
Stepping away from his gospel roots, Canaan performed “Love Wins” in tribute to Carrie herself. Though his spiritual take was heartfelt, it wasn’t enough to keep him in the competition—another surprise elimination.

💔 Thunderstorm Artis Gets Soulful with Adele
Thunderstorm brought the house down with an emotional take on “When We Were Young.” Bryan said it was his favorite Thunderstorm performance to date—and the fans showed up for him.

🤠 Slater Nalley’s Reba Surprise
In a bold move, Slater tackled Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England” and impressed the judges with his range and risk-taking. Luke Bryan called it “a defining moment.”

🎶 Jamal Roberts Reinvents Carrie’s “Undo It”
Jamal took the crowd on a ride with his soulful rework of “Undo It.” His artistry overshadowed a few lyrical stumbles, and Richie called his stage presence “mesmerizing.”

🏡 Mattie Pruitt Closes with Tearjerker Lambert Tribute
Closing the show, Mattie performed “The House That Built Me” while playing guitar for the first time live. Her vulnerability struck a chord with both the audience and judges—Underwood admitted she was holding back tears.

🎉 The Top 8: Who Made the Cut?

After a whopping 22 million votes, the Top 8 moving forward are:

• Breanna Nix

• Mattie Pruitt

• Jamal Roberts

• John Foster

• Josh King

• Gabby Samone

• Slater Nalley

• Thunderstorm Artis

Gone too soon? Platinum Ticket holders Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan were eliminated—sparking online uproar and passionate fan reactions.

🚨 What’s Next?

With the Top 8 locked in, the pressure is higher than ever. As the competition barrels toward the finale, one thing is clear: nobody is safe. Talent alone won’t carry the day—it’s up to the fans to decide who takes the crown.

📺 Don’t miss the next episode this Sunday at 8/7c on ABC. Expect more jaw-dropping vocals, surprise twists, and the kind of moments that make American Idol the legend it is.