Slater, Thunderstorm & John Deliver Country Perfection with Luke Bryan’s Hit on Idol

The May 5, 2025 live episode of American Idol delivered one of the season’s most electrifying moments when Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, and John Foster joined forces for a powerhouse performance of Luke Bryan’s “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.”

With the Top 8 battling for a coveted spot in the Top 7, the pressure was sky-high — but this trio didn’t just rise to the occasion… they owned it. Their performance was a perfect blend of grit, soul, and feel-good energy, lighting up the stage and leaving both the audience and judges buzzing.

A Trio That Brought Country Fire and Soul

Each artist brought something unique to the table, creating a performance that felt both spontaneous and polished:

🎙️ Slater Nalley delivered rugged authenticity and soul, anchoring the performance with a rich, country edge.
🎙️ Thunderstorm Artis added depth with his smooth, bluesy vocals and effortless phrasing.
🎙️ John Foster, riding the wave of recent solo success, brought undeniable warmth and charisma that connected instantly with viewers.

Together, they weren’t just performing — they were having fun, telling a story, and creating a moment that felt bigger than the competition itself.

Setting a New Standard for the Season

As Idol Season 23 heads into its final stretch, this high-octane trio raised the bar with a performance that stood out on a night full of talent. Their chemistry, stage presence, and harmonies reminded everyone: this is what it looks like when artists come alive together.

With judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie watching closely, the trio showed why they’re not just contenders — they’re the future of country-infused pop and soul.

Who Advanced to the Top 7?

After a suspense-filled commercial break, Ryan Seacrest revealed the six contestants moving forward:

✅ Slater Nalley
✅ Thunderstorm Artis
✅ Gabby Samone
✅ Breanna Nix
✅ Jamal Roberts
✅ John Foster

That left Mattie Pruitt and Josh King in the bottom two. In a rare twist, judges Bryan and Richie tied in their votes, and Carrie Underwood declined to break the tie — unwilling to decide who would go home. Ultimately, the judges agreed to save Mattie Pruitt, meaning Josh King was eliminated from the competition.

🎥 Watch the full performance and see why this trio’s moment is still making waves.
👇👇👇

What’s Next: Mother’s Day Special at Disneyland

With the Top 7 officially locked in, the remaining contestants now prepare for one of the season’s most anticipated events: American Idol’s Mother’s Day special, live from Disneyland. Expect heartfelt dedications, powerful vocals, and another round of unforgettable performances as the race to the finale continues.