American Idol Season 23 Cuts Down Contestants to Final Eight

LOS ANGELES, CA — The competition on ‘American Idol‘ heated up after the May 4 episode, which featured performances by the top 10 contestants and resulted in the elimination of two singers. After the emotional night, eight contestants emerged to continue their quest for the title.

John Foster, Josh King, Jamal Roberts, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, and Breanna Nix are the remaining contestants vying for a chance to make it into the top six on next week’s episode. The elimination of Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan left both contestants surprised as the audience cast over 22 million votes.

Host Ryan Seacrest announced results after a two-hour live performance, in which former American Idol winner Abi Carter joined as a guest mentor. The remaining eight contestants will perform again next Sunday.

John Foster, an 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, has captivated the audience with his Neo-Traditional country style inspired by icons like Willie Nelson and George Strait. “I think it’s something that’s lacking in country music today,” said judge Carrie Underwood following his performance of “Tell That Angel That I Love Her.”

24-year-old Josh King from Charlotte, North Carolina, wowed the crowd with a moving rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” King, who has been a lifelong musician, has been praised by the judges for his powerful voice.

Jamal Roberts, 27, also continues to compete after performing Underwood’s “Undo It.” A gym teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts brought emotional stakes to his performance, with both of his daughters present during his Hollywood audition.

Fifteen-year-old Mattie Pruitt, the youngest contestant, hails from Eagleville, Tennessee, and brought country music influence mixed with pop and rock. She performed Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and impressed the judges.

28-year-old Thunderstorm Artis from Oahu, Hawaii, is no stranger to the competition, having been a finalist on a previous season. He performed Adele’s “When We Were Young” to great acclaim.

Slater Nalley, an 18-year-old country artist from Atlanta, Georgia, brought tears to judge Underwood’s eyes with his performance and will continue his journey based on his rendition of Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England.”

Gabby Samone, at 23 from Baltimore, blends gospel and soul with pop and R&B. She performed Beyoncé’s “I Was Here” and has seen significant recognition for her growth throughout the season.

Finally, Breanna Nix, 25, a stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas, charmed the audience and judges alike with her heartfelt performance of Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge.” Nix highlighted how the experience on ‘American Idol’ has changed her perception of her own abilities.

The competition continues next Sunday, where the remaining contestants will battle for a spot in the top six.