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Episode 16 of American Idol Season 23, which aired on May 5, 2025, had the Top 8 contestants competing in the Judges' Song Contest, raising the stakes and emotions. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood each chose songs for the competitors in secret. The participants then chose their performances without knowing which judge had chosen which song. This is a novel method as the judge with the most chosen song selections would win the competition. This turn gave the performances an element of strategy and surprise.
Some of the most mesmerizing performances from the night were of Jesse Murph’s “Always Been You” by Mattie Pruitt, which demonstrated her emotive range and vocal strength, and Martina McBride’s “Independence Day,” performed by Breanna Nix, who dedicated it to her mother. The night was also packed with group numbers, including Gabby Samone, Josh King, and Jamal Roberts’s high-energy, swaying take on Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
America voted after the performances, and the Top 6 acts were revealed. Two of the three judges also had the opportunity to prevent one contestant from going home in order to round out the Top 7. The episode ended with Josh King sent packing.
Who made it to American Idol Season 23 Top 7?
The Top 8 finalists took part in the Judges' Song Contest in American Idol Season 23, Episode 16, when Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie each chose a song for the competitors to choose from without revealing which judge chose which song. After the performances, the Top 6 were determined by America's votes. The judge with the most chosen song selections could save one of the bottom two competitors, completing the Top 7.
During the Judges' Song Contest in American Idol Season 23, Episode 16, the top eight competitors performed exceptionally.
Another memorable performance on American Idol was when Josh King sang “Home” by Michael Bublé. Mariah Carey’s “Hero” was attempted by Gabby Samone, Fantasia’s “I Believe” by Jamal Roberts, Journey’s “Faithfully” by Thunderstorm Artis, and Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” by Slater Nalley.
America cast their votes after the performances, and the Top 6 competitors, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Gabby Samone, Jamal Roberts, Thunderstorm Artis, and Slater Nalley, were announced. The judges then selected Mattie Pruitt to finish in the Top 7 after having the chance to spare one competitor from elimination.
After most competitors accurately guessed the songs he had secretly chosen for them, Luke Bryan emerged victorious in the Judges' Song Contest. He gained the opportunity to save one contender as the victorious judge. Luke thought carefully before deciding to save Mattie Pruitt, guaranteeing her place in the Top 7 and sending Josh King home.
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Stay tuned to ABC to find out who gets crowned on American Idol Season 23.
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