Countdown to the Finale Begins: American Idol 2025 Top 3 Revealed

The stakes have never been higher as American Idol Season 23 approaches its most critical moment yet. On May 12, 2025, the Top 5 contestants gave their all in a live performance, each hoping to secure one of just three coveted spots in the grand finale — a highly anticipated moment filled with hometown celebrations, emotional reunions, and unforgettable performances.

The two-hour Disney Night episode, broadcast live coast-to-coast, saw each contestant perform two songs, with over 19 million viewer votes determining who would move forward. Host Ryan Seacrest dramatically announced the results, revealing the three finalists in no particular order:

🎙 John Foster
🎙 Jamal Roberts
🎙 Breanna Nix

Unfortunately, Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley were eliminated, ending their incredible Idol journeys just shy of the finale. The grand finale is scheduled to air on May 19, 2025.

How Each Contestant Performed on Disney Night #2

Slater Nalley – “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
In a surprise move, Slater Nalley, 17, performed for the first time this season without his signature guitar. Dressed in a sleek tuxedo, he delivered a charming and energetic rendition of the classic Toy Story song.

• Carrie Underwood called it a “fun way to kick off the show.”
• Luke Bryan praised it as one of his favorite renditions of the song.
• Lionel Richie applauded Slater’s growth, saying, “Son, you’ve come a long way.”

John Foster – “The Bare Necessities”
John Foster brought a jazzy flair to this Jungle Book classic, kicking up the tempo and engaging the audience with his natural charm.

• Luke Bryan complimented Foster’s “look and sound.”
• Lionel Richie praised his likability.
• Carrie Underwood simply said, “That was just a good time.”

Thunderstorm Artis – “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
Thunderstorm Artis’s heartfelt, lullaby-style rendition of this Cinderella classic deeply resonated with the judges.

• Lionel Richie said he “knocked it out of the park.”
• Carrie Underwood praised his emotional performance.
• Luke Bryan noted the difficulty in critiquing such a tender and personal moment.

Breanna Nix – “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
Breanna Nix brought an electrifying performance of Natalie Cole’s iconic hit, filling the stage with energy and power.

• Carrie Underwood advised her to have fun onstage despite the pressure.
• Luke Bryan praised her ability to handle the performance beautifully.
• Lionel Richie applauded Breanna for thriving under pressure.

Jamal Roberts – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Jamal Roberts delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable performances, infusing this classic anthem with soul and joy.

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• Luke Bryan jumped to his feet, shouting, “Shake it out!”
• Lionel Richie admired how Jamal made the song his own, saying he “Jamalarized” it.
• Carrie Underwood praised his vocal strength but wished he had moved around the stage more.

Earlier in the episode, viewers were treated to a heartwarming scene of Jamal at Disneyland with his daughters, creating cherished memories. His heartfelt dedication to his family was a defining moment of the night.

What’s Next?

The countdown to the American Idol 2025 finale is on! John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix are now set to battle it out for the crown on May 19, 2025. But before the finale, the three finalists will return to their hometowns for special celebrations and visits — an Idol tradition that turns these contestants into true hometown heroes.

This season has been filled with powerful vocals, raw emotion, and unforgettable performances. As the final night approaches, fans across the nation are eagerly anticipating the culmination of this unforgettable journey.

Stay tuned for exclusive coverage of the Top 3’s hometown visits and performances, and don’t miss the grand finale on May 19, 2025.