Following an emotional night of performances, fans voted to select their top ten favorite contestants, who are now moving forward on American Idol Season 23. Episode 13 saw the top twelve competitors pay homage to their favorite iconic American Idol moments over the decades. Every past winner of this series resembles who these contestants hope to one day be, so you can imagine their heightened emotions once they began channeling these stars on the stages of Season 23. Coached by Season 3 winner Fantasia, these vocalists dug deep within, emotionally covering their Idol predecessors. Then, viewers voted on which of these twelve singers should move forward into the top ten bracket.
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood are judging American Idol Season 23. Jelly Roll is also appearing as the first-ever Artist in Residence. His job is to mentor and support each contestant as they advance through Season 23. However, during the recent 2-hour live episode, nearly 22 million votes from viewers helped determine the top 10 contestants, resulting in zero dry eyes in the theater.
While all ten of these entertainers have undeniable talents, some have risen slightly higher than others with their performances. Season 23 is still anyone’s win to grab. But where things stand now, these are our rankings of the ten remaining rising stars.
Who made Top 10 on American Idol? (Season 23, 2025)
- Breanna Nix
- Canaan James Hill
- Gabby Samone
- Jamal Roberts
- John Foster
- Josh King
- Kolbi Jordan
- Mattie Pruitt
- Slater Nalley
- Thunderstorm Artis
10. Mattie Pruitt
Mattie Pruitt is only 16 years old, but she is a phenomenal entertainer. Due to her age, Mattie carries different levels of life experiences to use as her emotional guides this season. Nevertheless, her vocals are so attuned that we know she will go far, whether on American Idol or off.
Mattie recently honored incredibly talented American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson via her hit song, Because of You. After her performance, Luke responded, saying, “You’re just doing so good. Keep growing.” I agree with Luke that Mattie is killing it, but at this point, I remain uncertain that Season 23 is hers for the taking.
9. Josh King
Josh King formerly sang background vocals for Fantasia at a church in North Carolina, making his appearances at her side on ABC likely feel like a full-circle moment for him. Josh performed All By Myself by Eric Carmen, paying homage to Pia Toscano, a Season 10 American Idol contestant.
Josh did not deliver any oversized notes during his rendition, but his emotions were so heartfelt that he and several others were in tears by the end of his performance. The judges were also impressed by his emotional growth this season. However, the verdict remains unclear about Josh beating out his fellow competitors in Season 23 of American Idol.
8. Canaan James Hill
When Canaan James Hill covered the song Goodness of God by CeCe Winans, which Roman Collins also covered in Season 22 of American Idol, one thing became clear – Canaan has a gift. Like Luke judged, “He baptizes me every time” he opens his mouth. Meanwhile, Lionel mentioned that Canaan blesses the judges “with so much amazing talent and grace.”
However, Canaan seems to be sticking to one genre thus far on American Idol. Gospel is his bag, and he performs it remarkably well. I do not doubt that Canaan will soar, but if he cannot attempt another genre on ABC, his chances of winning this season are unknown.
7. Breanna Nix
Like Canaan, Christian music makes Breanna Nix feel at peace. Expertly covering Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey, a Season 8 finalist on American Idol, Breanna stirred up emotions within the audience, a skill she excels at on ABC. Lionel now considers the bar raised after her last performance, explaining, “That’s how you do it.”
The only aspect I would like to see Breanna improve upon is her stage presence. However, this skill takes time, if not inherently alive within a performer. Even still, her talent is pure, and I know she will go far in her career.
6. Kolbi Jordan
Mentored by Fantasia, Kolbi Jordan sang Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland. This song has been covered many times on American Idol, starting with Katharine McPhee in Season 5. Adding a jazz-like feel to her rendition, Kolbi knocked her performance out of the park. Her notes were simple, but Carrie said it best when she noted that she “felt everything” that Kolbi was singing.
Rising to his feet, Lionel exclaimed, “What the hell was that? That was divine. You just settled into that.” I agree with Lionel, but as the talent this season is extraordinary, I also know that Kolbi has a ways to go to best her fellow competitors on American Idol.
5. Thunderstorm Artis
Thunderstorm Artis is not a new face to reality television vocal competitions. Appearing on The Voice in Season 18, Thunderstorm went far, finishing in the top three. But now that he is on American Idol, the internet seems hellbent on giving him a hard time.
When Thunderstorm covered House of the Rising Sun, a game-changing selection for Haley Reinhart in Season 10, his folky vibes shone through, making him a clear top-five winner in my heart. But can he win Season 23 of American Idol?
4. Slater Nalley
Slater Nalley paid homage to his late music teacher’s son, Carter Davis, resulting in one of his best performances yet on American Idol Season 23. Singing Angel from Montgomery by John Prine, which Megan Danielle covered during Season 21, Slater and his raspy voice nailed his performance. Slater dialed into his feelings during his time on stage, which Lionel noted, quipping, “You sound like some old man singing now.”
Slater has what it takes to win American Idol Season 3. But will he? I believe Slater will eventually land amongst the top five competitors this season.
3. John Foster
John Foster honored Carrie with his song choice, singing Told You So by Randy Travis. Carrie also performed this song during Season 4 of American Idol. However, John is unique. He carries a smooth, lounge-like voice that delivers nothing but consistent notes, which sets him apart from the frills and trills of his fellow competitors.
John has a pure traditional voice. However, interpreting songs is not his strong point. Nevertheless, his talent is sky-high, giving John a high chance of winning this season of American Idol. Or, at minimum, landing himself somewhere in the top five.
2. Gabby Samone
Gabby Samone is a star. Her tone, pitch, and all the other musical vocabulary terms I am not familiar with are solid. After Gabby covered A Song For You by Donny Hathaway, which Elliott Yamin also covered in Season 5, I had no notes left to give. Luke must have felt the same, as his response of, “I’m speechless. You hold the room perfectly,” proved.
Gabby has the power to win American Idol Season 23. However, there is one other singer that she will need to beat first.
1. Jamal Roberts
Jamal captivated the audience with his cover of Heal by Tom Odell. As Fantasia noted, “I don’t know your story, but the way you sing, I know there is one.” Meanwhile, Carrie took stock of the scene, unable to speak. As for Lionel, all he could do was repeat his earlier compliment, labeling Jamal as “divinely guided.”
Jamal Roberts is a next-level singer. He makes everything look easy. Likewise, his stage presence is engaging. Jamal is our top-ranked American Idol Season 23 contestant, and if his last performance has not yet sold you on this, stay tuned because we expect big things out of Jamal.
American Idol is streaming on Hulu.
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